The only "critique" I will make about your beads is to avoid the crater at the end. Despite how small it is, it is evidence of improper technique and can lead to cracks later when it matters. Right before you end, begin tapering the heat (maybe 2 dabs early) and on the last bead, swirl th...

Puddle. Dab. Move. Movement of the torch "drags the puddle" forward. When you have moved the correct distance (roughly equal to filler diameter) you pause, add filler, then move again. Thanks CJ, I will try to incorporate that. I am using 3/32 filler so I likely will increase the amount o...

Not much seat time today, but 3/16 steel. Ran it at 145 amps, I know this is low but was using my 17 torch. I think my issue all along was trying to pass go before building my puddle. So focusing on that. Even on the 1/8 steel, it ran better. The filler feeds better after my initial puddle is built....

Thanks Spartan. I am going to have to increase my travel speed for sure. One of my main struggles is at times the puddle doesn’t seem to advance like it should so I might try adjusting torch angle a bit more. I think that might be my issue as well moving from start before my puddle is big enough. He...

Quick question. This 1/8” steel. I ran 125 amps, 15 cfh, 3/32 tungsten. I am unsure if I am running too many amps or possibly traveling too slow. Any ideas why the weld penetrates to the backside?

Thanks Oscar, some good videos for sure. I got a kick out of that Justin guy getting wrapped up in his torch cable. I have watched so many videos lately I feel like I just need more seat time to tie it all together. Gman, I appreciate the encouragement. I am trying to just have fun with it now and w...

If your filler is sticking to the base metal, then yes, you are too far away from the puddle. The rod must be plunged into the puddle. The rod chills the puddle, the puddle "grows", then the torch moves forward pulling the puddle with it. Do not chase the filler with the torch! If you see...

I received my filler rod and have been able to get some seat time. I ran at 120 amps, and 140 amps with my 9 and 17 torch heads. I can’t seem to get a very good hold on this rotoflex torch. I have ordered a few new CK world wide torch heads and new hose, plus the Dinse. I plan to put a new 9 CK head...

Thanks again Gman, I concur, lots of variables with tig welding compared to mig. I have some 6x6 coupons to run but am waiting on my 3/32 filler rod to show up. Local welding shop doesn’t carry much tig stuff, mostly stick/mig. My rods have been in Little Rock since Monday with the USPS, about 3 ho...

Thanks again Gman, I concur, lots of variables with tig welding compared to mig. I have some 6x6 coupons to run but am waiting on my 3/32 filler rod to show up. Local welding shop doesn’t carry much tig stuff, mostly stick/mig. My rods have been in Little Rock since Monday with the USPS, about 3 hou...

Thanks Spartan and G-man. You are both correct, I did use my bench top grinding wheel to sharpen those and created the bevel perpendicular to the length of the tungsten, I was having a hard time getting the initial shape by grinding parallel. I will resharpen these and make the needed corrections. I...

Set your amperage higher. Give yourself 190-200 amps at the pedal. Start the arc at or near full pedal, establish a puddle as quickly as you can, and then get to moving and dabbing while backing off of the amperage on the pedal as needed as the part heats up. You will need to back off quickly and y...

Hello, I have got my AHP alphatig 201xd setup going, 100% argon. Below are my first welds and I could use some help. I feel like I killed this piece of metal. I am not reallly sure of travel speed as I could basically push the puddle at times but it would cause undercut. I feel I may have been trave...

Well, no dice on getting a tungsten locally. They were all out of what I wanted. 3/32 2% lanthanated as Jody says it’s good stuff. Might as well give it a shot. Ordered it from the Weldmonger Store . Where I live this is quite typical. Gotta order everything specific online, gets old, but shipping i...

Hey Matt. Welcome and good luck with your schooling. Don’t stop your schooling to work unless required of course. It’s much harder to go back once you’re working full time.

Hey AL, I’m new here as well and together I assure you we will ask plenty of questions. However, any question is worth asking IMO. It’s how we learn. Good luck!

Tig machine arrived today. Next steps are to purchase an argon tank, tungsten, and some filler rod. The machine itself looks pretty good, knobs all turn well and digital display appears to be very close to the numbers on the knobs. The torch feels cheap and will likely be my first upgrade, however,...

Sounds like a good plan, get my feet wet and see how it goes. I will roll with the stock torch for now and upgrade later once funds allow. Hopefully I can get my argon tank and consumables to get things going. Thankfully my welding supply store is 5 miles down the road. Will post some progress pics ...

The next steps should be to watch each and every single video from Welding Tips & Tricks youtube channel. Almost everything I know about TIG has come from there. Not saying that is worth a lot, just saying. :) Thanks Oscar, that is what I have been doing to prepare lol. Excited to get things ro...

Tig machine arrived today. Next steps are to purchase an argon tank, tungsten, and some filler rod. The machine itself looks pretty good, knobs all turn well and digital display appears to be very close to the numbers on the knobs. The torch feels cheap and will likely be my first upgrade, however, ...

Hello, new here and looking to gain insight on Tig. I have always used Mig but want to try and learn the art of Tig. I own a millermatic 211 for mig, and just purchased an alphatig 201xd, but have yet to receive it yet. Seems to be a wealth of knowledge here and happy to join.