Some progress pics of my TIG Stack o' Dimes

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Ive been TIG welding for about 1.5 months now, and have been working on getting more consistent uniform results. Im pretty happy with my progress, but the "stack of dimes" still has a way to go. Heres from tonight's practice.This is 3/16" cold rolled steel plate, 3/32 2% Theriated, 165 amps.
Reply:Chad,Looking pretty good.My "dimes" come out a little closer together on steel. Maybe slow down a little bit and don't advance your torch so far each time. Your spacing looks more like my aluminum welds.IanMiller Syncrowave 200
Reply:why is everyone so obsessed with the stack of dimes?Millermatic 211weldpack 3200 squirtgunsquare wave 200victory journeyman kitHypertherm 30xptoo much other crap to listtinkerer extraordinaire
Reply:I'd love to know that to kmaysob............I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:the "stack of dimes" obssesion/expression is to show a more uniform/even placement of filler metal. As you see in Chad s's pics the weld varies in uniformity. It's a good weld, Chad s, but, as previously mentioned, torch advancement was a tad "quick". Be patient,,you're getting it.
Reply:Originally Posted by kmaysobwhy is everyone so obsessed with the stack of dimes?
Reply:My suggestion, FORGET you ever heard the expression "stack o dimes"!Concentrate on the fundamentals:Consistency of width, height, HAZ, no undercut, no inclusions. The stack of dimes thing will follow with time naturally just let it happen.
Reply:maybe a little porosity here and there, a little shmootzy along both top and bottom tie-ins...surface crap off the plate?? how much argon are ya passin?
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloBecause...in today's economy, that shows you are wealthy!!!
Reply:the "stack of dimes" in some cases is considered a stress riser if the ridge sticks up far enough. id rather have a nice smooth bead.only thing worse than an ugly woman is an ugly weld
Reply:165 amps for 3/32 tungsten is WAY too hot.  I'd be running that around 90 to 100.  By the looks of that picture your weld is just 1 big undercut.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt80165 amps for 3/32 tungsten is WAY too hot.  I'd be running that around 90 to 100.  By the looks of that picture your weld is just 1 big undercut.
Reply:Does it call for that much heat for a 3/16 inch fillet weld, or just a stringer bead?  I can see for a fillet.  Have you tried it at abit lower heat?  Sorry about the undercut comment, just the picture I guess.  I think with lower heat you'd have more success and alittle more crown. Post more pics if you get a chance. THX
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt80165 amps for 3/32 tungsten is WAY too hot.  I'd be running that around 90 to 100.  By the looks of that picture your weld is just 1 big undercut.
Reply:snOborder88,He's using a Diversion.  Pedal's to the metal at 165A.Can't use amps you didn't buy.Shouldn't need that many amps for 3/16 plate.  Think he's just moving too fast and has too much spacing between dips. I agree with a previous poster, looks more like a bead on aluminum rather than steel.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:when someone says  1/8  6011 at 95 amps, we all know or can duplicate that . when someone says 3/32 tung, 3/16 ms plate at 165 amps, we dks because we dont know how much of the 165 the pedal was passing....we are behooved to leave the machine at max amps and use hell out of th epedal...but how could you describe that..?btw i use  3/32 tung all the time (ta185 )without problem..dont own a 1/8 collet body or anything bigger than 3/32.....
Reply:Originally Posted by El_Lloydeothe "stack of dimes" in some cases is considered a stress riser if the ridge sticks up far enough. id rather have a nice smooth bead.
Reply:perhaps you should call them then propulsion. any change in uniformity such as sharp ridges, undercut, square edges, even an arc strike is considered a stress riser. you should know that.only thing worse than an ugly woman is an ugly weld
Reply:Then wonder around a nuclear power station and see if you can find a stack Propulsion.   I can tell you the answer already.I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Originally Posted by El_Lloydeoperhaps you should call them then propulsion. any change in uniformity such as sharp ridges, undercut, square edges, even an arc strike is considered a stress riser. you should know that.
Reply:well the one at the top of the page does, and when i think stack of dimes thats what i think of is welds like the one in the picture at the top of the post. maybe you didnt read my first post, here i will copy it for ya. (the "stack of dimes" in some cases is considered a stress riser if the ridge sticks up far enough. id rather have a nice smooth bead.) in some cases. i consider that weld to be a bad weld. sorry to whoever made it. no offense.only thing worse than an ugly woman is an ugly weld
Reply:Originally Posted by wirehuntThen wonder around a nuclear power station and see if you can find a stack Propulsion.   I can tell you the answer already.
Reply:I dont consider that a stack of dimes. pic at top of post yeah. thats sure a pretty one goin around that corner.only thing worse than an ugly woman is an ugly weld
Reply:...Well...here's some INCONEL I welded...1,800 degree heat-exchanger stuff.....for AEROJET..... Attached ImagesDougspair
Reply:Originally Posted by El_LloydeoI dont consider that a stack of dimes. pic at top of post yeah. thats sure a pretty one goin around that corner.The dimes in that last pic do seem to be a bit far apart. That does appear as a series of tack welds one on top of the other. Now that second pic is real text book Very nice movement of the dimes around that corner.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.