Tig Settings

[HasBean]

For some time now I've been trying to to teach myself a bit of tig but haven't quite got around to it. I've got a wp17 torch (it'll be scratch start as I'll be using my IFL inverter) and associated bits and pieces.
I've got some 2mm BDMS which I've chopped up so just need to know where to start ie amps, tungsten size, stickout, cup size ( ) etc.
I'll be using the last of my disposable bottles of argon of which I have 3 but at over £16 each now I won't be buying anymore but want to be sure that tig is for me before I get a bottle from BOC (proper Jerseymen have deep pockets and short arms you know ) Many years ago I did classes in oxy and still do an awfull lot of soldering so I'm hoping with lots of practice it wont take too long to get the hang of it.
Any pointers will be much appreciated.

Paul

 

[shenion]

Use the Miller TIG calculator for the settings. They tend to be a bit high on current as it is geared to production welders.

Looks like about 70A to start. With oxy experience, it should not take too long to get going with TIG.

 

[HasBean]

Hi Scott, I tried that but as you say I think the amps are a bit over the top. For some reason the end of the tungsten is balling up, I'm fairly sure I'm not touching down (though the mask does flicker a bit). Maybe I'm grinding the tungsten at too acute an angle?

 

[NTwoO]

Is your polarity right? electrode -. If not, you'll have a monkey's fist in the shortest time.

 

[shenion]

Yes, does sound like the polarity is backwards.

 

[HasBean]

No, the tungstens on negative, just seems a bit odd though

 

[^neo^]

what colour are the tungstens?

 

[HasBean]

Grey ceriated

 

[HasBean]

Right then, had another go, back to basics!

Firstly make sure you have gas! Last time I took the regulator off the disposable bottle but the gas leaked out
This time I left the regulator on .......and the gas leaked out!

I thought I couldn't hear much gas flow.....


The result!

So new bottle and 1.6mm tungsten with No 5 ceramic.......



Maybe not

So having run out of sharpened 1.6's I tried a 1mm thoriated with a No 7 ceramic at 20 ish amps and 1/4" stickout so I could see the damm thing for a change



Wasn't holding out any hope but suprisingly that was better

Decided to give filler rods a miss until I stop knackering the tungstens (and to think I used to use oxy )

I did have a couple of pics but A: They were rubbish, and B: They were rubbish (OK I deleted them by accident )
Probably a good thing

The practise continues......

 

[NTwoO]

That Tungsten really looks like its been to hell and back . Sharpen the tips on a grinder to look like a pencil and keep them out of the weld pool and don't touch the filler to the tungsten.

Good luck

 

[HasBean]

That Tungsten really looks like its been to hell and back . Sharpen the tips on a grinder to look like a pencil and keep them out of the weld pool and don't touch the filler to the tungsten.

Good luck

Thanks mate It's probably bad practice to use such a small tungsten/large ceramic/long stickout combination but at least I can now see the pool somewhat so practising a bit of autogenos (is that the right word?) welding with 1.6/2.4 tungstens and then maybe decrease the ceramic size and then introduce the filler?
At least not bu**ering the tungsten is a step forward so far

Paul

 

[NTwoO]

Thin tips shouldn't be a prob. 1.6 can handle up to something like 120 amps. That is good for 4-5mm steel. For rule of thumb. use 1-1.4 lpm for each number of the cup.