Help me get better at TIG

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Hi Fellas,I apologize in advance if there is a dedicated technique critique thread.I just ran my first beads with my TIG machine yesterday and I can already spot some deficiencies that I'm not sure how to fix.Running DC, 75-90 amps, HF start, 1/16 thoriated, 1/16 filler, 0.5 preflow, 7.0 postflow, 10-15 CFH ArgonThe main things that bothered me are the crater at the end of the bead, the occasional cracks in the bead, and the fact that the bead is so high instead of being wider. I tried adjusting the end amps so that it tapered off to 5 amps at the end but that didn't work either. It seems like it's more a technique problem than a setting on the machine.I tried to let the puddle wet out a little but that just made the weld crater in worse. I tried adjusting the argon flow down a little bit because I thought maybe it was blowing that hole in the bead at the end but that didn't help either. How can I fix these issues?Last edited by doojus; 03-21-2015 at 10:05 AM.Lincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:Way too cold...More heat and learn to use the pedal.....It will not happen overnight but ya gotta start somewhere.The craters at the end is a matter of going around in circles about the size of a match head and adding filler as you let off the pedal.You want a "Tit"...not a hole....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:You should get 1.750 x6 x1/8 and set them up like a t joint or butt joint or lap joint and weld them. Use 3/32 tungsten. If you ever so slightly bump that 1/16 tungsten to anything it goes to crap. Use #5 or 6 cup with 13 cfh and about 7 to 8 second post flow or more if your around 125 amps. Keep the tungsten close at you can and whatch for under cutting also. You should be using 110 amps or more
Reply:Number one rule in welding.Watch a lot of Jody's videos first..https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqq...j4-UApS_m_6mPwJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I'm gonna be sooo disappointed after my first few weld beads after watching Jody all this time I've got it down in my head, my hands on the other hand
Reply:Thanks fellas.I've been watching Jody's videos for about 3 months. I've probably heard "Hey there it's Jody from welding tips and tricks" about 100 times I turned the amps up to 110 and used 3/32 tungsten, and also started feeding a little wire in at the end to stop the crater in the bead, so those tips all helped a bunch.I still have a couple of questions:I've been using the machine's pulse setting instead of the pedal, is this a bad practice? I figured it would be best to start with the machine taking care of that and get holding the torch down and feeding the filler.If I dip my tungsten in the puddle or ball the tungsten up should I just stop and fix it or try to keep going? Seems like once the tip is smoked I might as well stop and fix it.Lincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusIf I dip my tungsten in the puddle or ball the tungsten up should I just stop and fix it or try to keep going? Seems like once the tip is smoked I might as well stop and fix it.
Reply:I am new also, I keep a couple already ground tungstens near me so I dont have to get up and grind them. A big thing for me was to get a magnifier for my welding helmet. I always had trouble seeing the puddle before it.
Reply:Do I need to shut down the machine before changing out the tungsten? For some reason doing it while the machine is on triggers that "don't do that, you could die" reaction in my brain.Lincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:If you are using a foot pedal and thus HF start, then the tungsten is not electrically hot when not welding and can be removed without shutting the machine down. 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