electrode size

[russian rocket]

welding some car body work .040. currently using 2.4mm electrode as it is the one which came with my kit (millar maxstar 150)

Seem to be doing just fine, although this electrode is apparently too big.

is there any advantage to getting a smaller electrode

thanks in advance

 

[irondarren]

if i remember the next size down is 1.6mm. The fatter the electrode the more amperage it will take, but the bigger the electrode the more amperage is required to keep a constant arc.

follow this link it might help www.migtigarc.co.uk/TIG_Welder/Intro_TIG_Welding.pdf

a few pages down it give ideal power settings for a given size electrode, must admit i use 2.4mm electrodes for most thing except when im running at the top end of the machine in the 200amps range then i swap for a 3.2mm

 

[dutchman]

If you experience trouble starting the arc, switching to a smaller electrode can help. This also follows from Darren's comment above I think.

 

[snowcat]

On a good set with a steady arc an oversize'd tungsten really wont make much diffrence. On a good set mind... , If its welding ok you really dont have any worries..