New Tig has arrived, where do I start!?

[franky]

I've just got an R-tech 161 ac/dc unit, where should I start!??

I've collected a 5ft bottle of pure argon so that should last a while

However regarding all the control knobs on the front, what are good settings as I try to learn how to use it?

 

[Shox Dr]

I has to be said there are loads of past threads asking the same question. The TIG section is full of them. Start by reading up on the functions, what they do, and how they effect each other. TIG is so different from MIG in that you need to control the distance from the work piece with both wire and tungsten. So once you understand the functions I would suggest concentrating on keeping the tungsten a constant distance from the work piece, so leave the filler wire alone for now. Take a peice of CLEAN sheet steel and practice just that.

While reading up on the functions practice feeding wire, through your hand, a length wire 500mm is good as any longer and it waves about too much. That way once you have mastered tungsten distance you don't have to master feeding the wire.

Add the two together and you will find it a lot easier

Have fun

 

[franky]

A very good point, i've got to get my garage in order first too.

 

[langy]

Obvious I know but some get it wrong so make sure the torch is negative

 

[Paul.]

Have read through the TIG welding tutorial and the TIG welding FAQ, and a good read through the tig forum, there will be plenty there to get you started, then find yourself some 2 or 3mm thick material to practice on before you move on to thinner stuff, turn off the pulse features on the welder at least initially, they just add another level of complication while you are learning,
Then any more questions ask away, and take some photos of you progress, its much easier to give advice if we can see what you are doing.

 

[NTwoO]

In the beginning, don't practice more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Try to get a go at it every evening. Start on the cheap stuff that you can dig out of a scrap bin that is not rusty. Get your feeder hand in motion on the couch watching telly. Be sure to bend the back of the filler rod or change seats with your missus to ensure that you don't poke her in the eye with the filler rod.

 

[Andy from Workshopshed]

"Start on the cheap stuff that you can dig out of a scrap bin that is not rusty"

Yes, you need to ensure your materials are clean to get a good weld with TIG, oil and rust will give you problems.