New to TIG, Taking a college course, 6 weeks in...

[Germanlkmanx]

Hey Guys.

I've been MIG welding, self taught, for a number of years, but I wanted to start making aluminium boxes and stainless exhaust systems etc. so I decided to enroll on a TIG night course. I'm six weeks in now (2.5hr sessions) and I got to play on aluminium for the first time!

Here are a couple of pictures of a lap joint, what do you think? Some constructive criticism would be great to help me learn!

Thanks for any input,
tom.

 

[weldingscotty803]

very very good

 

[matt1978]

Alrite German,

How yam doing?

Welding looks good, are you using a footpedal or just on the button?

What college is it?

Cheers,

Matt

 

[ngt]

So, do you guys dip the rod in the weld pool WHILE you run the torch ?
Or do you pause, dip the rod and then move to the next pause ???

 

[Germanlkmanx]

Matt, local forum for local people eh? The course is through wolves city college, it's supposed to be at the paget road campus off the compton road but we're actually at a vehicle body repair place in Whitmoreans.

No foot pedal unfortunately - they don't appear to be available where we are based, so constant amps through button on the torch. I welded the above at 112amps if I remember correctly. A friend of mine has just bought a new TIG set so I'll have to go round to play to try the pedal...

ngt - I wouldn't say that I stop the torch dead whilst dipping but yes, there is a definite pause whilst dipping then move.

 

[zardoz]

Looks good to me. Are you using purge gas at the back of the weld ?

 

[Germanlkmanx]

Thanks Zardoz. No extra purge gas used, just argon from the torch...

 

[Kiwi K]

looks very good from where i'm sitting, i'd be pleased with it,

 

[Kiwi K]

Looks good to me. Are you using purge gas at the back of the weld ?

not used purge but is it rellevant on a butt weld,thought it was more for pipes and containers