crappy alum weld w/ lncln squarewave 175

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Im using a lincoln squarewave tig 175 for aluminum welding and I get a good weld on flats and lap welds, but my 90 degree welds produce a grainy weld, that's ugly and flat, without the nice bead definition ... Im using 3/32 pure tungsten . I checked for leaks in the shielding gas system, (was ok), and even got argon from a different supplier to rule out bad gas. tried different brand of filler rod, (using 4043), different diameter tungsten,  (The tungsten is pretty much level with the cup) tried thoriated tungsten... it seems that the arc is somewhat unstable and unfocused when doing a 90 degree weld no matter what I do. What the heck am I overlooking?
Reply:just a guess but is your filler rod being kept in the plume of gas ? you maybe contaminating your rod a bit possibly try some different angles with your nozzle i run mine about 90 in and about ten degrees back just to push the gas heavier than air as im sure you know up wards. maybe to much gas maybe not enough depending on how your set up sometimes to much gas has an adverse affect on the weld zone. i run my tungsten about a quarter inch out of the nozzle just preference.hope that helps kelly
Reply:I've found with 4043, a good deal more practice is required to get a good looking weld.  I used to hate this alloy- I would get a furry grey bead, little pool definition, and just ugly looking welds.  With 4043, timing is critical, as well as the amount of heat input.  Too much heat will produce a poor looking weld with 4043, as well as insufficient travel speed.  You want to use enough heat to penetrate to the root, and move along quickly.  5356 is a bit more forgiving in the looksdepartment, and is the right choice of you're welding 6061 alloys.  4043 is better on extrusions, and corrosion resistant weldable aluminum alloys.  When you find the right combination of heat, atmosphere, and travel speed, 4043 beads are beautiful.  They should be mirror bright, and well proportioned.  Once you find the right rythym, you will get great results with 4043.  Also, 4043 seems to require a cleaner surface to work on, so turn up the cleaning portion of your balance control, and see if that helps.Whats a day without flippin' like a trout?
Reply:Also, I went to a pointed, with small flat 1.5% Lanthanated electrode for my AC welding, and got much better arc control than using pure tungsten.  I never liked welding with pure tungsten.  The arc control is almost non existent after the ball exceeds the diameter of the electrode.  Fillet welds are a nightmare with balled tungsten.Whats a day without flippin' like a trout?