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Tig Welding - Cup - tungsten size - filler rod type - pre flow - post flow Argon or mix? Tips??

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by don2222, May 8, 2021.

  1. don2222

    don2222

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    Hello
    Have a little down time so I scored a new TiG.
    Lot to learn here!
    The Vulcan Pro Tig 205 was on and off sale all winter! So the last night of the last sale, I did the $100 off pre sale with an extra 10% off by getting the HF credit card. Then I had to wait one month for it to come in! Just in time for my Bday! LOL
    So this is my very first attempt for mild steel to practice.
    I set the mode from AC to DC Tig with pulse on @ 120 Amps - cup size 5 - Using a filler rod ER70S-2 diameter 1/16" holding the 3/32” tungsten 1/16" from the work piece with torch in left hand and filler rod in right hand and pressing down on the foot peddle with 100% argon approx 15 psi pre flow of 0.3 secs and post flow of 3.0 secs!!
    I think next time I will try a larger cup size of #6 or #7 and since the #17 torch & hose felt a little stiff and cumbersome to hold, I ordered a super flex hose from www.usaweld.com
    TIG Torch Super-Flex Cables
    Also I want to get some Pyrex cups. Are they easier to work with??
    This is quite a bit different than MIG but since I do not have to keep up with the wire speed and I can control the torch, foot peddle and dab the filler rod at a slower speed, I might be able to do it. LOL
    Also I heard a 50/50 Argon / helium mix is better for Aluminum with an ER4043 - 3/32” filler rod and AC mode is a must?
    What is needed to braze cast iron?
    Any Tungsten Inert Gas or TIG experts here?Any tips or tricks?

    Pic 1 - 3 New Welder
    Pic 4 - first run top of workpiece
    Pic 5 - Bottom of workpiece
    Pic 6 - DC welding
    Pic 7 - AC welding
    Pic 8 - welder in box
    It also comes with a stinger for doing stick.
     

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    Last edited: May 8, 2021
    don2222, May 8, 2021
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  2. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I've been tig welding around 40 years almost every day.
    I'm still old school no pulse.
    Helium helps if your welding thick aluminum. You don't need the pre flow, set post long enough to keep the tungsten silver. Ac for aluminum dcen for steel. If you like Pyrex use them I personally don't. Don't weld dirty metal, grind it clean. I crank up the welder quite high and just use the pedal instead of setting amps to the work. Practice puddling before playing with filler. Silicone bronze for cast iron. Roughly 1/2 the amps as for welding. Don't melt the iron and again the cast had to be clean. Clean filler rod with acetone to get the drawing lube off. 4043 good for nicer looking welds 5356 is stronger and can be anodized were as 4043 turns dark.
    Looks like I'm babbling.
     
    Screwloose, May 8, 2021
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  3. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    Screw loose pretty much summed it up.

    The one bit of advise I can give you is practice , practice practice. When you have done that do it again ; no such thing as too much.

    You will enjoy it , nothing beats a nice TIG weld ; might sound strange but to me it is like artwork.
     
    buzz-saw, May 9, 2021
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  4. don2222

    don2222

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    Wow, thanks for all the info and advice, I really appreciate it being a newbie to TiG.
    I ordered the upgraded flex hose and will practice the puddle before the filler rod. Thanks for the Acetone tip, I really never knew that!
    Good stuff!
    Thanks again!
     
    don2222, May 9, 2021
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  5. don2222

    don2222

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    Hello
    Finally got the TiG setup with the Pyrex cup and super flex hose. The replacement torch did not come with a handle so that is on the way. Harbor Freight does not sell the large Dinse plug but USAWeld.com has them.
    I like the screen that distributes the gas better so now with the flex hose it seems to be easier to maneuver and I can practice better with this.
     

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    don2222, May 15, 2021
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  6. don2222

    don2222

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    Latest news on Harbor Freight Web Site

    The ProTIG™ 205 Industrial Welder is a 120v/240v TIG welder that combines intuitive setup with advanced control for professional results

    Due to popular demand this product is currently out of stock and will not be back in stock until Oct 10, 2021 Order now to reserve your unit
     
    don2222, May 19, 2021
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  7. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    So how is the practicing going ?
     
    Screwloose, May 20, 2021
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  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    When I first started with TIG, I just lit up and sat on a thick piece of steel, watching the arc, and then the puddle. I was mesmerized by the amount of control I had, since I had only run MIG prior. I highly recommend getting yourself a substantial hunk of something (think 3/8" thick or better), not to weld on (yet), but just to be able to watch how torch angle, arc length, heat input and travel speed all affect the puddle. Messing with TIG made me a better welder all-around, especially in MIG and Stick processes, by being able to see and understand this.

    Being a novice to TIG, I wouldn't worry about adding helium to the gas (even though I love to run that way) or pulse settings. You'll move into those things quick enough. Biggest newb mistake is pulling the filler rod out of the shielding gas while welding. Try not to do that! Also, using a gas lens on your torch will dramatically improve your shielding gas coverage, better than a larger cup and uses same amount of gas, at the expense of making the torch head a little bit bulkier.

    Welding Tips and Tricks on YouTube has a video showing good arc shots of just about anything you want to do with a welder. Fantastic resource for guys just starting out with ambitions of being professionals or just a garage hack like me.
     
    MasterMech, Jun 18, 2021
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