Hmmm newby trigger having a few problems.....

[dobbslc]

I've recently started tig welding, I've been practicing on 2-4mm mild steel but have been having trouble with burning through it and the arc jumping about a bit, also the filler doesn't want to melt into to pool until the work has melted.
I could do with some pointers on tungsten types , filler rod etc and well anything else that might help.

I've got a old Lincoln Norweld DC machine with hf start and a foot pedal.
I'm using gold 1.6mm tungstens and have been grinding them on my bench grinder on stones I've used for everything else, is this a bad thing?
I've used various size cups with no real noticeable difference.
Argon gas at between 5-9 lpm.
I'm also having trouble seeing what I'm doing, I'm a lefty so what's best as far as torch angles etc?
I think I need to go back to basics with new consumables that I know work together but what to use?
Rob

 

[Richard.]

Give your wheel a dress up. It's probably a tiny tiny part of your problem but a clean wheel for tungsten grinding is a better way really. For 2.5 steel Id be around 70 amps give or take on the joint. No 7 cup will be fine. 1.2 filler size A15 mild steel rods Should be great. Grind your tungsten point nice and narrow which the Point length should be 2-3 times the diameter.
Torch angle around 10 degrees off vertical pushing the pool along and add filler into the front edge. Keep your arc tight. By tight I mean no more than a couple mm from the pool. This is the biggest key to a half decent success. Good luck Rob. You know your not far from me if you want to make some arrangements like a few other members have in the past. I may be able to help. Pm if you wish to arrange some tuition.

 

[cocker]

Go and see Richard .

 

[Richard.]

Go and see Richard .

Cheers buddy. Hope your keeping well.

 

[dobbslc]

Wow thanks for the reply and kind offer of help Richard!
I sometimes work in Great Dunmow near Stanstead airport so probably not too far off.
I'm the first in my group of friends that is trying tig welding so I've got no-one to ask for help.
I would be nice to know if it's me, the machine or my prep that's causing problems so I might take you up on the offer.

 

[Brad93]

Going and seeing Richard is probably the best use of your time, you will learn so much in a few hours.

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Going and seeing Richard is probably the best use of your time, you will learn so much in a few hours.

I Second this...im considering going again!

 

[dobbslc]

Just realized I've put trigger instead of tigger in the title! Doh can't seem to change it now though. Anyway "thanks for the advice Dave"...

 

[dobbslc]

I've had another go this week but still no real improvement! I tried welding some 2mm together but still burnt though a couple if times then had a gk at some 0.8 onto a bit of 2mm it came out OK in a couple of places but I had trouble getting the filler
(1.6mm) to melt before the steel...
Would it be worth trying some 1mm filler rod?
I've now got through a 20 litre bottle of gas without producing a weld I could use on my bike project!
Noods if you're reading this I feel your pain man!

 

[Brad93]

You're starting far too thin many people struggle with 0.8mm

You need to start at 2mm then work down.
Then chucking thick to thin you're just asking for trouble.

 

[Brad93]

If you've done 20l of gas you should be progressing. You probably need a bit of tuition or a watchful eye over your shoulder.

 

[Brad93]

Erm, what?

I thought that was the idea, get the base metal into a molten pool, then add the filler.

Have I completely misunderstood or are you trying to melt the filler before the base?

What he is saying g is the material is thinner than the filler, when he adds the filler he will chill the base material and the filler will ball back.

Need greater control of the puddle and thinner filler wire will help.

 

[Richard.]

I read it as your struggling to generate a pool before your through it in which case the filler had no part to play as it was too late! Is that right?
0.8 is (on the grand scheme of things) not thin but it's too thin to be trying to join to 2mm material if your just starting out. 1.6 filler is too thick for that also. Id be at around 55-60 amps with a 1mm filler for that. Brads right! Why challenge yourself before getting 2-2 sorted. Again 60 amps 1mm -1.2mm filler and go no thinner till that's in the bag. Id have a lump of 3-4 mm flat bar and just cover it in runs till things start to feel right. Tuition makes a big difference to iron out bad technique if you can get some.

 

[God mode restorations]

My advise would be to go and see Richard as I did...I came away happy and learned massive amounts and helped me big time..

 

[Tigman]

Go see the Oracle !

 

[Tigman]

dobbslc Ive just noticed your in Hertfordshire PM me as im a bit nearer than Richard I may be able to shed a bit of light on it for you

 

[Richard.]

Go see the Oracle !

Not me. I don't have "Tig" in my name

 

[Tigman]

I might not be a man for all you know !

 

[Richard.]

@dobbslc
I have noticed through your thread lots of struggling words but no pics. The confusion with your explanation is more to do with the fact we have nothing to visualise or comment on. Makes help and advise more tricky.