machine trouble

[mfurick]

i am new to this site so hello everybody im having trouble with my tig machine its a esab 252 when I aluminium weld say a piece of .066 the weld looks shiney and grainey like it has sand in it but it is not bubbly the material is clean the gas has been changed still same effect im woundering if the settings on the machine are screwey or the gap adjusters are real sensitive to this machine any recomendations. this is my home unit I use miller machines at work so I know my heat and rod sizes are correct for the application. its something up with the machine like but i cant hone in on it thanks

[pulser]

I will guess that the machine settings have nothing to do with your "grainey" weld surface. A photo would help, can only guess what you are talking about. I assume the weld is probably contaminated with oxide because you did clean the base metal well enough, or it is not being adequately protected by the shield gas, or you are overheating the weld (although you say the heat is good).

How about gas leaks in the shield gas system? Close off flow at the torch nozzle to pressurize the line and then check every fitting (including the flow meter) with bubble check (Windex works). How about gas flow too high causing turbulence? Tried a gas lens, or lager diameter cup (nozzle)?

[Doolittle]

Nice welder.