[bruce991]

I have been away for many years and was practicing some tig on flat stock just now. As I approach the end of a bead I do the following all in about 2 seconds or less. And end up with a "C" shaped crater or divot in most cases.
1. stop travel
2. add one more dab of filler
3. back off amperage while traveling just bit in reverse at same time
4. lifting stinger out and stopping the arc

Obviously almost simultaneously in one motion and get a crater elongated. So how do I change my old habit to prevent this. Thanks in advance.

Background: using Everlast HF start tig, 3/32 E70S2 filler rod and 3/32 tungsten on 3/32 carbon steel at 120/125 amps.

[GreinTime]

I typically don't lift out as I drop off on the pedal, so that would be one difference between my method and yours. I'll swirl the arc around as I taper off after I added that last little dab, but sometimes it takes multiple little dabs to maintain the surface of the weld puddle.

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[bruce991]

Okay makes sense will try and maintain arc length as I back off pedal. A slight swirl action with enough filler to keep a puddle there.
Just watched Jodi weld and he does leave a dab of filler, reduces amps and doesn't lift out until arc is gone. Guess that is where I need to change my habit. Lifting out of puddle creates this issue.

[LtBadd]

I typically don't lift out as I drop off on the pedal, so that would be one difference between my method and yours. I'll swirl the arc around as I taper off after I added that last little dab, but sometimes it takes multiple little dabs to maintain the surface of the weld puddle.

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This is what I do, which would be your (bruce991) step 2 & 3 at the same time. Depending on how hot the puddle is will determine the amount of filler and taper off time as you continue to move the tungsten in a circle or swirl motion.

[big gear head]

Don't lift until the post flow has stopped.

[AKmud]

Keep adding a small amount of filler as you come off the pedal slowly. Pull the filler off just before the arc is too cold to melt the filler.