TIG weld apperance

[Jonnie Fraz]

Ok first I am very new to TIG. I am wondering how you get the welds to look so beautiful when done...(Zap, and Brooks) I can get the stack of dimes with the beads, but they look dark not all shiney like some of the pics in projects. I am using a Lincoln 350 MP, lift arc start, welding mild steel, and some stainless. 1/16 orange tunston.
Sorry I do not have pics of my practice stuff, maybe tomorrow.

Thanks guys

[zapster]

Well first off thanks for the "comparison" compliments..

But going by type rather than pics...?

I'll wait for the pics..

Can't comment on what i can't see..

...zap!

[Jonnie Fraz]

I snapped a couple pics with my phone today to show welds.


Sorry about the phone pics.
Mainly I am practicing with no filler rod, just fuseing, and I am sorry to say I did not clean the metal with acetone first...sorry. Will cleaning make my welds bling or is it just more seat time?

[ZTFab]

It looks like you need a little more shielding gas.

Other than that they look great.

...just watch the tail end of your weld. A proper tie-off is important.

[zapster]

Clean is Everything!!
Other than that..
Looks good my friend..

With fusing its tough to get a proper "tie off" without a dab of filler..
But you'll get it in no time..
After that its the filler demonstration..
And then welding 2 pcs together..then 3..!!

Have fun!!

...zap!

[ZTFab]

Originally Posted by zapster

With fusing its tough to get a proper "tie off" without a dab of filler..
...zap!

I'll have to agree with that somewhat. Tough but not impossible.

... there is no reason why you couldn't pulse the pedal a bit or pull the puddle around in a small circle to avoid the dreaded crater.


...but, with no foot pedal, it would be damn near impossible to do it without filler.

Jonnie, try cranking your gas up to 25-30cfh. It'll make a difference.

BTW, what size of gas cup are you using? and is it a gas lens?

[Jonnie Fraz]

Thanks guys,
Sorry about the cleaning...Zap...I knew I was getting a time out for that one. I was running about 18cfh on the gas, but without it being clean I am shure it is hard to tell. On the tie off how would I go about that with no foot pedal?
I realy want to get a new Dynasty, but $3k is a little steep. It will take a while to recoup. that cash with my little home projects.
I will spend some time with the aceatone and try again.
Thanks so much you guys, I have wanted to try TIG for so long...I love it.
Jonnie

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Good thread! Honestly Jonnie, those look pretty amazing to me though Im not stacking dimes yet. Dont kick yourself on the Dynasty. Its obvious that whatever you've got is doing a fine job! Try cleaning it up and post back for us/me. I'll need some examples for when I get started!


Think Blue!

[Berniep]

Where did you buy your TA welder? If I may be so bold.
I am going to be buying a tig in a few weeks, it's time to do some serious looking.

[David R]

Originally Posted by Berniep

Where did you buy your TA welder? If I may be so bold.
I am going to be buying a tig in a few weeks, it's time to do some serious looking.

Local welding shop. Strate Welding. Those guys OK, LARRY takes great care of me. I pay a fair price, more than ebay. I bought my Ranger 250 there, 1/2 up front and the rest in two months. The ranger paid for its self and more in that time.

This unit will not make me money like the ranger does, its for small shop jobs and my son is on a robot team at school. The robots are made of a lot of .040 aluminum. I hope by the time the thing is done, he can tig aluminum. He likes tig on mild steel. I think this machine will be nice for a lot of stuff with out having to fire up the ranger.

I also do stainless sinks and stuff in resteraunt kitchens. Should be perfect for that.

This TA has a Five year warrenty. My local supplier can get it fixed if it does break. I am a little leary of an invereter, this will be my first one. This will also be my first new welder that is not RED.

I had fun shopping. First I looked at the $1000 ones on Ebay, then went to the welding shop. I wanted a Lincoln V205-T, but its discontinued The V160-s has no AC. Next I looked at the miller 200. Kind of pricy. Then I checked out the TA 185 and 200. The 200 still has the same 160 amp stick and duty cycle as the 185. I didn't see much advantage. If I need 200 amps, I 'll fire up the ranger. It has touch start Tig DC only. If its aluminum, I can use the spool gun on my Lincoln 255 Mig.

David

[wojeepster]

toolsforless.com has the ta-185 for $1900 something with tig torch, footpedal, and stinger and groundclamp.