Aluminum TIG help, settings

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Finally got to try Al welding with my Lincoln Invertec V205T.  But something does not seem right. I seem to either watch the tungsten evaporate into the torch with the Balance less than about 65% or seem to melt on through too easily.  (the latter may be my lack of TIG skill)the metal is about  16 or 18Ga. I bought a couple of lbs of remnants and thanks to Brocoli1 i was able to use his saw to cut them into coupons for practice.tried both 1/16 and .040 Lanthanated and Cerieted tungstens amps between 35  to 80 #5 cup at 15 CFH ArFrequency at 100Tried several Balance settings from 20-85%stringer beads on plate and lap jointsI Have done very minimal TIG but this is the first time really trying with the Inverter machineI would really like to know what balance should be set at and what to do to stop melting the Tungsten...Tiger 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
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawFinally got to try Al welding with my Lincoln Invertec V205T.  But something does not seem right. I seem to either watch the tungsten evaporate into the torch with the Balance less than about 65%
Reply:Thanks for the replies.  I should add that I have never tried welding aluminum this thin either.   Always used 1/8 to 3/8 plate in the past.   Seems that the thin stuff is a different monster all together.    Only using transformers in the past I never had A/C balance control either.   Also went back and read the manual.    There is a way in settings to set the hot start amperage too...  I will try today if I get a chance wit 1/16 Tungsten again.   Thank you for the heat explanation of the puddle.   I am to low on amps and that's exactly what is happening.  Also seems I gotta move fast on this thin stuff.  Not used to that either...  Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2Tiger 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
Reply:http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...Book_Chpt6.pdfStart with Miller's chart and adjust from there. The thinest I've done was 16g and I'm still a hack at welding so not sure if I would be any real help get a hold of Shovelon and see if he has time for ya- not too far away and even 5 mins with him will be so worth it.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Jody( weldingtipsandtricks)  just did a video on the new Lincoln Invertec/Dynasty/ and the Everlast about A/C settings, maybe there is some info you will find helpfull in the video. I'm also learning about the inverter setting's...Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Ok, getting a little better,  left a larger flat spot on the end of the taper,  changed the Frequency to 60 and now up to 80..  so a bit more transformer like in that respect.  balance is now at 70.What size filler should I be using?  I have 1/16 but then tried using 2 rods together and seems much better.  I get a bigger puddle that lets me slow down a bit and get better control.  so I think I will pick up some 1/8 or 3/32 filler later.Tiger 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
Reply:2pac agrees with jakeru up above. good call jakru!
Reply:set you max amps to 120, use like a 1/16" orange or ceritated tungsten All of your other settings should work. I would be using 1/16" filler for that thickness of sheet anything thicker and it takes a little more practice to make good welds.