Tig Welding AL photos & how to dial in right settings?

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First photo shows machine settings pedal intial AMPS set to 5Argon flow rate set to about 25metal is AL 6000 series 1/16th thick square tubefiller rod is 1/16th 40432nd photo shows tugsten is green pure .040 diameterit balls up within 10 seconds to give me a fat 1/16th diameter ball. I'm thinking maybe this is too skinny of a tungsten?When I watch videos on line like this excellent one:the arc seems very concentrated, my arc seems very wide, like a cone of light instead of a ray of light.Any guidance you can give me is appreciated.
Reply:opps first photo of lincoln percision tig 275 did not show up, here you go
Reply:also I would love to shoot video, but even behind a welding helmet the video camera just shows a very bright light, no detail, any tips on shooting video?
Reply:What distance is there between the electrode and the material... and how far does the tungsten protrude from the cup? Also, I'd drop the argon flow to 15, no need to waste gas...Toss the filler rod for right now, just practice running a bead and holding the tungsten hovering at a fixed distance above the material. You're going to be told at some point soon to toss that pure tungsten and buy ceriated/thoriated/zirc/etc instead.ESAB Heliarc 252
Reply:Right off the bat. Ditch the pure tungsten. Fahgedahbowdit. Get thoriated at least (RED color band). You're probably going to want at least 1/16" inch tungsten, although 0.40" MIGHT cut it if it's not pure.  The reason you have a cone is because there's a big ball on the end, which gives you that arc profile. If you run better tungsten with a point, it will be more focused. Granted, the point will ball itself back some depending on amperage. Being able to have higher frequency AC will give you more focus too, but don't worry about that for now (your machine can't do that anyway, which is not that big of a deal. Tons of beads have been run and are still being run at 60Hz). The discoloration of the tungsten says it lost shielding at some point, whether that be during the weld or at the end. If it was at the end, get in the habit of holding the torch still at the end of a weld for awhile. That's what the post-flow is for.. It shields both the weld and your electrode at the end of the weld.I noticed you have another thread going too. Follow what those guys say
Reply:I just had a local guy come by and show me how to tig weld for an hour. Wow what a difference seeing it in action first hand. I was able to actually get some puddling.Unfortunately, my black plastic tungsten holder cracked. Instructor said not to worry about it and I grew a little apprehensive after he said that. So I called up lincoln and they told me to plug in the water cooler pump into the TOP outlet on the back of the machine which is continuous to prime the line. DUH, there probably wasn't enough water getting to the torch. I got Green because I read somewhere else on the internet that GREEN was the best. I guess they both work. I'll get some red 1/16th ones for my next try.I also need to locate a 3x4' steel plate for welding. I've got a fire extinguisher just in case.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderI just had a local guy come by and show me how to tig weld for an hour. Wow what a difference seeing it in action first hand. I was able to actually get some puddling.
Reply:Is it on AC?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:^^ The picture in post #2 shows it in AC Originally Posted by shovelonWhoa Nellie!!!!!!You have your collet in backwards. Is that what cracked your backcap?
Reply:^i see it now lolTorchmate 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'll try reversing the collette. It was a little loose so I pinched down on the collette. I tried it the other way, but I think it did not seem to fit together that way.The plastic piece cracked because I never reprimed my water cooling line after repairing a leak in it. The thing was smoking and the guy I hired said not to worry about it. I told him I could't afford to buy a new plastic piece every 10 minute and he still dismissed my concerns. My guess is there was a ton of air in the 25 foot long line and it was cooling sporadically.
Reply:I doubt that cooling had anything to do with that mess of a bead.  Looks like gas issue.  Bet it's the backwards collet.  Put everything together with the tungstens recessed, let you gas flow and soap sued the torch up.  I'm also not getting the pedal starts at 5 amps thing.  What's the actual max amps you had the machine on?  You are using pure Argon, correct?Also, buy some 2% Lanthanated on eBay for $20 and don't look back.  It's the best of all worlds with none of the highly debatable health hazards of Thoriated.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Wtf /\ ??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:I think some of you are assuming that I have welding experience. I do not have ANY, hence the mess of a weld.the teacher was able to make some nice beads and taught me not to slam down the pedal but to gradually warm up the metal.max amps is set to 73 as shown in above photo and yes I am using argon as noted in my first post. the cracked plastic was deffinetely due to cooling issues.I think I have the beginnig hang of it for now, just need to practice practice, practice.thanks everyone
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeederWtf /\ ??
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderI think some of you are assuming that I have welding experience. I do not have ANY, hence the mess of a weld.the teacher was able to make some nice beads and taught me not to slam down the pedal but to gradually warm up the metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWSounds like your instructor has no clue how to weld alum.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderthe cracked plastic was deffinetely due to cooling issues.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderI think some of you are assuming that I have welding experience. I do not have ANY, hence the mess of a weld.the teacher was able to make some nice beads and taught me not to slam down the pedal but to gradually warm up the metal.max amps is set to 73 as shown in above photo and yes I am using argon as noted in my first post. the cracked plastic was deffinetely due to cooling issues.I think I have the beginnig hang of it for now, just need to practice practice, practice.thanks everyone
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderI think some of you are assuming that I have welding experience. I do not have ANY, hence the mess of a weld.the teacher was able to make some nice beads and taught me not to slam down the pedal but to gradually warm up the metal.max amps is set to 73 as shown in above photo and yes I am using argon as noted in my first post. the cracked plastic was deffinetely due to cooling issues.I think I have the beginnig hang of it for now, just need to practice practice, practice.thanks everyone
Reply:Is there not anyone close to help this guy?Aluminum welder, if you want to send a guy over to my shop, or even better send the machine with him, I will power it up and sit with the him or her and run some excersize projects on your linclone for free. I have 3 LWS in my community, and tons of spare torch parts at hand. A day will make all the difference. Or for $2000 and airfare, food, and logding, for my wife and I, I will spend the week between xmas and new year in your shop teaching your crew to do these, and weld a batch for you as well. Or perhaps we will fireup the RV and I can drive out and bring out my Dynasty200 as well. Do you have decent roads in Boonieville?Last edited by shovelon; 12-02-2012 at 01:09 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:I thought these machines came with instructions. Its a white book, says Precision Tig 275 on the cover........Perhaps its still in the plastic wrapper next to the box by the trash.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonIs there not anyone close to help this guy?Aluminum welder, if you want to send a guy over to my shop, or even better send the machine with him, I will power it up and sit with the him or her and run some excersize projects on your linclone for free. I have 3 LWS in my community, and tons of spare torch parts at hand. A day will make all the difference. Or for $2000 and airfare, food, and logding, for my wife and I, I will spend the week between xmas and new year in your shop teaching your crew to do these, and weld a batch for you as well. Or perhaps we will fireup the RV and I can drive out and bring out my Dynasty200 as well. Do you have decent roads in Boonieville?
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingWookiesounds like a good dealI would offer the same but i cant get off work for a week
Reply:Has he mentioned where he's located yet?2% lanthanated as well.  Pick up a few different sizes and don't look back.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonIs there not anyone close to help this guy?Aluminum welder, if you want to send a guy over to my shop, or even better send the machine with him, I will power it up and sit with the him or her and run some excersize projects on your linclone for free. I have 3 LWS in my community, and tons of spare torch parts at hand. A day will make all the difference. Or for $2000 and airfare, food, and logding, for my wife and I, I will spend the week between xmas and new year in your shop teaching your crew to do these, and weld a batch for you as well. Or perhaps we will fireup the RV and I can drive out and bring out my Dynasty200 as well. Do you have decent roads in Boonieville?
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawNope you can't go that week cuz I will be in CA for vacation with the family and want to come "play" in your shop But for the OP, that is a great offer... Terry is an Aluminum welding God!  would be money very well spent..
Reply:Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the offer, but I'll be travelling myself during Christmas/New years.  I'm in Charlotte, NC. and I was using the right Collette size. I've got a guy that has the same machine as me coming over to help me out this week. I usually get my supplies from weldingsupply.com  they sell 1.5% lanthanated. Is that good enough? If not what is a good place to get 2%?Lastly:"I thought these machines came with instructions. Its a white book, says Precision Tig 275 on the cover........Perhaps its still in the plastic wrapper next to the box by the trash. "LOL, I've read that cover to cover smartypants and it goes over basic installation, safety and SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT HOW TO WELD ALUMINUM. If your advice was actually useful I wouldn't mind the patronizing, but it ain't.Last edited by AluminumWelder; 12-02-2012 at 11:48 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderThanks for the replies. I'm in Charlotte, NC. and I was using the right Collette size. I've got a guy that has the same machine as me coming over to help me out this week. Lastly:"I thought these machines came with instructions. Its a white book, says Precision Tig 275 on the cover........Perhaps its still in the plastic wrapper next to the box by the trash. "LOL, I've read that cover to cover smartypants and it goes over basic installation, safety and SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT HOW TO WELD ALUMINUM. If your advice was actually useful I wouldn't mind the patronizing, but it ain't.
Reply:Lastly:"I thought these machines came with instructions. Its a white book, says Precision Tig 275 on the cover........Perhaps its still in the plastic wrapper next to the box by the trash. "LOL, I've read that cover to cover smartypants and it goes over basic installation, safety and SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT HOW TO WELD ALUMINUM. If your advice was actually useful I wouldn't mind the patronizing, but it ain't.
Reply:Originally Posted by rdop2001Has he mentioned where he's located yet?
Reply:"what more do u want?"    LOL, that will do fine, actually usefull advice, unlike your first reply. A thank you is in order.
Reply:AluminumWelder, send me a pm, we may be able to work out a deal benefical to us both. Nothing else I can come by on a saturday or sunday and help you out. Also from reading some of your other posts I may be able to help point you in the right direction for some cheaper suppliers ect..
Reply:Shove, where you at in So Cal?
Reply:his shop if in Chatsworth.   SF valley areaTiger 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:One more note, TIG welding s like driving a car.  If you learn on someone else's car you should still be able to drive your own with subtle differences.  So dont be afraid to take yourself or your men somewhere to learn tig.  It may be much cheaper and more beneficial.I'm sure alot of the folks here would be apply to have you over one afternoon for the price of a 12 pack.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum