[Craig in Denver]

FWIW: I taught myself, before the internet. I have a x-former so some things may be different.

The electrode burning back into the cup, someone else will have to figure that out. You said you're using pure argon, that's all I know. Can you hear gas flow when you touch the pedal? Probably, since you can weld steel.

You said 15 liters a minute. We use 15cfh, you'll have to convert that. If it works on mild steel, I think you're ok. I don't change the flow for one or the other.

DSW: Tiging alum will be quite dificult and very different from steel. Trying to learn alum tig on something that thin will compound your difficulties.

Learn how to weld alum on 1/8". It will teach you the differences (steel/alum) without so much pain. I used a 3/32" tungsten. I also highly recommend 3/32" filler for starting. If you choose 1/16" filler, keep your torch angle steep or the filler will melt before it gets to the puddle. You used a stainless brush that's NEVER been used on anything but alum, right?

Good luck, once ya got it there's an underlying satisfaction few can understand. :cool2:

 

[Craig in Denver]

If Broccoli1 is right, you're wasting argon x2. If someone else is buying it you don't care. Well, wait a minute, that could introduce turbulence. I dunno.