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I used to use my stick welder as a TIG and scratch starting was always a 50/50 process where I would contaminate (or not) the tungsten. Thinking about this again I thought that a way to get around this would be to lay a scrap piece of tungsten on the workpiece and then touch it with the tig torch to scratch start the arc without contamination. Anyone try this?
Reply:I dont see how that would be any better than what your doing now.It just takes practice, X-Ray quality welds are done all the time with scratch start. Learn how to do it the right way and you'll be better for it.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:This is often done on a scrap of copper.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanThis is often done on a scrap of copper.
Reply:I agree the standard is to use copper.But I scratch start right onto the bare metal (takes a little practice)The only time I use copper scrap is to "put a ball" on the tungsten for aluminum welding.6"XX P5P8 6G
Reply:If you are worried about scratch starts contaminating your weld with tungsten or vise versa, try a "match start". Try resting your cup on the base material with your tungsten pointed in the joint at a slightly wide arc gap. use a quick striking action with your filler rod on the plate crossing quickly across the tungsten completing the circuit. it does take practice to get right but it will work. Either that or buy a $1200 add-on high-freq unit. |
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