4T button

[buff]

Was explained how this works a couple of days back, but im sure there was a thread on here somewhere also outlining the info trying my hand at welding alloy at the moment with not great result's (must save for a footpeddle)

 

[wyn]

When a machine has 4t...and it's set to it....when you push the trigger the arc starts and keeps going...you have to push the trigger again to get it to stop.

 

[hotrodder]

As said it can be used to avoid holding the button down to weld (press and release to weld, press and release to stop) or it can be used to add control/confusion...

Press and hold to start arc (remains at start current), release to slope up, press and hold to slope down to crater current. The next bit may vary from machine to machine but releasing button now can shut the arc off or (depending on another setting like 'arc restarting') slope it back up to welding current- if used in this way it typically will only slope back up again if held at crater current for a few seconds- pressing and releasing quickly will cause it to slope out and switch off

 

[buff]

Just out of bed off to the shed to try again

 

[buff]

Mmmm think i'll stick with the 2T setting's

 

[big_d]

Re your comment on saving up for a pedalk : YES! I was playing around with ali welding (1-2mm) and blowing holes regularly. As soon as I got a pedal (home built) life was changed so much for the better. For thin sheet work, pedal is the only way.

I would be very interested in Tig Paul's comments; as an amateur, using a pedal makes life much more controllable.

BTW, I bought a Cebora to TIG ali, then I had to try mild steel; after welding ali, the steel is so much easier. Depends how your brain is wired, I started on ali and now will confidently fill holes on landie panels; it did take about 4 solid days of practice and about three quarters of a AP bottle of Argon!!!

 

[buff]

Im ok with 10mm alloy, but come unstuck on 2mm checker plate.

 

[wyn]

The trouble with chequer plate is if you are welding the patterned side you are probably welding some of the raised bits so the thickness will be going from 2mm to 4mm'ish all the time. This could cause loads of grief with settings.

 

[buff]

Thats a good point, Im not sure if some of the problem is im not using enough amps, so when it does finally get hot enough for a pool its melted. Ive tried a few bits of 2.5 to 3mm plain sheet and thats been not to bad other than the last 5mm of weld.

 

[wyn]

That is the problem with aluminium ....get to the end and it all disapears coz it's too hot. That's where a pedal comes in handy.

Maybe weld the last 1" first then start at the other end and weld up to it.

 

[buff]

Never thought of that will give it a go