Arc Distance and HAZ effects on Metal Edges

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I'm new to TIG welding .. I have a several questions, but this is about arc distance and HAZ on metal edge.I read in the books and on the forum that approx 1/16" to 1/4".What I am wondering is what effect the arc distance has on the actual heat that is imparted to the base metal for a given welding current setting? If true, something that could be taken advantage of somehowin regards to heat control? I believe TIG is constant current, right? I have a cheap HF inverter TIG  without any foot pedal.  ALthought I may add one for the amperage( duty cycle ) control. I saw another thread on someone doing that.I would assume a greater distance would also widen the weld bead.The other question is what techniques does one use when you arewelding two pieces of say 3/16" steel butted together and you get tothe end of the seem near the edge of the metal .. the HAZ changes and seems to be more heat on the edge and it cuts into the edge .. I'm afraid the answer might be back off on the current with the foot pedal. , which I dont have ... BUT if thats it at least I will know ... I will be practice, practice, practicing this weekend .. and will post some pictures..  so I can get some critiques..Thanks all ..  RandyLast edited by Lanmanb4; 08-04-2006 at 11:48 AM.
Reply:a footpedal is a MUST in my book..you have to control the heat..the more you weld the hotter it gets..especially with aluminum..you'll start with the pedal to the metal..but as you go along less heat is needed because it still gets hotter and hotter......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:Originally Posted by zapstera footpedal is a MUST in my book..you have to control the heat..the more you weld the hotter it gets..especially with aluminum..you'll start with the pedal to the metal..but as you go along less heat is needed because it still gets hotter and hotter......zap!
Reply:the arc distance?i use 1/8 inch as a rule of thumb......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:Zap is full of great info!  If I were you, I would take all of his advice and commit it to memory.  Footpedals are the way to go with TIG welding.  I used to tell the guys at work that tig welding is just like sewing.  If you can use a sewing machine, you can tig weld lol
Reply:Welding is like sewing?!?  Who let the chicks in?-Heath
Reply:I could'a been a seamstress????  I always wanted to do that, they don't have to have their sewing pass X-ray or penetrant.I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:my mom still has a really old singer sewing machine that runs with a "footpedal"still works and its worth a fortune......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:I'll add a foot pedal to it .. Thanks for all the help ..Randy