So, the intro class, which is just O/A, is going well. Next class starts in about 3 weeks. Next class is open lab where I can do TIG, or whatever I want. Problem is, no lecture, I'm on my own. So, I'm back to prepping for TIG practice. Got a question. Making an argon purge block. For welding titaniu...

I already told the instructor that I'm mostly interested in TIG welding aluminum, titanium, and steel. Also TIG brazing. Last night I asked him if they have propane. Told him I'd like to learn to color anodize titanium and stainless. He liked the idea. Bad news, though. No propane, and I'm sure the ...

Also tried welding my name. Tried to get good penetration, so it was harder.

Instructor told us to finish the Box project tonight. Mine was done last night. I could do another one, but I'd rather do something new. I go into his office and ask him if I can try to weld a skully into the side of my box. He stared at me for a good 3 seconds, and said- FUCK YEAH!!! I'm guessing n...

Outside Corner project lead to a Box project. Supposed to check the box for leaks. Not very consistent because I'm trying different stuff, like circles, half circles, zig-zags, etc. Also didn't tack up the whole box. Just welded one piece at a time. Big mistake. https://i.postimg.cc/bwv0z0pf/2022012...

Sorry to disappear from the TIG Forum, but my welding class at the local college was starting, and I wanted to prep for oxyacetylene welding. When I pass this class in 4 more weeks, I can get into the open lab and do what I want. No formal instruction, just practice- so I'll be on the TIG. By the ti...

Just checking in to see how you are doing. Didn't mean to disappear. Got my syllabus for welding class and put TIG welding on hold for a minute. Have to take the intro class first, which is oxyacetylene and stick welding. 5 weeks long, then I can get into a class where I can TIG. Figured I'll be to...

Jeff2016 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 13, 2021 9:34 am The heat is something it took me a while to get comfortable with... when are my hands getting too hot versus when it's okay to proceed with my bead.

Thanks for the tips. I got a couple of TIG fingers which should help with heat issues.

Start with the basics get comfortable holding the torch and running it smoothly in various directions / lengths. Idle hand time like watching TV is a great time to practice feeding rod, just feed out the length then flip it and do it again. Ally 3/32 diameter works well since it's not too heavy and...

The fastest way to learn how to weld is to get some one-on-one time with an experienced welder. Preferably someone who is good at teaching how to weld. Hopefully, I'll be able to handle the welding classes. Not sure because of medical issues. But, the whole welding program has a max of 25 people. H...

i think its quite a good idea to start with one thing and get that right before moving onto the next. ie do a lot of runs with no filler. do short welds. adjust one thing at a time and stick to one material. Will do. At least that's the plan. And also to keep a notebook, and take corresponding phot...

Rule of thumb usually is to usually keep about the same distance as the thickness of your filler rod, but on thicker ones like 1/8" then closer is usually better as it keeps the heat focussed on the base material. What you'll probably struggle with initially is the act of actually adding fille...

holding a tight arc consistently. hardest thing to do and the most important. Okay. But how tight is ideal? 1mm? 2mm? 3mm? 1/16"? 1/8"? Got a little start on dry practice today. Tried the filler rod motion at 10"/min. Dabs are about 1/sec. No torch hand. Not accurate, but I could kee...

tweake wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 12:27 am holding a tight arc consistently. hardest thing to do and the most important.

I'm so new, I don't understand what holding a tight arc means.

Is this about keeping the electrode at an effective and consistent distance from the weld pool?

For example some people don't even realize that leaning your entire upper-torso/body weight on your forearms while trying to perform TIG welding creates a scenario that cripples your ability to be fluid in your movements. Thanks for the response. This was the first thing I did when I was checking o...

Not trying to be a smart-ass. :mrgreen: I've read that it can take years of practice to become a master of making beautiful dimestacks. I haven't started welding, yet. Just getting my gear and taking a look. Since I may not have much time, I'd like to get on the fast track. Good news is, I'll be wor...

Still working on getting the basics. Ended up getting the Strong Hands folding table that tweake recommended. Also got TIG gloves, MIG gloves, hat, beanies, filler wire and tungsten storage tubes, and a magnetic torch holder. The stubby gas lens kit didn't come with an .040 lens, so I got one of tho...

Thanks, Jeff. Definitely helpful. Still working on my setup. Didn't realize how many things I'll need. Trying to make sure I have everything before welding school starts in January. I'll probably be short on free time, then. I'll update the list tomorrow, so you can see where I'm at. The 27 torch th...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks much to you guys for helping me on my welding journey.

Seems more like xmas, with all the welding supplies arriving. Happy time in the Kodokan garage.

Stepping out to a "Roll Your Own" sushi party. Hope you all have a great day with friends/family.

Sticker said "Do Not Remove", so I just peeled it back to check the date.

2015, as advertised. So, hopefully, all is good. Not sure because I thought the date is supposed to be in MO-YR format.

Received the Argon cylinder.

Sticker is covering up the DOT and DATE stamps.

That's shady, right?

Spent a lot of time reading about all types of tungsten grinding techniques. My head hurts. Turns out, I have an old HF 4x36 belt sander. Saw Jodi using one to sharpen his electrodes. Will order some new belts (80 and 120 grit) and hold on purchasing a proper tungsten grinder. Full argon tank is sup...

Buy a bigger bench top shark. The little sharpie is ok for the occasional use or job site work. But they don’t last long. The tungsten grinder is a tough one for me. Checked out the Piranha II. Definitely looks good, but the cost is just too much for me to get past. More than double the price of th...

Supposed to be doing this for fun, so got some fun stuff from weldmetalsonline.com:

Aluminum Bronze Filler
Silicon Bronze Filler
ER70S-2 .035"
Mild steel pie cuts
Tube Cope Kit
Steel Cube Kit
Aluminum Cube Kit
Steel Coupons 1/4", .065"
Aluminum Coupons 1/8"

Been busy trying to get supplies. Takes a long time to check prices on this stuff. Never bought any of it before, so I don't know what to expect. Still have more to order, but this basic stuff is on the way: Weldmongerstore.com- ER70S-2 = .045, 1/16, 3/32 ER4043 = 1/16, 3/32 ER5356 = 1/16, 3/32 Mag ...