New to tig

[Richard Stowe]

Hi all i've been mig welding since i was 14 now 42 just want to start tiging thinking bbq rack's any thought's. Richard p.s i've got nerve damage in my right hand

 

[mdr]

There was a girl at my school who was born without arms. She gripped the pen between her toes and had better pen(wo)manship than me.

If you just want a BBQ rack and little hassle stick to MIG. If you want to learn something new go for TIG. You do have about 6 months practice available before the weather gets to the point that you'll need it.

 

[Richard Stowe]

Well I've just got a cheap lift TIG setup sorted I think I'll have more control with the TIG

 

[Matrixx]

I have a MIG & TIG and find the only advantage of MIG is the speed.

 

[Richard Stowe]

I've got nerve damage in my trigger hand so my fingers don't always do what I want them to. but you're right MIG is a lot quicker. I had my first go of TIG today and I was really happy with what I done! I'll put some pics on later tonight

 

[eSCHEn]

If you find the torch uncomfortable because of a hand issue then you can rig the two trigger wires up to a basic on/off foot pedal such as a cheap sewing machine one or something you knock up. This lets you use your hand for control but the arc is initiated using your foot (or squeeze between your legs, armpit all sorts of options). The benefit is you don't need to have such fine finger dexterity to press the button on the torch. It's also dirt cheap to do

I've seen it done in the flesh and although so basic sounding it was very beneficial to the person using it.

 

[Richard Stowe]

The first time I've ever used a TIG. 3mm mild no filler rod with 2.4mm gray

tungsten

 

[PEZZER]

you can rig the two trigger wires up to a basic on/off foot pedal such as a cheap sewing machine one or something you knock up. This lets you use your hand for control but the arc is initiated using your foot (or squeeze between your legs, armpit all sorts of options). The benefit is you don't need to have such fine finger dexterity to press the button on the torch. It's also dirt cheap to do

I did this to mine. The button on the (parweld?) Wp17 torch was quite far back, and I kept touching down when pushing it, and couldn't hold the torch close enough to the neck. Got an old keyboard foot switch. Soooooo much better. One other benefit I've found is it's easy to pulse with the downslope - great if it's getting too hot or approaching the edge

 

[Richard Stowe]

update as it turns out my nerve damage ain't really causing me any issues! I'm just gonna need some practice
hears a bit of a muck about I did with some 316 stainless. It got a bit contaminated from a bit of wood I was using to clamp too.

 

[Munkul]

Good stuff If you're right handed, then you need a supple wrist for the torch, and supple fingers in your left hand for the filler wire... so it sounds like happy accident that your nerve damage is in your right fingers.

 

[northwest]

Good stuff If you're right handed, then you need a supple wrist for the torch

Go on, you are the pinball wizard aren't you?

 

[Munkul]

Go on, you are the pinball wizard aren't you?

I ain't got no distractions, can't hear no buzzes and bells

 

[Richard Stowe]

how long should a gas lense last? I think I've done about 13meters and it looks clogged. oh they are only cheap one's

 

[PEZZER]

So far in my experience it's depended on how you treat them. I've only seen them getting clogged up through the weld spitting crap, due to poor cleaning, dodgy old metal, or some muppet forgetting to turn the gas on

 

[Barking Mat]

I've never knackered a gas lense, on my third bottle of gas.

We are talking ceramic I assume?

I'm no expert.

 

[Shox Dr]

how long should a gas lense last? I think I've done about 13meters and it looks clogged. oh they are only cheap one's

Post a picture up, they should last a long time

 

[Richard Stowe]

pretty much. I've got gas but it look's cloged

I've never knackered a gas lense, on my third bottle of gas.

We are talking ceramic I assume?

I'm no expert.

ed

 

[Richard Stowe]

also i've got 3mm thick but i'm blowing holes in 1mm any tip's? .it's a cheap hf tig with wp17v, 7lpm gas, pure argon, a 5 ceramic ,1mm tungsten, about 24 amp'ish

 

[Barking Mat]

Best post some photos.

 

[Richard Stowe]

it's a bit late! it was only a pedal i was making for the tig just a simple on/off, but i need to know why i'm blowing holes,