TIG Questions, Amps? Tungsten?

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Hey guys;well I bought a 140 Mig, then a millermatic 251 and now its time to get my feet wet with tig. I just got a maxstar 200 sd and spend 2 hrs messing with it. I know you guys like pics to critique but I just have a few general questions.I was using 3/16 orange, on 3/16 mild and was curious what amps to run it at and how to calculate the amps, my migs all had cheat sheets... and i noticed when I sharpened the tip my welds improved, how often should I re-sharpen the tips? when contaminated or periodically?After 2 hours my welds looked consistent but they did not have a real smooth look to them, they looked a little rough... I had it @ 85 amps it seemed a little slow and the welds penetrated but didn't seem as smooth as they should be...Any tips would be great.
Reply:Originally Posted by idealerHey guys;well I bought a 140 Mig, then a millermatic 251 and now its time to get my feet wet with tig. I just got a maxstar 200 sd and spend 2 hrs messing with it. I know you guys like pics to critique but I just have a few general questions.I was using 3/16 orange, on 3/16 mild and was curious what amps to run it at and how to calculate the amps, my migs all had cheat sheets... and i noticed when I sharpened the tip my welds improved, how often should I re-sharpen the tips? when contaminated or periodically?After 2 hours my welds looked consistent but they did not have a real smooth look to them, they looked a little rough... I had it @ 85 amps it seemed a little slow and the welds penetrated but didn't seem as smooth as they should be...Any tips would be great.
Reply:Originally Posted by idealerHey guys;I was using 3/16 orange, on 3/16 mild and was curious what amps to run it at and how to calculate the amps, my migs all had cheat sheets... Any tips would be great.
Reply:thx for the replies, I'll try your suggestions and post the results. and yes it was 3/32's
Reply:You could always just crank the machine up and let your foot do the "driving"..Try some red end next time.. ...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:Please critique  Did a little better this go around, but I keep getting little pot holes... should I just touch those up and how should I avoid them. Attached Images
Reply:Well you asked for it.. Clean the mill scale off the mating parts and clean it with some acetone before you weld..Looks like you got it otherwise...Mill scale and tig = big mess..Contaminated tungestion and all sorts of nasty crap is the result and that translates to crappy welds....The effort is there..Clean Clean Clean!...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:You got it, just cleaner and more consistency.  The potholes could be operator error or "stuff" in the metal that shouldn't be there.  If your work is clean, the front of the gas cone will be clean.  YOU GOT IT  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.