First go at TIG, so what mistakes am I making?

[HasBean]

Got my new torch from Steve (Weldequip)(thanks mate) to plug into my inverter to try scratch start, d*ckhead here forgot all about rods (no, can't find any for sale here) so just ran the torch over a bit of 1.5mm ish.
I have no idea about tig so used a 1.6mm grey rod and a no.5 ceramic/shroud whatever, with about 3/16" proud of the shroud & 50 Amps. Found it very easy to strike but stuck the rod a couple of times and had to regrind. Not sure how far off the surface to hold the rod, think it was too close as I couldn't see much so lifted it a bit higher and could see a 'cone' and the weld pool. Only thing is the width of the weld is under 1/8" (bearing in mind there is no filler used), thought it would leave a wider weld but has penetrated through the plate.
After 5 mins I ran out of gas (at £14 for disposables a shot!!!) so have given up for now. Tried 60A but you'll see where it burned through.
Found it quite theraputic, similar to gas in a way so I'll try again once gas and filler available.
So guys what should I be doing?, any comments/p*sstaking gratefully received.

Paul

 

[irondarren]

practice makes perfect but at £14 a disposable thats a little expensive. 60amps is possibly a little high on 1.5mm sheet unless you can move the torch fast enough.. But for a first attempt it isnt that bad

 

[shenion]

Looks good. I find thin metal harder. My first tries were with 1/8" steel and Al: "Gee this is easy". Then tried thin and it was a whole different game.

I added a footpedal, it makes it easier as you control the speed, not the weld pool dictating how fast you move.

 

[Dr who]

A few tips

Hi, with TIG it is as said before practice makes perfect.
But heres a few pointers...

a. 60 Amps is far too high for 1,5mm steel, try 30 - 40.
b. If you are using lift tig not hf ignition you will need to regrind, very regularly to maintain a stable, accurate arc.
c. The metal will need to be very clean. The mill scale on mild steel will create a llot of fizzing.
d. you will need filler rod when doing runs on the flat of a workpiece.(why not order online? i use micraft-welding) Though a good way to practice is to create a 90 degree joint leaving a "lip" about .8mm above and use that to fuse the two pieces together.
d. dont practice when you have a hangover! too shakey
e. If you do stainless steel remove the plastic so that it dosn,t even heat up, if gives off deadly fumes and will make you ill after a while.;

Keep trying.