Tips for tig?

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I'm having some issues tig welding 1/8in steel plate. using a Lincoln Precision Tig 375 at school.using a foot pedal, 3/32 2% thoriated tungsten, #5 cup, 15cfh 100% argon, set the machine to around 100ampsFirst off, I'm sure most of my issues are just because of lack of hood time. I've only been at it for a few weeks. I got stick and mig/FC down fairly quickly, but tig is a whole new ball game for me. I love it so far though.I apologize for not having any pictures yet. I will add some soon.In the meantime, I have been working on some different joints, but mainly just lap joints. My instructor has kinda challenged me a bit with this and says "anyone can make thick welds with tig, its the small stuff that makes a good tig welder".I struggle with consistency when doing a lap joint. I can get the weld to be the correct size, keeping the top edge of the joint intact, but then my welds always come out very concaved. I've been told I need more filler in that case, but I find that the only way to really add more is with more heat, so I go farther down on the pedal. This takes away the "concavity", but that's also when the puddle gets too big and digs into the top edge of the plate - or I end up with a very inconsistent bead.It always seems like I'm fighting something. There have been a few times that everything will run pretty smooth and comes out great. But after I stop and start again, I can never get the same results immediately There are many times where the puddle almost forms like a backwards "C" shape (im right handed), if that makes any sense. It goes normal if I go farther down on the pedal, but then the bead puddle becomes way too big.I've tried to adjust the angle of my torch (which I think might be the biggest problem as well), differnet size fillers, and a few other things but I've only seen minimal improvement.Again, I'm sure more time and practice will be the biggest thing, but I would love to hear any tips that might get me on the right track.Thanks.
Reply:Yup, you need more practice. It's not easy. Buy your own equipment and practice your nuts off and eventually it will come to you. You have to be dedicated and it will not come overnight or cheap. What are your priorities is what it all comes down too.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:You are half way there. You need more heat, but you also need to cram the rod in to plump it up. Craming the rod in will chill it some to, then haul buns.Last edited by shovelon; 03-18-2014 at 04:41 PM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Put your torch straight up and down and then back it off a few degrees.Keep the filler as low as possible so you have a 90* angle between the torch and filler.Also I would throw the #5 cup at the wall. I don't use anything smaller than #7 (personal choice)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:Originally Posted by GamblePut your torch straight up and down and then back it off a few degrees.Keep the filler as low as possible so you have a 90* angle between the torch and filler.Also I would throw the #5 cup at the wall. I don't use anything smaller than #7 (personal choice)
Reply:Search function,  many threads on this.    Having a steady hand and comfortable position is important.  Use something to brace your torch hand against if neededSent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250