Just got first TIG rig!

[Sodo]

I used a new flapper disc on the angle grinder and twirled the rod in my fingers. If the cone looks centered is that good enough?

What I really need at this point is the arc start method, I feel like a caveman.

 

[Shield Arc]

You don't want grinding line to rotate around the tungsten. You want the grind lines to run straight with the tungsten.

Does your welder have high frequency start?

 

[bamboozled]

You don't want grinding line to rotate around the tungsten. You want the grind lines to run straight with the tungsten.

Does your welder have high frequency start?

Looks like its a DC only, scratch start machine.

I use a diamond blade on a 4.5 inch grinder to sharpen my tungstens. Turn the grinder upside down, lay the tungstens on the shield and twirl with my fingers to keep the grind lines in line.

 

[k0ua]

Apparently you don't have HF start, So scratch start it like a stick more or less. Of course you get some contamination because you have to touch the tungsten to the work. Some rotate the cup to rotate the end of the tungstun in to the work and then slightly out, but maintaining the arc. When you are set for really low amps (say less than 20) the arc gets harder and harder to start. It requires more concentration.. When you get under 10 amps, the arc is pretty small. Weld up some 12 gauge copper wire with it for fun and practice. Make some "crush washers" like these. Or some little chain. I knew you would like it.. I have been egging you on to get it for years.

 

[Shield Arc]

scratch start machine.

Oh, that's a little harder to get the hang of.

 

[Sodo]

You don't want grinding line to rotate around the tungsten. You want the grind lines to run straight with the tungsten

OK that seems easy enough to get straight grind lines from an angle grinder (flapper disc).

4th weld is a fillet (the inside of that outside corner). Had trouble at the start & finish but in the middle welded like a hero! Lots to learn.

There's so much more going on, the arc length, feeding wire, holding the torch, the foot pedal a lot of coordination to learn. Plus start & stop and heat buildup. Seems like there's so much more heat than MIG welding, maybe because the mig is shoving wire in & phase-changing it? The backside of a MIG weld doesn't burn up like the backside of a TIG weld.

So I have scratch-start huh? OK good now I know. Will try the cup method.

 

[Shield Arc]

in the middle welded like a hero!

Except for all the under cut!

 

[Sodo]

How about the middle to the left of the undercut? But not sure that's undercut may be discoloration. Will look again tomorrow when I go back to the shop.

It's hero enough. Even so I wouldn't have the slightest idea (or ability) how to change any aspect of that weld. I was like a one-eyed cat watching four mouse holes.

 

[4570Man]

It looks like just discoloration to me. Cut off both ends leaving only the good weld to show people.

 

[Big Barn]

It looks like just discoloration to me. Cut off both ends leaving only the good weld to show people.

Which explains why my projects all end up being smaller than planned.

Terry