Self Learning TIG - Suggestions please !

[Nigel B]

OK

The Kemppi 150 TIG (DC) is all working

I have done a 20 week (1 night a week) course at Tech college, all I have ever welded is ARC and MIG (25 years) so TIG was an eye opener.

At the tech they started me on Gas, 10 weeks of that then 7 weeks on DC and 3 on AC, I found AC not much different to DC (both are a F nightmare ) but cam away with just about and ONLY just about the absolute basics.

So, my Qs are

If you were me and you wnated to learn what welds would you start on 1st ? and then when your reasonably OK with that stylle whats next and so on ??

ie which 1st 2nd 3rd 4th etc

Butt T Fillet Corner Tube to plate etc etc ?
Also what thickness would you start on ?

1 2 3 4mm etc ? is it easier to do say 3mm and then go thinner and thinner as you technique improves ?

Thoughts please all

Nige

 

[malcolm]

Definately start on thicker metal. At least 1.5mm, preferably 2mm to 3mm. I'd start laying welds on plate to get the hang of the welder and the filler rod before progressing to butt welds. Leave the positional and angled welds until you've got the hand of that.

I wrote a top 10 learning tig tips while in the learning process which might be handy.

 

[runnach]

So, my Qs are

If you were me and you wnated to learn what welds would you start on 1st ? and then when your reasonably OK with that stylle whats next and so on ??

ie which 1st 2nd 3rd 4th etc

Butt T Fillet Corner Tube to plate etc etc ?
Also what thickness would you start on ?

1 2 3 4mm etc ? is it easier to do say 3mm and then go thinner and thinner as you technique improves ?

Thoughts please all

Nige

To get the hang of your plant controls:
1. 3mm sheet, progressing to thinner sheet.
2. Bead on plate runs. 1.6 & 2.4 dia rod.
3. Sit two plates one on top of the other, tack 4 corners, then clamp in vice and, fuse (autogenous) run along till complete, 3mm is now 6mm. This helps in good eye/hand co-ordination.
4. Lap weld. 1.6 dia rod.
5. Open corner, slight gap to ensure 100% root penetration. 1.6 rod for root run, 2.4 for cap.
6. T-Fillet, ensure sufficient throat thickness, not too much convexed, use 1.6 dia rod pushing plenty into weld pool minimum concave. Plus up the amps for this one.
7. Butt-Joint, I suggest 2.4 gap to allow 100% root penetration. 1.6 rod for root run, 2.4 for cap, or when you get good at it, 1.6 with one pass, pushing plenty rod in to achieve reasonable build up.

BTW all of the above is for 3mm sheet.