need help with tig!!

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hey,Right I've orderd a colt 1300 tig inverter - It's the first time I've welded using TIG, and im going to be making BMX bike frames made from 1430 cromoly the guy at the shop i orderd from has sent me a pack of filler its to weld on cromoly its something ed im not to sure but anyway down to business.How do you tig weld?I was told to move the filler slowly in tight circular motions and was told buy another guy to dab the filler in out in out and so on?please tell me about the right/strongest way.thanks alot.-Ryan
Reply:Ryan,it's very ambitious of you to wanting to jump right into TIG welding of bike frames!  You may want to do a couple of inches of practice flat on the table, before arcing on your first bike!When you do get started, post some of your welds, and you'll get lots of advice.Here's a start, get the joint fit-up as precise as possible with no gaps, maintain a constant tip to work distance around 1/16", and dip/retract the filler rod in a rhythmic frequency.
Reply:I would probably practice before making any frames...which I'm sure you're going to do. Your best bet is to look online for books and or videos/dvd's. If you've welded with an Oxy/Acetylene setup, then it's similar. If not, search for the above, give it some practice, review again and then practice again. Miller and Lincoln have some short clips on Tig, check their site for reference.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:You probably mean 4130.  I don't know how thin that tubing is but you really need a light touch with that stuff.  Cutting, fitting, and holding in position is going to be very important.  From my view I would say a three to six month time frame with lots of  practice to get in the groove.  I did a lot of .020 wall chrome moly tubing at one time and it takes lots of concentration.  If you already know how to O/Acet. weld, you will be ahead of the game.
Reply:yeah thanks im going to be practicing, ive only ever done abit of mig and brazing -  so yeah its a big jump im going to be practicing at school and see how it all goesthanks alot-Ryan
Reply:move the torch and dap the filler  keep filler in shielding gas watch puddle  realy easy  but takes practice  make puddle add filler move good  luck ryan you can do it go slow  walk  then run practice  practice
Reply:post pics..thats the best way to see what you will try to describe...we will help..thats what we're here for.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:hey thanks alot everyone, my welder comes in the mail today im alowed to have alook out of the box mabey but cant use till x mas day grranyway i got a 90amp cermont colt 1300 tig they any good? i nealry got a clarke but there where non ein stuck plus about a 100 doller diferance - i dont have the money for a miller sadley  but does anyone use a cermont colt 1300? thanks -RyanLast edited by Ryan B; 12-13-2006 at 03:36 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Ryan Bhey thanks alot everyone, my welder comes in the mail today im alowed to have alook out of the box mabey but cant use till x mas day grranyway i got a 90amp cermont colt 1300 tig they any good? i nealry got a clarke but there where non ein stuck plus about a 100 doller diferance - i dont have the money for a miller sadley  but does anyone use a cermont colt 1300? thanks -Ryan
Reply:I just skimmed this one over so I am sorry if I repeat what others have said. I have welded a bunch of chrome-moly which is 4130 (I think you said 1340?) ,but we know what you mean. As Mentioned gas welding is certainly a good option, it used to be the only accpeted way to weld it, and still there are old timmers, that will only gas weld the stuff. I think it is really the best way if you are good with the torch. The pre-post heat of the torch during the welding process with gas is a good thing-lots of old air frames still flying around that were gas welded. As far as tig. Clean wire brush,accetone, and very inportant---- fit up the joints perfectly if you can do so. The fit will spare you alot of grief, the edges of the tube like to burn away if not butted up proper, not to mention you can't weld air, so try not to leave any gaps.Dan.Repair Specialties LLC
Reply:Ryan B, What kind of welder did you get? Do you have a link?? Thanks.