Lincoln Precision TIG 185 question:

admin

I bought a used Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and I'm attempting to learn the art of TIG welding.I've been laying down beads on a 12"x12"x1/2" chunk of HR steel that I've ground down to fresh steel.  I will post photos later today.For practice, what amperage would you suggest?  I've been using around 100-140, with a 1/16" Thorated tungsten and 1/16" filler rod.  I'm asking about the amperage for practicing on half inch steel, I know that half inch is way beyond what this welder can weld.  How many amps can a 1/16" tungsten take before you upsize to 3/32? Also, when I'm done welding, the fan on the welder is running.  Should I wait for it to shut off before I turn off the machine?  Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Reply:You should turn up your machine to full 185 amps using the 1 amp per 1 thousands of an inch rule. You should also put in a bigger tungsten. 1/16th is really only good on sheet metal. Electrodes overheat more with aircooled torches, but I would not weld thicker than 3/32" with a 1/16th tungsten.I always let the fan cool the machine a few minutes before shutting down.Last edited by shovelon; 05-29-2013 at 11:09 AM.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:Also download the manual for the machine.  Lincoln should give you suggested ranges for various thickness.  If not, Miller has a downloadable TIG Handbook.
Reply:Thank you for your suggestions.I have downloaded and printed the manual.  A friend of mine suggested practicing on a thick piece of steel.  The manual for the 185 doesn't go to half inch, so I wasn't sure what amperage to run just laying down beads.  Maybe I should get something thinner?Here are some photos.  Some of the beads in the middle look better (for me) than the ones at the top where I started, or the ones at the bottom where I ended.  The ones at the end seemed to go ropey and weird no matter what I tried, but the steel and the air cooled torch were getting hot.  I was changing amperage during this session.  Also, on the videos that I've watched (dozens and dozens) the operator just seems to "dab" in the filler rod.  I'm finding that I have to push the rod into the puddle, like threading a needle.  More than a dab, is this correct?  I know these look too cold, and I will crank up the amperage next session.I've wanted to learn this skill for years, and I'm committed to getting this right.Thanks! Attached Images
Reply:WV,what are your previous welding skills?You must be picking something up as you notice your welds are cold.Just me, but I think it would be easier to learn tig with a larger outfit, and not necessarilly 1/2" metal Like Shovelon said, let the welder cool, heat kills.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Holy sheet thas ugly lol I'm gonna say it looks that way cause of your amperage and the fact that your welding on 1/2in  try getting some 1/8th scrap from your local steel company or even one of the box stores but u can usually dig through a scrap pile at the steel place. 1/8th being .125 thick you should start around 115-130 amps every welder is different. My inverter welds 1/8th stainless at 117 amps beautifully but my old lincoln idealarc transformer machine melts the hell out of stainless at 100 amps miller has a phone app for android and iPhone that is a guideline for welding setup based on process and material that you are using I would suggest getting it for any beginnerMiller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:If you're committed to getting this right, ditch the 1/2" plate. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:That was good advice to start with thicker material but you should also stay within the range of the equipment.  Get yourself some 1/8 or 3/16 (11 to 7 gauge) material for practice. The 1/16 tungsten is good up to 100 amps, much over that you you should go up to the 3/32.
Reply:First off, thank you to all that responded, I take your input seriously.  Second, I did start out on thinner steel, I'm attaching a photo.  This was my first time touching a TIG torch.  I had the manual on the welding bench, and I started changing settings.  My knowledge base comes from the hundreds of posts that I've read here, and videos that I've watched.  It was suggested that I "practice" on thicker steel, I'm abandoning that advice and going back to thinner steel.  I would LOVE to have one of you that know this stuff show me how you've mastered this skill, but I don't know anyone around here that does that TIGs and also has time to spend with a Newby.  I'm not complaining, and I will peck away at this until I get it down.  Oh, I brew home brew beer at the competition level.  I have an Oatmeal Stout, A stellar IPA, and a delicious Pale Ale on tap.  So a half gallon of my beer would also go with any lessons.  Just sayin....  Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyThank you for your suggestions.I have downloaded and printed the manual.  A friend of mine suggested practicing on a thick piece of steel.  The manual for the 185 doesn't go to half inch, so I wasn't sure what amperage to run just laying down beads.  Maybe I should get something thinner?Thanks!
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyFirst off, thank you to all that responded, I take your input seriously.  Second, I did start out on thinner steel, I'm attaching a photo.  This was my first time touching a TIG torch.  I had the manual on the welding bench, and I started changing settings.  My knowledge base comes from the hundreds of posts that I've read here, and videos that I've watched.  It was suggested that I "practice" on thicker steel, I'm abandoning that advice and going back to thinner steel.  I would LOVE to have one of you that know this stuff show me how you've mastered this skill, but I don't know anyone around here that does that TIGs and also has time to spend with a Newby.  I'm not complaining, and I will peck away at this until I get it down.  Oh, I brew home brew beer at the competition level.  I have an Oatmeal Stout, A stellar IPA, and a delicious Pale Ale on tap.  So a half gallon of my beer would also go with any lessons.  Just sayin....
Reply:I went by the steel supply shop today and had a dozen coupons cut, so I will make the change.I have to TIG in the garage, so it can be drafty.  We've had some typical blustery spring weather.Thanks.
Reply:Very encouraging! All in all starting to weld with very crappy metal, you have gotten a great start. Personally I think mild steel is a tedious and trying metal to tig on. I do very little mild steel, and tons of stainless and 4130 which welds like a dream. Have you tried your alum settings yet? Find some clean 6061 or 5052 sheet coupons and have a go. I think it will blow your mind. Monkey with that for a week or so and you will be amazed at how much better your steel gets.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:I agree with Shovelon.  Get some 1/8 6061 aluminum and a couple of SS wire brushes and a can of Acetone and some nitrile gloves (protection from the Acetone)Learn to clean the aluminum from some of the other post here.Then set your welder for aluminum and use either Lanth or Cerated electrodes.Learn to control the puddle on aluminum and steel welding will be easy.Practice the cleaning so it gets to be a normal thing you do on everything and TIG welding will be much more interesting and easier to learn.Think clean