| When you are just starting out with TIG welding | | | | - Argon-if the arc is really loud , check the argon flow |
| aluminum, there are many things to remember. | | | | . A 7/16" TIG cup should be set at about 13-15 CFH |
| Keeping everything together in a new situation is no | | | | depending on how far the electrode needs to be |
| small thing and mistakes are bound to happen. If you | | | | extended. More torch gas in a gas welder system is |
| know some of the common mistakes that happen | | | | not better. |
| when people are new to this type of system, it may | | | | - Tungsten- don't use pure tungsten. Use a |
| help to ease the learning curve. Here are some things | | | | multipurpose electrode that works for AC and DCEN. |
| to watch for: | | | | 2% lanthanated works well. |
| - Electrode size -an electrode gets really hot on a/c | | | | - Torch Angle-watch the angle of the dangle if you |
| at 250 amps. Do not use the same size electrode on | | | | don't want a puddle |
| DCEN. If it is tried with the wrong electrode, it will at | | | | - Length of the Arc-find that spot where the arc will |
| some point explode. | | | | be close enough to do the job and time will be spent |
| - Aluminum welding-make sure to set to high | | | | using the gas welder and not preparing electrodes. |
| frequency to continuous-the system will lose | | | | - Filler rod size- Too big of a rod can stop the |
| halfcycles as the direction of the current changes in | | | | shielding force of the gas and serious heat will be lost |
| AC. | | | | from the puddle. A rod that is too small and the rod |
| Make sure to just round the electrode- creating a ball | | | | will just melt before it makes it to the puddle. |
| is overkill. | | | | - Use a stainless steel wire brush-not carbon steel. It |
| - Watch how far your electrodes sticks out-you | | | | will save a lot of headaches later |
| have to be able to see the end of the electrode | | | | If you spend some time watching out for some of |
| otherwise, you can't be sure about the arc. The | | | | the TIG welding "Gotchas", you will save time and |
| electrode should be extended far enough to see the | | | | money. |
| tip easily. | | | | |