tig with low gas

admin

I was in the garage tonight doing a little Tig practice and my arc started going crazy, little sparks were intermittent around my tungsten and the arc was spitting (The tungsten was clean, sharp, and ground the right way). Even though my gauge says I have 15 cfm, the pressure of the bottle is VERY low. Less than 100 psi. About empty. Is this what was causing spitting and porosity in my welds?????? Thanks for your help!!! So basically, does a low bottle cause inconsitency in your welds. It was frustrating!Mark
Reply:Nobody knows this????? Where are the experienced welders when you need them!!!
Reply:What I have had happen is trashy gas show up in the last of the bottle, even half of the bottle. I always run the bottle till empty. I have run with the gauge showing 0 psi. No problems. I have had some bottles start doing what you are saying at half empty. It may be your gas but I would say it is not the low pressure. As long as you have enough flow the pressure doesn't matter.Yes I can tack it for you.    I know that won't hold but that is what you asked me to do.  Millermatic 350P XR Aluma-Pro push/pullMillermatic 185/spool gunMiller Dialarc 250 HF Water cooledThermal Dynamics Plasma
Reply:If you accidentally start or continue welding while no gas is flowing it will fry the tip of the electrode and cause bad arc characteristics almost immediately.  The tip might look clean, but darker grey.  Also, you might have surface contamination on the metal (aluminum?).  Just a guess.  But, like Got AL said, it could also be contaminated gas, which would lead to nearly the same results.  Are you sure your getting good flow?Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.