Big tungsten downside?

[John T]

I usually use 3/32 for about everything... but recently had to weld some heavy stuff and swapped to 1/8"

gotta say, I like it.

been too lazy to swap it out and it seems to work fine for .125 also...


What is the lowest amps I can use with 1/8" tungsten ?

any downside?


I understand a tungsten size too small for the amps... but what about bigger?
.

[motolife313]

It will work all the way down to under 1 amp. Zap can prove it with the pop can he welded

Only down side is if u get it too low on amps for to long the weld could blow apart so be careful

[Jawslandshark]

1/8 is pretty much all I use, makes it easy when I have to order more. I have switched over to the Diamond Ground Products tri mix for almost everything now, they have an awesome Wolfram Alustar for aluminum if you have a transformer machine. I have smaller sizes if I need to get in tight places with lower amps.

[Showdog75]

It will work all the way down to under 1 amp. Zap can prove it with the pop can he welded

Only down side is if u get it too low on amps for to long the weld could blow apart so be careful

Could you elaborate on this please...

[Gamble]

I've done coke cans on 1/8" electrode.
Downside...cost...wider arc, unless it's a very very fine point and harder starts

[motolife313]

looks like you could run a second pass over the tubing. You’ll get a little more practice in also

[rexcormack]

In automated welding at low amps arc wander is a major concern even if ground to a sharp point.

[Willie B]

It costs more, grinding takes a lot more. 3/32 is enough for most jobs, and it is no big thing to switch sizes. I've made my point before that grinding puts a lot of scratches on a tungsten, this makes for erratic arc. An 1/8" tungsten needs longer grind.

I've heard something about tungsten needing a given level of amp density to get a small predictable arc coming off the point. I've found a big tungsten when at very low amps tends to arc sideways, not off the tip.

When filling rust holes on some antique automobile lamps, I went down to .045 tungsten with very good control.

[John T]

looks like you could run a second pass over the tubing. You’ll get a little more practice in also

Meh... good enough
Just a quick vice mount from scrap

Not fancy but it works
.




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[motolife313]

That’s a nice edge weld John.

[John T]

That’s a nice edge weld John.

Thanks Adrian


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[Kelvin]

I've heard something about tungsten needing a given level of amp density to get a small predictable arc coming off the point. I've found a big tungsten when at very low amps tends to arc sideways, not off the tip.

That's been my experience with my Sync 250. Most of the time I keep 3/32" tungsten in torch, but if I try to weld with real low amperage, the arc seems to want to wander more.

[motolife313]

No problem Alfonso

[solman]

John,
how did you cut out the fancy base for the mount?
Thanks

[John T]

John,
how did you cut out the fancy base for the mount?
Thanks

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[SlowBlues]

Looks nice. Iron butterfly comes to mind for the base!