- Thread starter Ja99a
- Start date
A15 (er70s-2) the usual choice, A18 (er70s-6) the other- more commonly used with MIG but works with TIG too, both processes use the same wire standards/designations. Both good for mild steel and the common alloy steels like T45 or 4130 etc.
A18 contains more silicon resulting in a more fluid weld puddle compared with A15.
As a general rule filler wire needs to be thinner/ at least not thicker than the material i.e. welding 0.7mm sheet steel with 1.6mm wire is not likely to end well as the wire needs more amps to melt than the sheet
1.0mm diameter TIG wire is generally as fine as it goes for steel, many places only stock from 1.6mm. Weldequip sells 1.0mm and up in the forum shop, weldmet also carry 1.0mm but larger pack sizes- 2.5/5kg of 1.0mm filler is a LOT of wire for hobby use as you use far less than with MIG. For really thin stuff i straighten MIG wire- cut a length, clamp one end in a vice t'other in a drill chuck and with a little tension on it give it a spin
A18 contains more silicon resulting in a more fluid weld puddle compared with A15.
As a general rule filler wire needs to be thinner/ at least not thicker than the material i.e. welding 0.7mm sheet steel with 1.6mm wire is not likely to end well as the wire needs more amps to melt than the sheet
1.0mm diameter TIG wire is generally as fine as it goes for steel, many places only stock from 1.6mm. Weldequip sells 1.0mm and up in the forum shop, weldmet also carry 1.0mm but larger pack sizes- 2.5/5kg of 1.0mm filler is a LOT of wire for hobby use as you use far less than with MIG. For really thin stuff i straighten MIG wire- cut a length, clamp one end in a vice t'other in a drill chuck and with a little tension on it give it a spin
ive been doing a bit of tig on car body lately
found 1.6 A15's ok but not perfect
amps have been around 10-14
small tungsten 1.6mm at 2% lathanated because thats all ive got
i find it quite enjoyable after spraying with the mig for years
heres my project showing some of my early tig
i find im overfilling the welds
probly due to the 1.6mm rod
but its still quite flowing
http://www.turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?151334-My-Escort-Mk1-project
found 1.6 A15's ok but not perfect
amps have been around 10-14
small tungsten 1.6mm at 2% lathanated because thats all ive got
i find it quite enjoyable after spraying with the mig for years
heres my project showing some of my early tig
i find im overfilling the welds
probly due to the 1.6mm rod
but its still quite flowing
http://www.turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?151334-My-Escort-Mk1-project
