Tig question???

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i use red and green  tungsten to weld mild steel. but as im welding... the tungsten starts sparking and a greenish tint comes off of it ...and my bead starts to bubble and look like crap..whats goin on here????
Reply:Green tungsten shouldn't be used for mild steel.
Reply:i use  either red or gold and when i get the results the OP is describing it means i have encountered contamination .nothing to do but grind, i believe..
Reply:Sounds like inadequate inert gas shielding.
Reply:it is either lack of shielding or contaminated base metal
Reply:Dump the green tungsten, sounds like your tip is disintegrating, and dropping into the puddle, contaminating the tungsten.  That green tint is your clue.Regards, KbnitI r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Go to the welding store and ask yo see a full package of tungsten.It is a cardboard box. On that box is a chart, and it tells you what the different color tungstens are to be used for. Don't just take my word for it.Green is for aluminum. red is 2% thoriated and is used on steel and stainless.If you are welding what looks like aluminum with a green tungsten and  there is a green glow that means the metal has a high zink content and you will need a special filler wire.This is common on weedeater engine cases.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 11-18-2008 at 08:04 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by kbnitDump the green tungsten, sounds like your tip is disintegrating, and dropping into the puddle, contaminating the tungsten.  That green tint is your clue.Regards, Kbnit
Reply:it seems to happen with the red tungsten also..??? thats why ive tried both.. the only reason i have green.. is because i went to the local AIRGAS store and told them i was tig weling steel and thats what they handed me... i knew nothing about tungsten at the time
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserSounds like inadequate inert gas shielding.
Reply:Inadequate gas shielding?  Watch your stickout and turn up your gas flow if its low.9 times out of 10 with new TIG welders, its contamination from welding on anything other than bright metal, i.e mill scale, rust, etc.  That other 1/10 times its usually him touching out and not noticing.
Reply:You may also be using too thin an electrode for the amps you welding at.A good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:A green tungsten is used for welding aluminum with a x-former welder. Since you're new to TIG, use red for everything; since you already have it. Notice the color of a newly ground tungsten's arc, it will be white / yellowish. Once it changes to greenish, stop and regrind. TIG doesn't like mill scale, it will pop and spark. Just one of those sparks hitting your tung will turn the arc green. A wire brush won't clean off mill scale, use a flap disk or grinding wheel. You can't use any filler either, for a quality TIG weld you must use ER70S rod. It has deoxidizers necessary for the TIG process.Yes, the green tinted arc is telling you the tungsten is contaminated.Use 100% argon ONLY, and 15-20 CFH flow. For now use a 3/32 or 1/8 tungsten.9 times out of 10 with new TIG welders, its contamination from welding on anything other than bright metal, i.e mill scale, rust, etc. That other 1/10 times its usually him touching out and not noticing. ^^^x2.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by son doobyplease explain... and how to fix?
Reply:thanks for the advice everyone! ... also....i dont understand the not using filler part...but anyways.. i tried sanding the piece im welding to a bright shiny finish... but i guess theres still contamination from somewhere
Reply:sanding aint enough, grind it down,, and post fotos..
Reply:Conatamination may be coming from the abrasive itself.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I said:You can't use any filler either, for a quality TIG weld you must use ER70S rod.You asked: Originally Posted by son doobythanks for the advice everyone! ... also....i dont understand the not using filler part...
Reply:I may be crazy, but what polarity are you using?  AC or DC.
Reply:Is it possible you are not welding mild steel?
Reply:well... DOM... and CR steel...ive also tried to run a bead on steel with no filler and it will work for a while but then the tungsten starts to deteriorate still.... so.. plus i do know the difference between AC and DC. but im also welding steel washers to DOM ... would that make a difference???
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadsanding aint enough, grind it down,, and post fotos..
Reply:Son Dooby, give us the machine, the setup you are using, the gas, the amps. If we know what you're using, we can make this a lot easier for you.As for the washer thing, if they are zinc coated or galvanized, this will cause epic greif for tig work.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloAs for the washer thing, if they are zinc coated or galvanized, this will cause epic grief for tig work.
Reply:im using a syncrowave 200..on 20 CFH ...100% argon on 125 amps for  mild steel plain washers to DOM tubing .. using er70s 1/16  filler ... 3/32 red tungsten...Originally Posted by son doobyim using a syncrowave 200..on 20 CFH ...100% argon on 125 amps for  mild steel plain washers to DOM tubing .. using er70s 1/16  filler ... 3/32 red tungsten...