Hi all, I have no welding experience of any kind and have just started learning how to TIG weld. I've been practising on 2mm steel strips with no filler, just focusing on getting a good arc and puddle control.
I think I've got the settings right and feel like I'm getting ok looking results but could you cast your knowledgeable eyes over my practice welds and let me know if they are ok and any hints and tips.
I think I should be using more power, maybe 60 amps? I've been using the chart here - https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/tig-calculator.htm
A specific issue I know I am having is pin-pricks in the weld at the start and end of the weld. I've tried staying longer at the start, moving quicker at the start, and modulating power to tail off at the end with the foot pedal but can't stop it.
Here's the setup for these welds:
R-Tech TIG Welder AC/DC 160 Amp
1.6mm purple tungsten sharpened to a point on a grinder used only for the tungsten
Stick out equal to cup internal width
No. 6 cup
6 lpm gas flow with HobbyWeld pure argon
40 Amps
About 5 secs post flow
About 2 seconds Up-slope and Down-slope
No pulse
2T using foot pedal (but tbh it's mostly being used as just a big on-off switch at the moment)
20 x 2mm mild steel strip
Cleaned off with a flap wheel that's only used for cleaning mild steel
Surface wiped down with acetone
I think I've got the settings right and feel like I'm getting ok looking results but could you cast your knowledgeable eyes over my practice welds and let me know if they are ok and any hints and tips.
I think I should be using more power, maybe 60 amps? I've been using the chart here - https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/tig-calculator.htm
A specific issue I know I am having is pin-pricks in the weld at the start and end of the weld. I've tried staying longer at the start, moving quicker at the start, and modulating power to tail off at the end with the foot pedal but can't stop it.
Here's the setup for these welds:
R-Tech TIG Welder AC/DC 160 Amp
1.6mm purple tungsten sharpened to a point on a grinder used only for the tungsten
Stick out equal to cup internal width
No. 6 cup
6 lpm gas flow with HobbyWeld pure argon
40 Amps
About 5 secs post flow
About 2 seconds Up-slope and Down-slope
No pulse
2T using foot pedal (but tbh it's mostly being used as just a big on-off switch at the moment)
20 x 2mm mild steel strip
Cleaned off with a flap wheel that's only used for cleaning mild steel
Surface wiped down with acetone