first time TIG

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This a picture of my first TIG welds. I looks like the edges are too sharp to me, should they be more rounded?The left one is without filler the right is with filler rod. Also I used a yellow tungsten 1/16", would something else be better, how far is the tungsten supposed to stick out?I haven't had anyone to show me how to set the machine up so I was wanting some suggestions. Its a Miller Dialarc AC/DC 250Amp unit with HF.http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/bc/6c642d3c...SbcjAB2KF0Y8UiLast edited by thenewguy4; 04-26-2004 at 10:26 PM.MM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:I don't know about anyone else, newguy, but that link doesn't work for me?
Reply:Let me try this, I couldn't get it to take a actual picture erlier. Attached ImagesMM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:come on, someone has to have some suggestionsMM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:I would give my suggestion but I don't tig.
Reply:Can you give more details? Type of material,  thickness, etc?It looks good. Maybe a little cold if anything.
Reply:Originally posted by thenewguy4 come on, someone has to have some suggestions
Reply:I'm assuming the grinding I'm seeing was done before the weld.  I don't see any grinding on the weld itself.  I'm taking Tig welding down at the local college, so I'm a newb too, but I do know what to look for.  We have some damn good welding instructors.  They won't let anything through that isn't "a 20 year weld".  From what I can see there isn't enough weld there.  I can barely see the difference between the filler and non-filler but it may just be the picture.  Can you get some more pics at different angles.  Don't worry about being ignored.  If you really want their attention go make some liberal comments on the off topic board and they'll get to know you real quick, then drop the hammer on em.My first tig welds looked like **** by the way.  Some still do in vertical up position.
Reply:Are you using an air cooled torch? Or have you set up a water cooler?Never used the 'yellow' tungsten how do you like it? Does it discolor, and how long does the 'point' last?Try stepping into the pedal just alittle more- bead (filler one) is just a skosh cold (agree w/tubeman), especially the first couple of inches of bead. For 'first time' I would have to say the beads are far above average. Course I dont think tig is all that hard to do anyway, but... my skill level w/ the process has  stagnated and my welds are nowhere near as nice as some FWIW "after a long day of doing nothing...its gooood to kick back" Pumbaa
Reply:Sorry for not posting a reply.  I don't know anything about TIG
Reply:I don't see anything wrong there for a guy learning to TIG.  Actually, you've done pretty well if those are your first welds.  Now you need to experiment more, changing your current a little at a time, and adding more filler, so you learn the results of different techniques.You're not going to learn everything about the process in the first foot of weld.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I knew it was late when I posted my first message, so no big deal. I am just glad I got some input.I am using a aircooled torch. With a yellow 1/16" tungsten which is 1% thoriated, I have nothing to compare it to since is what the welder came with so that is what I used.The metal thickness measure .078" thick, just mild steel from what I know.I had the welder set in the 40-190 amprange with the dial on 45% and HF just for starts.I think this is a little better picture. Attached ImagesMM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:here is another picture maybe it will be easier to see. Attached ImagesMM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:I don't see too much wrong with it other than there might be some cracking on the non-filler side.  Maybe its the photo or you drug something across it.  It's .078"? How did the other side turn out? From the looks of it you either ran too hot on the nonfiller side or you ground it down beforehand. It's hard to say with the lighting. But it looks like you've got your timing down.  Counting worked for me when I first started welding till I got a feel for it.Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:Brian thanks for the input. I could not see any cracks in the non filler weld. The other one I layed the rod (1/16" filler rod) in the joint and then just washed it as I went. I was thinking it looked like the edges might be a little under cut.MM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite