316L to 316L TIG Welding?

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I’m preparing to TIG weld a bunch of 316L stainless elbows bends together that are .065” or 1/16” thick and would like to know the recommend settings for an inverter type welder that has DC and AC+DC Mix capability. I’m getting some conflicting results doing a web search so thought the question would be better asked with some experienced welders.Filler Rod:  316L 1/16” (1.6mm)Tungsten Electrode Diameter: 1/16” (1.6mm)Tungsten: 2% Ceriated or 1.5% Lanthanum or 2% Lanthanum ?Torch Cup Orifice Diameter:  1/4"-3/8” (6.4mm - 9.5mm)Polarity: DCENFrequency setting: ?Pulse setting: ?Amperage: 50 to 80Gas:  100%-Argon or Tri-mix 90%-He/7.5%Ar/2.5%CO2 ?Gas Flow Rate: 11-CFH to 20-PSIWelding Speed: 12-Inches per Min.
Reply:I had to use ceriated tungsten on one job, I hope I never have to use it again.Use straight argon for TIG welding, tri mix is for MIG.
Reply:Dont mean to sound negative but....with the questions your asking, it makes me wonder if your the right guy to be doing this job?What works best for you? Have you done this type of work before?For me, I'd forget about that frequency and pulse jargon...and use lift start or scratch start dc- with 2% thorium (red) tungsten. Amps would be the max I can run and keep it flowing without it getting out of control.These elbows....are they flat bar? round bar? angle ? If it is tubing or pipe, you will require a back purge to prevent sugaring/porosity.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I prefer a sharp 3/32" tungsten to a 1/16". Any of those tungsten flavors will work fine.Frequency? zero, you're running DC and if your machine does fast pulse I still wouldn't recommend that.If you do choose to use pulse run it at about 2.5pps and travel fast enough so that the pulses are creating a "stack of dimes" which overlap about 50%. Do around 130-150 amps depending on the joint type, with 25% peak time and 25% background current.I would recommend a gas lens setup with a 1/2" i.d. cup diameter for better argon coverage at about 15CFH.Straight argon.1/16" filler is on the large side. I'd recommend .035"-.045"Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:1/16" 316L1/16" thoriated tungstenCup sizes and flows- #4 10-15CFH #6 15-20CFH #8 20-30CFH. It can be higher/lower depending on the wind and stickout of the tungsten. The flows are what I have found works for me YMMV.Straight polarity-DCEN100% ArgonFor 1/16" Stainless I like from 40-60ampsAirco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Here is a thread with a lot of information about .065 wall SS tubing.  I think you will find it useful    http://weldingweb.com/showpost.php?p=1095581Depending on what  you are using the tubing for, you might be better off with fusion welding the joints.  A very close fit up is required.  Whether you are using filler or just fusing, the amperage you use depends on how experienced you are and how quickly you can move.  60-65 plus or minus will be a good starting point if you are experienced and can move right along.]1/16" 316L3/32" thoriated tungsten, sharpStraight polarity-DCEN100% Argon at 15-20 CFH[/QUOTE]
Reply:The 316L elbows are mostly all 90-degree angles from 2-inch to 3-inch inside diameter in size. Thanks for all the quick reply’s and yes I’m somewhat of a noob with a new 250-amp TIG welder and some past experience using my friends Miller syncrowave. I just want to make sure on all the settings before I start doing some practice welding with expensive stainless tubing.
Reply:You can practice on any mild steel or stainless chunk of .065 and get the technique down and carry it right over to the 316.