Tig advice

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Hi everyone, I've been O/A welding and MIG welding for several years but just bought my first TIG(Hobart tigwave 250), And have a few questions......Please bear in mind I know NOTHING about TIG. Is this a reasonable welder? What size tungstens? What shade of lens should I be using in my mask? I have a snap-on speed glass mask and even when I set it to 13 it still seems very bright when looking at the TIG arc?? any other advice or imfo on basics, setting up the machine etc. will be gratefully received. Oh I'm in england by the way, not that that has any bearing on the subject!!!!!!Thanks in advance.
Reply:I use 3/32 ceria tungsten for everything but thoriated is good too. It doesn't sound like your mask is switching to welding state. Shade 13 should not be very bright on tig. --Gol'
Reply:what are you going to weld and the thickness, the gas your going to use and anything else you can tell us, would be helpful.  And  Welcome  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Wow I use shade 9 on my mask for tig. On mine though, I have to crank the sensitivity up or the mask won't activate with the little tig arc.Enjoy your new toy,John
Reply:Hi again and thanks for the replys so far, I'm using pure argon I'd like to be able to weld mild, stainless and aluminium but nothing over 1/8"
Reply:Youve got way more than enough amps for 1/8".  Thoriated is what I use here, it does great.  I experimented when I started out, and liked ceriated as well.   3/32 is all you need for 1/8, if you crank it up on ac (aluminum) and go 3/8 or thicker, 1/8 will probably be better.  But, 98% of the time, I use 3/32.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:while there's loads of info here and in the archieves (search facility), go and have a read here...  http://www.millerwelds.com/education...tips/TIG_tips/.  there is a tungsten guide too- make a note of the maximum amperages for a given size but bear in mind that they do work at lower amperages than statedas others said, it sounds like your mask is not switching (shade 10-11 should be more than dark enough for 1/8"). not all auto masks are sensitive enough for TIG- all the speedglasses i've seen have either a sensitivity adjustment or a process selector (MIG/ARC and TIG). i have an inkling that their base model is not recommended for TIG
Reply:Hello,Try doing a yahoo search for : Engine Builder Magazine (Babcox Publications)March 2003,: March 2004 and March 2005 each of these issues covers tig welding aluminum and a bit of simple info for the begineers and veterans as well. You would find a lot of pictures of the various torches and cups as well as some useful info on tungstens and safety issues related to tungstens. If this is useful to you or you need any help let me know. Good luck it will be a walk in the park.ric