New to Tig, Help!

admin

I have zero tig experience. I just bought a really nice Miller Dialarc used. I still need to get a gas bottle and make a cooling system but pretty quick I'll be ready to start practcing.I realize there are phone book size books on the subject and don't expect to learn all there is to know but maybe you guys can get me started the right way as opposed to how I'll do if I try to figure out on my own.I've been years now trying to re learn what I taught myself how to do in the begining. With any luck you guys can get me going straight in the first place.Thanks a ton,Wayne
Reply:Are you going to be welding Tig, on what material, this will determain the type gas you need (Argon) most likely.  Give us a few more details of what you are going to try to do and I know you can get all the info you want on this site.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Hey Mike(jaded),To get started in TIG, those who have O/A experience will get the "hang" of TIG much easier & quicker than those who have not. The processes are similar...equip. is different. The Miller TIG book would be a good one to start to examine the parameters of TIG and steps towards getting proficient. Maybe consider a tech school or an evening college class to really get the understanding & terminology so you know what you are doing & why. My suggestion would be to stay strictly with steel until you have the finesse & can produce quality welds before engaging in aluminum which is a world into its' own. Your progress will be determined by the amount of practice you are willing to do. Even after 43 years, I still learn new techniques & practice to get proficient & produce quality welds. TIG is the artform of welding.Remember, every mistake is learning tool....that is how you get to understand all. Listen, we all make mistakes, boo-boos, crappy welds, and once frustration sets in.....STOP!!!! Give it a rest. It will come.....give it time & plenty of practice....ask questions.....Good Luck....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Denny has spoken the truth, I don't think anyone can give better advice than he did.  God luck  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Now Thats Some Great Advice I Wish I Had That When I Started. Good Job Denny.Jaded, Just Keep Your Cool And PracticeOne Day It Will Come To You If You Want It Bad EnoughBasic Settings Steel/ Dcen, 3/32 Red Tipped Tungsten Sharpened To A Point 1 1/2 Times The Diameter 125 Volts On The Pedal Will  Get You Started. You Can Use An Argon Gas At 28psi (thats What I Prefer)I Use A Hf Start (though Its Not Needed)Basic Settings Alum/ Ac, 3/32 Green Tipped Tunsten Not Sharpened It Will Ball Up On Its Own. Argon Gas Same Psi Bump Your Voltage Up To About 185 Thats A Great Setting (for Me Atleast) Make Sure That The Aluminum Is Very Clean Anyways There Is Alot More To Both Processes But I Think I Covered Them Good Enough For The Basics.Goodluck
Reply:Originally Posted by jaded13640I have zero tig experience. I just bought a really nice Miller Dialarc used. I still need to get a gas bottle and make a cooling system but pretty quick I'll be ready to start practcing.I realize there are phone book size books on the subject and don't expect to learn all there is to know but maybe you guys can get me started the right way as opposed to how I'll do if I try to figure out on my own.I've been years now trying to re learn what I taught myself how to do in the begining. With any luck you guys can get me going straight in the first place.Thanks a ton,Wayne