What filler to use with TIG?

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Hi,  Getting ready to use this Econotig in the next week or so and had a question if ya'll have the time. I searched and could not find the answer but I'm sure it's here somewhere. Here goes. In the Finch books if I recall say that copper coated 70S2 should not be used with TIG as weld contamination could occur? If this is the case where could I find some cheap non-copper coated 1/16 rods? I used these with my O/A and the welds are quite strong and look quite nice so that's where the confusion comes.Thanks for the help.
Reply:the copper coating won't mix into the metal but even in o/a welding i sand the copper coat off real fast before i start welding.
Reply:I use 70S-2 all the time on steel..I have no problems and neither will you...Contamination only happens whan the metal is not clean..You have bad gas coverage..You touch the tungestion to the piece..filler or both at the same time''Where does this "info" come from???...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:What zap said Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Hi Zap and Doolittle,  I'll have to re-read but I recall that Richard Finch wrote in one of his books to not use copper coated filler (copper added for lubrication in the sizing process) with TIG. But, bottom line if it's not a problem, thats good news as I have quite a few pounds of 70S2 here and was hoping I could use it without sanding off the copper.Thank you for the information,o.c.d.
Reply:Your welcome.  I used that book to get me started as well.  Yep, he's real particular about the filler metal.  But, he's got other good info in it too.  Learned alot from that book.  Everyone has got a point they have to make, and well he made it.  Probably sits in his little bungalow after selling a million copies of that book in lowes and HD and giggles about how he's got all these novice welders looking for non coated tig rod.. god bless him.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Can you even purchase no copper coated TIG filler?  I know National Standard has non-coated MIG wire, maybe they provide straight lengths for TIG.  http://www.nationalstandard.comBut, whats the big deal, everyone in the world uses copper coated TIG wire, they make it that way for a reason.
Reply:[QUOTE=pulser]Can you even purchase no copper coated TIG filler?   I buy MS TIG rod that's uncoated. It's made by Thermacote-Welco. I was kinda surprised when I opened the tube. Don't notice any difference though..... -------------john
Reply:So is there a diference between gas filler rod and tig filler rod, because I have alot of the gas rod and I will be tigging very soon.
Reply:Originally Posted by mstillsSo is there a diference between gas filler rod and tig filler rod, because I have alot of the gas rod and I will be tigging very soon.
Reply:I like the Finch book, but he also said not to use coat hangers as filler. When I was a kid I saw hundreds of race cars gas ( OA)welded with coat hangers. My dad was in the dry cleaning business and I was always asked for boxes of hangers. The new hangers are made of junk metal, and I would never use a hanger for filler, but it was standard practice in the old days. I currently use the copper coated filler wire for both OA and TIG with no problems.
Reply:A very good point about the coat hangers.  For some applications, no problem, but for a critical weld, no.  There is no specification that I know of that ensures the quality of coat hangers, and they are not designed with the deoxidizers needed for sound (x-ray) welds.  I assume hangers are generally the least expensive steel that can be purchased, so no telling what chemistry you may have.You say you use "the copper coated filler wire for both OA and TIG with no problems".  Do you use the RG series intended for OA, or the ER series intended for TIG/MIG?
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserA very good point about the coat hangers.  For some applications, no problem, but for a critical weld, no.  There is no specification that I know of that ensures the quality of coat hangers, and they are not designed with the deoxidizers needed for sound (x-ray) welds.  I assume hangers are generally the least expensive steel that can be purchased, so no telling what chemistry you may have.You say you use "the copper coated filler wire for both OA and TIG with no problems".  Do you use the RG series intended for OA, or the ER series intended for TIG/MIG?
Reply:Ive welded with both with o/a.  The RG flows better with o/a (70s2  kinda chunks in if you follow me, and the bead suffers).  I quit using the tig rods and am sticking with RG for gas welds.  I havent tried RG rod with the tig cause I havent run out of tig rod yet.\Oh, just thought of what might happen.  Tig with RG rod, the puddle might boil cause the heat is higher and more focused.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.