Beginner TIG Probs

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Hello, it's been a while since I've posted so I'll reintroduce myself. My name is Shannon (I'm a guy). I am a hobby welder. I have mig welded for years but now I'm taking my turn at TIG welding. I ordered a new dragster 85 (115v) scratch tig and the accessories. I will be welding thin chrome moly (12 ga) to chrome moly tube. I want to weld a couple accessories tabs on my dragster chassis. I bought ER70S-D2 .035 rod or ER70S-D6 .063 rod. I also bought 7" 1/16" Tungsten 2% tips. I have played with it some and I am having problems. First It seems that I am burning the tip every time, bad. Bad enough that it burns it back into the ceramic tip. So, at this point, I am using more tungston than rod.Second, the flame of the torch is moving around and is hard to keep the puddle hot to add the filler. ( this may be due to the tungston rod being burned bad and having a ball on the end)Third, I have tried just putting weld down on tube and I seem to do fine (other than buning the tip). But, when I try to heat 2 pieces to weld together, the flame is too wide and I can't get enough heat to melt both and add filler. I plan on practicing until it looks nice. I welcome any advice.ShannonS-
Reply:As I keep practicing, I notice the tungston tip balling up and melting away. What would cause this? When the tip balls up, it makes the flame get really wide and it moves around. My welder also came with 3 cups. I am using the largest one which is a 7/16" cup.S-
Reply:you need a bigger tungeston..3/32 thoriated(red end)the tungeston is'nt balling upyour contaminating it and its the filler or base mat thats "balling"the second you see the flame turn green the tungeston is kaput..you cannot touch anything with the tungeston bee cool!   ...zap!
Reply:Sounds like you have the wrong polarity.  Switch the electrode and the ground.  I have a Dragster 80.  It is a really nice machine and the size is great.  You can literally keep it in your tool box.  Amazing what you can do with 80-85 amps.  I use mine for stick.  Good choice for light tig.
Reply:Tap.....I checked the welder and the leads are: torch in the (+) and the ground clamp in the (-) is this correct?. I believe the tungsten is melting since it melts back up inside the cup. I am using a 7/16" cup, but it came with smaller ones, will changing to a smaller cup help? I am working with 1-3/8" x .063 Chrome moly tube. How do you not contaminate the tungsten when you touch the welding surface when you scratch start?ShannonS-
Reply:Reverse the leads.  You want DCEN (Direct current, ELECTRODE NEGATIVE) switch em' around and you'll be fine.  So, torch on (-) and ground on (+).  As far as contaimination when scracth starting, once you scratch and get an arc started, pull the tungsten away till you get your desired arc length and get your puddle  going then add filler metal.  Add to the puddle, the puddle will take what it needs.2002 VW Golf TDi1994 Audi S4
Reply:Switching the leads worked. Now I am practicing. Another question, it seems I can wled two pieces together without even using filler. Would this be a strong weld or should I apply filler the entire length of the weld? Horizontal welds I seem to be doing fine on, It's the vertical welds that seem to take me a little bit to get going........Any hints or things to try?Thanks for all your help,ShannonS-
Reply:Shannon, I would also describe myself as a newbie with TIG - I play around with it as much as possible but never found the time to become really pro.AFAIK, a weld with filler is always stronger than one without.Have you got a foot pedal? Vertical welds without a foot pedal will be very very difficult to master. Try lesser amps and perhaps thicker fller rod.
Reply:unfortunately, this welder does not have a pedal. I bought this welder to keep in the race trailer for emergencies or quick add-ons. I will need to weld (11) small 3/4" tabs on my dragster for some accessories. I have been switching between .035 rod and .062 rod trying to find what I prefer. When welding down (in a vertical position) I find it harder to bring the puddles together, when welding a thin tab on to the 1-1/4 tube. The tab seems to melt much faster than the tube. So, I melt a spot in the tube, move over to the tab then dab a bit of filler between the puddles to connect them. When using 1/16" Tungsten, is it better to use a smaller cup or a larger one (mine came with 1/4", 3/8", 7/16")S-
Reply:Beal,regarding cup size, I am also wondering what are other welder's opinions on using a small or large cup.I think that if access and visibility to the joint are not an issue, I would use a rather large cup (and a gas lens) to get the best shielding of the weld pool and the hot solidified weld.  I realize that pipe welders, and others who "walk the cup" may need the right size cup for the joint.What do you all think?
Reply:Originally Posted by BealRacingSwitching the leads worked. Now I am practicing. Another question, it seems I can wled two pieces together without even using filler. Would this be a strong weld or should I apply filler the entire length of the weld? Horizontal welds I seem to be doing fine on, It's the vertical welds that seem to take me a little bit to get going........Any hints or things to try?Thanks for all your help,Shannon
Reply:Beal, thats about the right way for welding the tabs on. That's how I would do it myself.With the verts so long as the material can handle it try about 100-120 amps maybe a little more and keep the wire going in the middle at the top and use the torch to work it out to the sides. If your only using small peices of steel it won't take long for it to heat up and cause problems, you will soon know when you see it.Stephen
Reply:Wirehunt-he's maxed out at 85 amps, but I would like to know if they makea foot control for the Dragster 85 or is it scratch start only?I have the Dragster 85 stick inverter and love it. I know I don't need a tigunit around the farm, but it would be one more learning experience.That's the ticket! A new toy a month after Christmas-Yeah!Best Of Luck to you Beal,Don
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterin general only stainless can be fused without filler and be just as strongmild steel?   ..it will crack if filler is not used...zap!
Reply:Sorry I didn't know that, then max that baby out and travel REEEAALL slow.Stephen
Reply:Originally Posted by Ba.X.M.R.& D.You must not have welded any 2219 al. It isn't used a lot because it has a bad habbit of corroding if not painted with some type of 2 part primer. I have welded on 1/2" mat. with a tape backup and had great pen. useingno filler wire. Titanium Also welds great with no filler wire.    Good luck