My 1st TIG attempts...

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So here is my first ever TIG attempts.  I tried a few beads.Miller Maxstar 150 100% Argon 20PSI2% thoriated 3/32 (ground the right way)16 gauge stainless 1/16 filler What am I doing wrong/right.  You guys make this look easy.  I can lay a pretty good bead with stick and MIG, but this is a whole new monster.
Reply:Originally Posted by mfldmike You guys make this look easy.  I can lay a pretty good bead with stick and MIG, but this is a whole new monster.
Reply:The first thing is to be brutally honest with yourself and everyone here.  By that I mean do not wire brush your beads.  There are little details in un-wirebrushed beads that tell many truths about what is going on.Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the lower bead I don't see any etching zone from the cleaning action on your aluminum piece. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Ok, I thought it was the other way around...that you could tell more by a clean weld.  It's stainless steel.  I tried to clean it the best I could before the weld, and after the weld.  I think my problem is when I'm adding the filler material to the puddle and moving a bit too slow.  This was leftover muffler scrap.I see all the nice welds you guys get using TIG and I just wanted to try my hand in it.I can stick and mig, but in all honesty the only time I've seen TIG welding is in videos.
Reply:You'll dig it when you get good at it Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:As I said before, it's most definitely a new monster to me.  I also notice that a few times the breeze blew a little hard through my work area and really messed with my tungsten and weld
Reply:That's the exact reason why I wanted to start, anyone can throw a clump of molten metal on something and call it welding, but it takes a true artisan to TIG...not to mention some of the stuff you guys create.
Reply:Originally Posted by mfldmikeAs I said before, it's most definitely a new monster to me.  I also notice that a few times the breeze blew a little hard through my work area and really messed with my tungsten and weld
Reply:That's stainless steel? Fooled me.Are you left handed or did you turn the piece around after you welded it? Inconsistent torch angle, stand off and travel rate.  Inconsistent wire feed rate. Needs to back step and feather out on the amps on termination. Definite cold lap on the toes in places.  No visible sign of under fill.Need a better picture.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:Originally Posted by PangeaThat's stainless steel? Fooled me.
Reply:I must've turned the piece around in my attempts and cleaning my weld...It's out of habit I guess.I'll visit the scrap yard tomorrow and see if I cannot find some nice flat stock scrap to play with...should be able to pick up some ends for a decent price.  In the meantime, I'll watch more video's and instead of paying attention to the end result, I'll make sure to watch the technique.  I don't have anymore pictures right now to show, but I'll definitely keep you guys posted.
Reply:If you are just starting out, I would suggest a minimum of 14-12 gauge steel (1/8"+) to work on puddle and speed. Knowing from experience, trying to start out with thin sheet metal as your first go around with TIG can be frustrating.
Reply:Originally Posted by turismolover22If you are just starting out, I would suggest a minimum of 14-12 gauge steel (1/8"+) to work on puddle and speed. Knowing from experience, trying to start out with thin sheet metal as your first go around with TIG can be frustrating.