I'm just getting started out with TIG welding and I have a couple of questions. I spent most of the afternoon yesterday doing Jody from Welding Tips and Tricks "Steel Drill". 6mm thick bar, 50mm wide. Weld across, switch to the left hand, weld back, rinse and repeat.
Machine settings were:
Machine settings were:
- Fronius magic wave 2600 with WP26 torch
- 7 lpm pure Argon.
- 100A with no pedal. 2T mode with 5s up ramp and 5s down ramp.
- Trying to get moving within 3 seconds of pressing the trigger as he suggests.
- 2.4mm tungsten and 1.6mm filler rod.
- Cleaned steel with flap disc initially. Steel and filler cleaned with acetone immediately before welding.
- The welds are looking a dull grey rather than the brighter bead I'm used to with the MIG. Is this normal? Sometimes the welds look a little "grainy" too.
- I was finding 1 dab per second about right and I was consistently getting 30 dabs across the 50mm with the left and the right hand. Does this sound like the right ball park for speed?
- Finally, the machine came with the picured rather dirty looking ceramic on it. Is this an issue or is it purely cosmetic? Lot's of people talk about using a gas lens setup and the dealer who supplied the machine suggested switching to one once I get my eye in. Is this a good move for a beginner?