what are the basic motions of TIG torch handling and filling

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Yeah I know I can go through and read the old posts and it's very basic stuff.  I just want some advice before going at the metal with no idea what the plan of attack should be.
Reply:I would suggest to start going at it.  I watched 3 different videos and everyone seemed to hold the torch a different way.  I tried what I thought was good and did not work for me.  Then I tried holding just the back end of the torch for fillets welds and I had more control that any other way.It really just depends on what type of joint your welding.  There really is not just one special way, it's whatever works best for you in my opinion.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:my first build will be a "GIXXERCART"  I have a small indy style frame and an 06 suzuki GSXR 600 motor.   It will take lots of fabrication and quality structure welds but should be FUN.  I have done oxy brazing for years so I guess tig is very similar.  That is why I went with that process.Last edited by Gappa; 02-16-2008 at 12:17 AM.
Reply:I just jumped in from brazing to TIG a couple of years ago. I'd done stick welding 10 years before that but had no real recollection of it. Grab some scrap and have a go - 5mm or 1/4" thick is good, it'll let you get the idea without melting through and it's really easy to weld.
Reply:watching the robots weld is an interesting clue to see minute motions such as a back and forth "stitching"
Reply:(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((1/4" lined paper and fill in the line with circles this will give you alittle practice in the action you can use and adjust from there .Life is tuff,so be sharp  lincoln sp 100  cutmaster101  miller bobcat  miller 250 mig  $thousands in snapon
Reply:Actually, I try to keep a steady hand, and just push across the workpiece as smoothly as I can. The timing of the dips and dipping in the right spot are what get you the best welds. Usually adding filler from the upper/ lower side of the leading edge of the pedal. Too much flailing away with the torch, and you'll look a lot like that drum solo in the off topic section. And the welds won't be nearly as good as if you just go smooth and steady as possible.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 RojodiabloToo much flailing away with the torch, and you'll look a lot like that drum solo in the off topic section.
Reply:Get comfortable and practice, or dry run the pass before beginning.  Getting situated and comfortable can make a huge difference in torch control.And as mentioned - just run continuous.ScottHaul a bike without straps - visit  www.mxtras.com  to see how!
Reply:try not to pull the filler out of the shielding gasbut dont touch it to the tung eitherlike said above its mostly timing in the dip just practice , practice ....
Reply:I just bought a TIG machine at the first of the year and recieved this advice from a professional that  helped immensely:Controlling your total heat input is everything   This is a combination of arc energy, and travel speed. Establish the puddle.  Floor the pedal.  Watch the puddle get fluid.  Back out of the pedal.  Watch the puddle "freeze".  Learn to control your puddle with the pedal.  Then learn how changing the angle or the torch affects the puddle. While you are learning, I would suggest running beads Autogenously (no filler metal) across some of your scrap pieces to get an idea of what is going on and how heat affects Aluminum.  It reacts very differently than mild steel.  You are going to have to push it, and have the metal "sag out" on you, ie - have whole huge chunks fall on the floor, a few times, until you learn a feel for where that fine line is. After you learn heat input to establish and maintain the puddle, and co-ordinating what you see with how your foot controls the amptrol (pedal) you won't have to think about it. This is a good time to learn the next step of adding filler metal in the midst of everything else going on.
Reply:I'm also a novice welder. To add on to what TxDoc said:When starting out, dont bother trying to feed filler rod yet.  The best I can describe the motion is imagine holding a pen, and making a line of dots on paper - dot - lift - dot - lift - dot ... except you dont touch down, you pause the torch, see the puddle form, then move to make the next puddle.  Just practice making a line of puddles, getting the motion right, maintaining the torch angle, getting used to seeing the arc, seeing each puddle develop, until you can achieve that "row of dimes" bead, again without filler.When you can easily make that "row of dimes" line of puddles, then try it with filler.  When you see the puddle form, dip (actually just touch) the rod to the puddle edge (you dont want to crowd and risk touching the tungsten), then move to the next puddle, touch, next puddle, touch, and so on.Once you get this down, then you can start concentrating on keeping the end of the filler rod inside the gas bubble, as you move in and out of the puddle.  But for now the two excersizes above will get you going.JeffLINCOLN IdealArc Tig 300/300LINCOLN SP135+ MigNAPA buzz boxHARRIS Oxy-Acetylene Torch SetMILLER  and Harbor Freight AD HelmetsHarbor Freight Tig, Plasma & Spot
Reply:Very helpful.  I am following you guys now and after studying welds more closely the dip and stop makes sense.  I will play with steel first since it is a little more forgiving than aluminum.