First goes.........

[slim_boy_fat]

Finally got a chance to have a go with the TIG today, pic below of runs with comments/explanations - feel free to dive in with criticisms/comments/advice

1) forgot to turn on the gas......
2) no filler rod used
3) tungsten got into weld pool and 'balled'
4) best of the lot, I think
5 & 6) filler rod getting short, fingers getting HOT
9) travel speed all to Hell

 

[CKJDJK]

I don't tig. You are the best judge. You can see the problem and the answers are here. Turn on gas, use filler rod, dont bury the tungsten, try to copy this, use longer filler or get better gloves, work on getting a constant travel speed and adjust other parameters to suit. Practice , practice etc. From your results you can do it. Wish I had the gear to try. Bet my results would be a lot worse.

 

[Richard.]

1) turn on the gas
2) always use filler on steel
3) keep a tight arc but not that tight lol.
4) looks the biz get em all like that
5/6 ) don't be tight and get a new rod
7/8) getting there
9) time for a cuppa.

 

[eSCHEn]

Four is defo the best mate. You're doing what MIG people do with TIG and feeding in when she's not hungry That's why your bead looks so regular. Good job actually but only feed the puddle when it's hungry, that's where you get the regular pennies from. That's my take anyway mate, IANAW

 

[Maker]

Not a bad start.

What thickness is it and how many amps were you using?

It's easier to learn without filler rod but it's worth noting that it contains deoxidisers and alloying elements that make the weld cleaner and stronger.

 

[sixtwoeight]

Ive been practising for a couple of months whenever i get an hour spare, so take what i say and forget it. At the start mine were not as good as yours. No.4 is the best, i tend to pause as i dip the filler in, maybe you arent pausing but pulling constantly so you arent getting the individual beads?? At least you have described the faults so you know what to do next time. Good luck and keep practising.

 

[Richard.]

I say really don't worry about looking for a stack of dimes.
If the filler is small enough and happily been chomped into the pool without hindering then the lay wire technique is fine for now.
Produce a good few no 4's by concentrating on keeping a steady consistent pace and watching the length of your arc.
Always use filler. It's not a good practice really doing it without because there is not many instances where you'll weld without.
It's entirely up to you but I would not worry about things like finger feeding, out of position, fillets, outside corners, stacks of dimes, expensive metals, thin metals until you can replicate a good run on a shiny plate over and over.
Glad the little torch is doing good.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Thanks lads, I appreciate the comments and encouragement As said, practise is going to be the answer.

What thickness is it and how many amps were you using?

2mm and around 45A with 1.6mm tungsten and filler rod.

 

[eSCHEn]

Still think no four is a damn good go indeed. Very neat and tidy. Well done matey

 

[tinman123]

this calculator might be of some help.
https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-setting-calculators/tig-welding-calculator

 

[Crater Creator]

SlimBoyFat,
Yep you are about the same stage as me!
Richard gives some great advice.
I can't advise on technique as I'm still a learner but well done for having a go. I'm with you on this....

 

[slim_boy_fat]

2mm and around 45A with 1.6mm tungsten and filler rod.

@Maker

Edit: Make that 75A - I overlooked the fact that the min mark on the dial represents the machine's bottom output of 30A and not zero.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Been practising a bit more, speed of torch and rod filling seem to be the problem although I've sussed the business of the tungsten sticking when starting the arc.

On the plus side, I've become quite expert at sharpening tungstens........

 

[Richard.]

On the plus side, I've become quite expert at sharpening tungstens........

Yep there is a trade off. As you get better at welding your grinding skills drop below crap

 

[Brad93]

Try and use a larger piece of steel plate it looks like that practice piece is becoming heat soaked