TIG arc gap?

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What arc gap should be used in TIG welding, or what kind of arc gap do you use?  Arc gap = distance from the tungsten tip to the surface of the weld joint.
Reply:I try to keep the tungsten about 1/8" ave. distance with most aluminum welding. With SS, on small parts, I can get in a little closer. I find that the most important thing, for me, is to get as consistent in the gap as I can. If I start super close, I try to stay that way for the weld. If I start a little far out, I will try to move in a touch, but I just try to stay consistent.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I try to stay around 1/16", i was always tought the closer the better --Gol'
Reply:Originally Posted by Go1lumI try to stay around 1/16", i was always tought the closer the better
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloYes, closer is better. I am not really sure how close I am getting...its' so hard to get a tape measure in there to check it!!!!
Reply:It depends.  Things such as filler metal size, thickness of material, etc, all factor in.  I will say it NEVER exceeds 1/8", typically 1/16th" or so.
Reply:One rod diameter is what it sez in the Lincoln book.  I find the closer to the work, the more control I have.  I usually use 3/32 electrode.I don't think 1/8" arc with a .040 tungsten would work too well.David.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David ROne rod diameter is what it sez in the Lincoln book.  I find the closer to the work, the more control I have.  I usually use 3/32 electrode.I don't think 1/8" arc with a .040 tungsten would work too well.David.
Reply:Originally Posted by Go1lumThat is to broad. Rods can come in sizes ranging from .023 and smaller up to larger than 1/4"
Reply:Yes, one electrode diameter.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:i learned the closer the better if you hold the electrode too far out you would direct heat over a broader area leaver a larger heat affected zone which in short is an area around the weld where the material's properties have been changed and may be weaker than the bead you are laying.
Reply:Originally Posted by noobiexi learned the closer the better if you hold the electrode too far out you would direct heat over a broader area leaver a larger heat affected zone which in short is an area around the weld where the material's properties have been changed and may be weaker than the bead you are laying.
Reply:Well said noobiex, did you learn that in school?  By the way, WELCOME.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserI assume David R is referring to the tungsten electrode (rod) diameter?Are you also referring to the electrode Go1lum?
Reply:i learned that from school with my thick welding bible and countless tensile tests