tig al cans

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I was hoping for some direction on a htp 221 with tigging alum cans.I tried last night welding two together.  At first, I blew holes in cans due to heat.  Figured that out pretty fast travel speed.Anyhow, I'm using 040 blue tung, set at 5 amps.  50/50 balance and tried different frequencies up to 200 to focus arc.My issue that I am having is I noticed the arc is coming from higher up in the tungsten rather than the tip.  It tends to wander almost 8-10 mm from the tip closer to the gas lens.  Can someone please explain what I am doing wrong ?  Or recommendations ?Thanks in advanceMiller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:You are not using enough amps, so the arc is wandering around instead of popping off the tip.I welded pop cans at 48 amps with my old Airco.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:How many beer cans did you empty first before embarking on this….I always found my twelfth weld to be questionable.
Reply:Funny you should ask, natural light and prob about 6 before I started welding lolMiller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:It's like playing pool - there is a balance point and then skills dwindle  Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I use .040 pure (green), balled tip, I don't know what amps, I have an older econotig with no gauges.  I found there is not a big demand for beer can repair…….Usually during those sessions we make propane nacho's with a torch.  They don't taste quite right, they taste really bad with oxy/acetelyene.Last edited by blackbart; 07-18-2014 at 03:50 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartI use .040 pure (green), balled tip, I don't know what amps, I have an older econotig with no gauges.  I found there is not a big demand for beer can repair…….
Reply:[QUOTE=zapster;4431371]There is if they are still full….You may be right there………..didn't think of that problem, it is huge
Reply:4043 is a good filler, .035 works well.  clean the anodizing off the cans gently, really helps.how do you like that HTP?'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:So far I am loving it.... Although I can penetrate and have cinematically better looming mig like tig beads over a much longer distance than tig.I've been dedicating about 2 hours a night in tig and now trying overhead.  The one thing I noticed with tig is coordinating the puddle and filler timing. I can't wait to get a water cooler and get my fume extraction set up.Miller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:Did this can tonight with my new invertig 221 (finally got a second to play been all business since this showed up). my setup, 10 amps, 190hz, 60% balance, 1/16 2% lanthanated, 1/16 4043 filler, #5 cup on non filtered lense (sticking out only enough to do the job and no more) welded pretty easy. going to mess with balance, amperage, pulse, and independant amperage next. still learning to use all the adjustments to my benefit. Attached Images'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:Try doing this with 35 amps and you will have better luck.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I found I have better luck with avoiding arc wander when I grind the tungsten to a blunt  point. If I'm past the cup where the grinding begins to reduce the diameter of the tungsten, current is less tempted to arc to the shoulder of the beer can. Turn up the heat some, and keep arc short, (less voltage) focus on the top of the puddle, not the leading edge.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Sausage, that looks pretty good man!I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys