My TIG practice

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Unfortunately I was not able to attend the Zapsters welding class.So I had to practice by myself.Here's some samples of 1/8" aluminum.The first 3 I used 1/16 filler and 3/32" on the last oneDon't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:Some of that looks pretty good.I'd stick with the 1/16", it seems to work better for you.
Reply:Looks good to me, keep at itDavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I'm having difficulty "feeding" the filler. I can go along pretty well til I get to the point where I have to move the rod out then I get all herky jerky.Is there a particular technique or possibly an excersise that will help this?Don't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:There is a technique to it, the way you hold and feed the filler. Hard to explain, my camera isn't handy. Maybe someone will chime in with a pic of how it's done. Once you get used to it you don't even think about it anymore.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:to try and explain what i THINK Joe H was talking about...learned from some of Zaps previous classes (my take on it anyway)hold the filler almost like a pencil. (get comfortable with it)when you need more just slide your fingers back towards your palm, grab the filler and extend them back to their starting point. (should get a couple inches or so of filler each time) there shouldnt be much herky jerkyness after enough practice....so basically keep your hand where it is, and use your fingers to grab more filler. hope that made a little sense lolbetter than ALOT ive seen...and +1 on welderboys "stick with the 1/16th"
Reply:I hold mine like a drummer holds the left stic.  weaved between my pinky and ring finger then pinched by my thumb and booger pickin finger....haha.    What I do to get a fluid like non stop motion is pinch filler with thumb and fore finger then pushfeed thru the ring and pinky fingers. To regrip and feed more you just slide your thumb and fore finger up the rod and regrip. While in this hesitation of regriping your moving your hand closer to the puddle, its only slight but plenty as you get a hang of it. You get to where you only concentrate on your puddle and completely forget about the feed in your hand.500 AMP AIRCO TIG LINCOLN PT185 100% DC @ 128 AMP-WTFSPEED GLASS 9002X MILLER THUNDERBOLT 225HOBBIEST TURNED WELDING JUNKIE8 2ND FIRECAT - SNOWMOBILE RACE CHASSIS FABRICATORPRIDE IS WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK SO GOOD
Reply:Originally Posted by PLUMMERI hold mine like a drummer holds the left stic.  weaved between my pinky and ring finger then pinched by my thumb and booger pickin finger....haha.    What I do to get a fluid like non stop motion is pinch filler with thumb and fore finger then pushfeed thru the ring and pinky fingers. To regrip and feed more you just slide your thumb and fore finger up the rod and regrip. While in this hesitation of regriping your moving your hand closer to the puddle, its only slight but plenty as you get a hang of it. You get to where you only concentrate on your puddle and completely forget about the feed in your hand.
Reply:I found a video last night on you-tube called "feed the wire" this helped alot but I'm sure it's going to take a bit of practice. I'll try the "drum stick" method refered by PLUMMER at my next practice session.Here's a pic of todays plate trying the feed the wire method Attached ImagesDon't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:They sell a little tool for feeding filler rod.  It's pretty cool actually.  Basically a pen with a dial on the side that you move with your thumb and the dial contacts the filler rod and pushes it through the hollow pen-like device.I think it costs $30.
Reply:I'm hoping I still have the needed dexterity to do this without a special tool.Don't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:Do what I tell my students..Sitting around watching T.V.??Doing nothing special??Grab a piece of 1 1/6 tig wire and practice feding it out by the inch with with your thumb and first two fingers ..Hold it with your thumb and pointey finger and use your middle finger as a rest underneeth..Like this..(I just did this now for you)I have the wire marked in 1" increments..start like this..Now leave the middle finger there and use the other 2 and reach back..Push forward to your middle finger..Repeat as needed..If you feel the wire is too long cut it in half..Now get some wire and lets go!!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I made these videos to show my methods of feeding tig rod.The squeal in the background was my son.http://www.youtube.com/v/-Dll395Z5Qchttp://www.youtube.com/v/ZxXb1ScMvxghttp://www.youtube.com/v/HspCe7S0pPMLast edited by WelderBoy; 08-19-2007 at 08:42 PM.
Reply:Thank you all for the suggestions, I'll try them all and see what works for me, It'll likely be some blended configuration.ThanksDon't talk about it, Just do it!