[scenarioL113]

Hello,

I have been MIG welding for over 5 years and recently got a Thermal Arc 95s TIG setup. I got it from a friend for $150 and it was unused. I am just a hobbyist and would like to TIG. I want to get a better machine in the very near future but figured I could play around for a while with this one.

I have spent weeks reading online Tips and watched countless videos that others have graciously provided. I have been TIG welding and I think its is a wonderful process and I love how you can really lay some bead on thin stuff. I must admit I am lousy at it right now but hopefully with many hours at the bench I will get better. It is not easy.

I seem to have a problem with not being able to get a puddle going on fillet welds. It seem like there is a fine line with too many AMPS and too little AMPS. When I seem to not have enough amps I spend time heating the metal to get the puddle started and then it burns through. If I turn the amps up I seem to burn through quick but the puddle does form quicker.... I dont know if I am even making sense!

My little machine does not have any option for a foot pedal control so it seems limited. Is there any thing I could do to make my practice a bit more better for my learning process?

I am sure it is ME that is the problem.

Thanks


Frank V

[weldin mike 27]

Hi there,

I will tell you what I told someone else not long ago. Don't try to weld very thin material for a start. It is VERY hard to weld thin stuff. You really have know what to look for. Get some 3mm- 1/8 thick stuff and go from there. That way it wont burn though as quickly so you can concentrate on welding. You may need to have your electrode sticking out a bit further than for butt welds so you can get closer to the joint.

Good Luck

Mick

[Mike]

Hellow 113

You may want to add your location to your sig.

There may be someone close to you that is willing to give you help in person.

Regards: M J Mauer, Andover, Ohio

[Ultralow787]

A fillet weld on a T joint might be tougher because it takes some heat to get both plates molten. There is a lot of heat sink happening. I would think practicing on a lap or butt joint might be easier. You would really have to wash some metal around to get things flowing on a T joint. Sometimes melting a bit of filler into the joint at the start will help things along.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[scenarioL113]

Thanks, ALL good advice. I am gonna play with the TIG for an hr or so before work tonite, Thanks!