My first welds

[knoba]

Inspired by mickjbriggs & migmags excellent welding - I fired up my new TIG for the first time today since buying it 2 weeks ago. (I've been v. patiently waiting for this day).



My first weld was that blob on the right - I wanted to see how HF works. (Still can't believe it!). The run on the left is with the correct tungsten type & settings.



Third weld.

Parent metal 3mm x 25mm FS 304L stainless.
Lap weld.
1.6mm 316LSi filler, 1.6mm tungsten, 12cfm.

I thought it was just like Oxy. (that'll all be the machine then!) It was my first time with the TIG process. I'll get there in the end!

 

[oceanobsession]

Re my first welds

very nice indeed i would like to see them in a few months

 

[Wozzaaah]

Good work Knoba, you're heading the right way!
Looking at both the pics you have quite a lot of undercut and quite a concave bead, maybe you used a tad too many amps?
Just for future reference, it's quite handy to list the current or voltage setting, makes it easier for people to say up/down a bit.
I'm sure the more experienced tig welders on here will be able to give you some more pointers.
Still worthy of a round of applause though .

 

[snowcat]

Amps are too high the crater at the beginning is a dead giveaway, also the undercut, with less amps your be able to keep a much tighter narrower bead...Im also guessing it was uphill struggle to push enough filler in, try and move forward steady and dip forward dip forward, (TAKE YOUR TIME) I tend to half walk the cup and feed from the bottom on a joint like that, but would not recommend that to start...are you foot pedal or fixed amps BTW...

No criticism pal, good for a first try just some pointers

 

[knoba]

Thanks guys! (embarrassed)

Hey Wozzaaah you're always tiptop! I was on 110a with no foot pedal. Learning the machine's interface has to be the hardest part, at the moment, for me. TBH I was so excited, I couldn't stop shaking and had to put the welder away after those 2 pics. Did feel good though!

snowcat - I'm chuffed, beyond measure, to be getting pointers from forum members. If other folks like to take offence they shouldn't be here. Joint was effortless. Filler came in from low angle - just not enough quantity i guess? I also couldn't remember to hold the torch over the weld at the end... etc etc, I made so many mistakes it was comical. If any part of those welds are good it's totally down to the machine!

Oxy Ac welding has always been my favourite process for feel, control and appearance and it now looks, to me, like there may be a new kid (TIG) on the block. It's v. exciting!

 

[fingers99]

It's looking good, nowt at all to be worried about and glad you're having fun! Don't you miss the smell of acetylene, though?

A couple of weeks and they'll be stunning!

 

[Nathan]

They look sweet for first TIG welds!