how close do i go??

[robdxr2]

Just started to try and tig some stainless its 1.5mm and i was running 38amps with a 1.5mm rod(tad big) with a number 7 cup my troubles are-

cant get a pool it only ever gets to a crescent shape.

no matter what i do it never gets a nice shine.

outside corners seem to get a kind of crust on them.

its brand new steel i first started wiping off with thinners but that made it worse then i started to use scotch pad on a grinder that helped a lot but ive been looking at posts and demos and thay all say to get close to the pool but i feel if i go any closer it will touch.

i feel as if im so close the welds look ok just never go a bright Finish im new to tig so may be something stupid im doing.

just starting to get frustrated a bit as i love the welding ive mig welded for years and its nice not to get the sparks all over the work bench and the odd one down the back of my neck.

any advice greatly appreciated

cheers rob

 

[mr migwire]

what gas are you using mate?

 

[mike os]

start with some thicker steel,

 

[robdxr2]

Its pure argon running 8 LPM

i would go with thicker material but we only use 1.5 at work and we have so much off cuts that make perfect test welds it seemed silly to get any other stainless.

 

[wyn]

With a 1.5mm rod you may be travelling too slow waiting for the rod to melt...this might be getting it all a bit too hot giving a dull finish.

 

[Richard.]

Current sounds in the ball park. Some pics would help. Make sure your using the correct gas and flow rate. Pure argon @ 6-8 lpm.

 

[robdxr2]

Was thinking that but as i cant get a pool to fully dip the rod in i just seem to go round in circles i turn the amps up to try and get the pool but then it really dulls off (still no full pool) i turn it back down and it all starts again i know i may need smaller rods but its the pool issue in scratching my head at.

 

[Richard.]

How is the tungsten prepped

 

[robdxr2]

Ground to a point i'd say to the shape of what a pencil would look like when sharpened

 

[robdxr2]

Will put some picks up tomorrow

 

[Brad93]

Pictures would help. At work I do a lot of outside corner joints in stainless 1mm and 1.5mm and the boss is quite tight when it comes to gas, so I think I'm just under 5lpm so the welds come out rather dull but its no matter as they all get ground off then the part is painted so no corrosion resistance actually required.
You need to setup some sort of aluminium or copper heat sink behind the weld, for example a big block of aluminium will allow you to run a bit hotter but move faster actually reducing the heat input, obviously you will need to add filler rod more frequently to satisfy the puddle. Your fit up needs to be consistent all the way down the joint to get a uniform appearance and penetration.
For outside corners if they need to look bang on a gas lens is going to help you get nice, clean shiny welds. Only a few quid for the associated parts from your welding supplier or the internet.

 

[robdxr2]

Sorry still no pics but got a gas lens yesterday and some 1 mm rods and with the first attempt it was so much better not the best looking welds as im still learning but thay have the shiny look you want and the filler rod is a lot better im not waiting for it to melt now so not getting it as hot.

i know its not much but its made my Christmas now i feel like im making progress a big thanks to all for the hints and tips.

hope you all have a good Christmas

 

[T0rnado69]

some 1 mm rods and with the first attempt it was so much better
im not waiting for it to melt now, so not getting it as hot.

i think that is the issue im having, trying 1.5mm stainless and its getting fairly hot, as the weld sinks through.

going to need to work out what settings to have it on and get some 1mm rods.