Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi Everyone

New TIG welder here. Setup is a 1992 SyncroWave 250, air cooled, and and a new Weldcraft 17 R torch.
I would like to work on Stainless Steel; starting with some thicker materials and then graduate to the thinner stock.

What is the best setup in regards to Tungsten and torch accessories to get started? My TIG manual says that I need 1% or 2% Thoriated Tungsten, but in what diameter? Also, what size cap should I be running? I think what I really need to know is how to set up the torch to produce a decent weld. I have a new Weldcraft 17R style air cooled torch.

Let me know what you guys think, I am looking for the ' getting started ' TIG torch formula

Thank you,

Adam

Tungsten diameter will depend on the amperage you need to run. Google "tungsten diameter amperage" and hit the "Images" link, and you can see many charts that will give you a rough estimate.

For the cup size, get the largest gas lens you can run, so you can run the largest cup. As a beginner you will likely need all the argon coverage you can get to help minimize the oxidation of the SS. You can get large size gas lens collet bodies for most any torch on the market. Check out weldingcity.com, arczone.com, cyberweld.com.

lastly make sure you practice on large pieces of SS to prevent them from overheating when you do your practice beads. If not, the already-hot SS will make it very difficult for you to control post-weld oxidation.

Thank you Oscar! I will start there to begin with

Any torch preference? I found a couple of Weld Craft units as well as a CK in the box of goodies that came with the machine, seems as if I put the missing pieces together then I will have something to work with in short order.

Adam

Small = lighter and easier to maneuver
larger= can handle more heat (or for longer periods of time) before it literally starts burning your hand

take your pick.

http://www.usaweld.com/Stubby-Gas-Lens- ... 1stglc.htm

You can't beat he price on this kit and it is the stubby version which most prefer (same nozzles from a small water cooled torch)

For under 100 amps I usually use a 1/16" tungsten, 7-8 nozzle with a gas lens, 10-15cfh.