Tig Aluminum Question

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I've been using EastWood Tig 200, and been practicing beads on some 1/16 5x5 plates, around 90amps, with a 2% 3/32 lanthanated tungsten. I sharpen the tungsten to a crayon shape and works OK but im still learning, im askin how to get the ball tip on this tungsten, thanks for your help
Reply:how do i set welder to Dcen?
Reply:Don't try to ball the tungsten.  That's old-school thinking like was recommended for my transformer welder. You've got an inverter welder, just weld with the taper you've ground and have at it Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by Nberg03how do i set welder to Dcen?
Reply:Ummm...the whole point of using lanthanated is to NOT ball the tip of the tungsten.  IGNORE THE MANUAL.  The chinese factory that builds these machines assumes you are going to run a pure tungsten electrode, which utterly sucks on these inverter welders.  It is not necessary to weld aluminum with a ball on the tungsten tip on an inverter welder.  It is simply a byproduct of heating up a pure tungsten electrode because it cannot carry as much current as other tungsten blends.  Maintaining a sharp point helps to initiate the arc, minimize the amount of re-sharpening during the welding process, holds a tigher arc for when you are welding inside corners and T-joints, and it helps grow manly hair on your chest.To set the machine to DCEN, flick the red switch from "AC" to "DC".Last edited by Oscar; 07-02-2013 at 02:30 AM. 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
Reply:As said above, no need.Take a look and feel at the tip of your tungsten before and after you weld with it for a while.  Use a magnifying glass.  There will be a tiny ball at the tip of your point, especially if you turn the amps up.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:thanks for info fellas, here are some practice beads. i know i need to work on my wire hand.. any other suggestions will be cool,  was playin around between 70-90 amps on 1/16 aluminumthanks for any output. Attached Images
Reply:some more Attached Images
Reply:should my beads be much smaller for this thickness of metal?
Reply:With your inverter machine you can use 1/16 Cereated, 2% Thoriated for AC up to 180 amps with a gas lens and 6 cup......For what your doing .060 filler should be fine. Try spacing your DABS a little farther apart.....Last edited by B_C; 07-02-2013 at 07:00 PM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:im using a 3/32 2% lanthnated
Reply:im using a regular wp17 torch and a regular #6 cup, do i need a gas cup?Last edited by Nberg03; 07-02-2013 at 09:15 PM.
Reply:iv actually been using a 1.5% lanthanated tungsten, what difference would that make?
Reply:You don't NEED a gas lens, but they give you better gas coverage while consuming less gas. A little more $$$ than standard cups / collet bodies but they pay for themselves quickly.Note: in addition to the gas lens and cup, you also need an extra teflon washer that goes between the back of the cup and the torch head. The actual collets are the same.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedNote: in addition to the gas lens and cup, you also need an extra teflon washer that goes between the back of the cup and the torch head. The actual collets are the same.John
Reply:http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIG-gas-lens...item27c959a603think this set would work with my torch?
Reply:with a gas lens should i still keep the psi between 10-15 flow
Reply:Originally Posted by Nberg03with a gas lens should i still keep the psi between 10-15 flow
Reply:Why do alot of the gas lenses neck down so far at the business end. I can see that for tight spots but it seems like they would decrease the coverage area too much, especially for stainless.OzDynasty 200DXMiller 210 Spooly
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyOzWhy do alot of the gas lenses neck down so far at the business end. I can see that for tight spots but it seems like they would decrease the coverage area too much, especially for stainless.Oz
Reply:I was thinking more like the CK gas saver types with the super large pyrex cups as compared to the pink ceramic type.OzDynasty 200DXMiller 210 Spooly
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyOzI was thinking more like the CK gas saver types with the super large pyrex cups as compared to the pink ceramic type.Oz
Reply:And that makes perfect sense. Do the gas lenses in the link below have a larger base diameter than a standard cup (non lense)?http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIG-weld-wel...item2ea44ad9a8It seems like the ones pictured in the link would not be appropriate for stainless because they are all necked down and the puddle would not be in the gas envelope long enough. Just guessin.OzLast edited by DirtyOz; 07-06-2013 at 11:48 AM.Dynasty 200DXMiller 210 Spooly
Reply:Look up jody's video on you tube called "aluminum welding drill". Try stacking beads on top of each other. They will start to look kinda decent when you have covered your plate front and back. Just keep laying beads and put in some hours. Good luck and stick it out.2 invision 456 mp, 456 pheonix, 3 hypertherm 1250, Hypertherm 45,Dynasty 200dx, Millermatic 210 w/ spoolgun, Bobcat 250, 12vs extreme, slugger dry cut saw, slugger mag drill, O/A rig, Piles of tools
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyOzAnd that makes perfect sense. Do the gas lenses in the link below have a larger base diameter than a standard cup (non lense)?http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIG-weld-wel...item2ea44ad9a8It seems like the ones pictured in the link would not be appropriate for stainless because they are all necked down and the puddle would not be in the gas envelope long enough. Just guessin.Oz