First attempt at an outside corner with 16 ga. to 3/32 wall 1/2 tube.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...IMAG2598-L.jpg

Not real pretty but with every attempt there is progress.

Too much heat -- and moving too fast to try to keep up with the heat?

TIG is more finesse. If you have too much heat - back off the throttle.... CONTROL.

How well can you see? Can you see the part lines? Can you see the puddle develop? Can you see it freeze when you add fil?

Here's another little "welding" tip....


When doing something with "endings" -- start a tack 1/4" or less from the end and run it to the end -- back off the heat as you come up to the end and double dip @ the end just before lifting completely.... hold your torch for the post gas period..

Always weld up your corners or ends first. Place a couple quick tacks along the run so your metal doesn't gap out ahead of you. And tap your work down to close up any gaps created by the tacks.

Now go back and start your run. Go right thru the tiny tacks you made like they're not even there.

Any time you're finishing - dab twice or you get a crater or pin hole and don't just let off the gas pedal sharply. Anticipate the end of the run or the end of the piece and start to back off the heat - as the heat is already built up and has no where to go - which is why you should close up your corners or ends first... so you don't get down there with all this heat and just blow it up. :cheers:

Probably, still getting a feel for the throttle, engine, and steering input of the machine.

Trying to find the sweet spots between creating the puddle without over-penetrating the material and controlling width. With wire my tendancy was not using enough heat so I'm being more aggressive experimenting with the TIG. I'm learning, the TIG requires more patience than the MIG. I haven't tried anything thicker than 3/32, working with some larger scale 1/8 and 3/16 plate would probably help the learning curve.

I can see OK but a helmet that would go 1-2 shades lighter wouldn't hurt but I can see real good when I get the rod stuck in the fricken puddle!

I need to hit YouYube and find some video's of close up the correct actions to understand right/wrong quicker.

Appreciate your input. :thumbsup:

A good tip for tacking....

Thanks Buddy! Good video's. :thumbsup:
Advanced welding Kama Sutra for Dummies. :D

TIG is so different from MIG....


I like the guy at WeldingTipsandTricks.com -- he's very good at "normal" talk.. and explains it so I understand the REASONING so if I want to I can modify what I've learned.

Since "WE" don't actually weld all the time -- "WE" forget sometimes the little tricks... and if I have a project that requires me to do nice - I'll watch a video beforehand just to get it in my mind.

The thing about the kind of welding we do -- I'll do aluminum... then I have to build something in Stainless... then I have an overhead in steel to fix a floorpan... then I won't weld for weeks... and we work on thin - and thick - inside corners - rounds - etc.... but we don't do this day in and day out. :cheers:

I use this calculator -- again -- because I never can remember from one project to another. I actually have the "app" on my iPhone!

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.php

I just ordered this --- I personally LOVE my Optrel -- but sometimes friends are over and want to watch so I grabbed this for them to wear. It has a range starting at 5... Lots of my TIG is done at 8


I keep two separate helmets for MIG... one for me one for buddies... they get the crap version! HA! I just don't like to have to re-do all the settings when I'm working - so hang them on the appropriate machine.



http://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Weldin...welding+helmet

Thanks G-Dub, awesome input as usual. :thumbsup:

Made the first save with the TIG today repairing a guillotine tile cutter that was severely violated by one of our installers........$500 save. :unibrow:

Awesome. Good place to start by fixing equipment. I've done the same but with mig for some of our equipment.

Wes

I used to live on Yarrow Point - a "high end" little point of land... and the neighbors hated me - because, of course, I have loud rowdy hot rods... They loved me once they figured out I could weld up their garbage can lid and fix their gate etc....

.......or operate a screwdriver. It amazes me how many highly educated people have next to zero mechanical knowledge or skills anymore. :D

My smart neighbors are waiting for me to get a little more practiced. :lol:

PS - I'm very fortunate to have real good neighbors, of the 22 homes there's only a couple stuffies. :thumbsup:

I think one issue I was having was the grind on the tungsten with my high-dollar grider was too coarse, I've since modified the grinder wheel with 180 grit sanding disk on the side and that puts a nice finish on the tungsten.

A little funny - I switched to AC to practice on aluminum then switched the AC off and started running bead on 16 gauge to get a feel for the differences in metal..........I don't think the machine switches back without powering down........either way I proceded to securely weld 1" of that 16 guage to my 1/4" work top. :D

What Optrel are you running Greg ? Satellite or Orion - or one of the others ? They are sweet !

Thx !

Jim

I have the Satellite Jim.... and love it.


I'm old and need the range that this helmet gives me... since you're eyesight declines with age... and what I find is that my younger buddies will run say a 10 and I might be a 9 or an 8... Especially with low TIG settings... say 30 or 40 amps.

Thx !

I thought you'd prefer the satellite - the capability on that is pretty amazing !

I have the same issue with seeing the weld. I'm 52 and just about ready to get a prescription just for welding use. With a limited range of near distance focus on my glasses I just can't ever seem to stay in the range trying to weld anything on the car. While working on the bench - most of the time I can setup and config to compensate for the vision problem, but it's still tough to stay in position around a tube or something.

Jim

I wear bifocals -- overhead or that kind of stuff - I have to really plan my moves in advance. If you can't see - you can't weld. Well you can - but it looks like crap... I'm not good enough at it that I can just forge ahead blind.
Bifocals are a total pain -- move your head just a bit and you're out of focus.

Any updates or extended reviews of your HTP TIG ?

Yes, after another recent testing session I've confirmed the machine is just fine and my aging eyes suck! I need a GOOD helmet that goes to shade 7, my mediocre helmet with 9-13 range doesn't cut it for TIG, no problem with MIG. I just can't see the perimeter of the puddle well enough.

HTP America/USAWeld customer service and support has been exceptional. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the update. Great to hear that the HTP units are doing well. I've never heard anything but the best about HTP.

Time for the $400 Optrel ! :yes:

Wes

:( :D :thumbsup:

Raise your game old man!




:thumbsup:

I'm waiting for Optrel to come out with graphics you can't resist then I'll place a bid on your sweaty sloppy seconds. :unibrow:

Seriously - I need to find someone local that has a good helmet I can test drive to confirm it's not a major lack of talent. :yes:

Email me your address I send you two different helmets you can try out.


I think I like my newest one better than my Optrel.... but it's all personal choice of course.

I missed it! What's your newest one?

The viewing area on this is huge -- helps with my bifocals.... I like the controls on the inside -- it's multi use -- torch etc -- kinda nice... it fits well - adjusts well... and I look real mean wearing it!

The inside shot has the model and brand... :cheers:




http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...x/1c814111.jpg





http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps29eb59d6.jpg





http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse1be1139.jpg

My new Jackson is GREAT!


This is a review of an older cheaper model -- you get what you pay for. Pay me now or pay me later - there's a reason people say that.

How does this Radnor helmet compare spec wise to your Jackson W60?
http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...ct=RAD64005221
Solar panel vs AAA batteries?

So here's what happens with my solar powered Optrel.... I might not weld more than 5 minutes worth - for weeks at a time... maybe a couple months go by... and the Optrel is DOA..... and needs to be laid outside in the sun to recharge. Guess what happens with that in the winter in the Pacific NorthWET.

If you're welding all the time - it stays charged up. Kinda hard to weld enough to charge it up - so that I can actually use it to weld with huh?

Good enough answer?


If I'm doing a big azz project - it's not a problem... but I own FOUR helmets... so if the Optrel isn't working - it's pretty easy to grab another. :D


It's like the stupid 1/4" drive digital Snap-On torque wrench --- how often is it used - I always take the batteries out -- then have to find some and load it up for the 3 bolts that need torquing. Never again.... just give me a friggin' tool that works when I pick it up!

Just to show you that I'm not "hide bound" to any one brand.... I present you with the Weld welding helmet collection... To wit: Optrel - Speedglass - Jackson - Radnor

The Radnor is a pile of crap. End of story.

I will send you TWO to try out - since I do actually use this stuff - believe it or not... when I'm not posting on Lat G. You pick two - forget the Radnor you won't like it.


http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...psabad4151.jpg

Bradington Young wingback recliner? Nice shop furniture, I'm sitting in mine. :yes:

Yes! I just moved it and the desk and a couple other chairs down from the mezzanine -- because I bought all new "hot rod" furniture at SEMA last year and finally got around to assembling it and put it up there. With two kids -- one of them will want this "old" stuff. The Bradington I might keep.

I was a furniture rep / distributor for years.... I have connections still. :>)


The new stuff!:D




http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps0b7a1a90.jpg

I am thinking I should try one of these also. I just about have to put a spotlight on my work to be able see it. Maybe my 5 year old Miller isn't cutting it?

Jeff-

Jeff -- OLD eyes just aren't as sharp as young ones are... and the helmets are like anything else - the technology just keeps improving.

What I think is a good advantage for the Jackson W60 -- is that for most guys with only ONE helmet to buy -- it will do A LOT... Comfort is a personal thing so that's why I think people need to try stuff out. With TIG -- and thin materials - the RANGE is important.

Thanks GW. My eyes are only 47 but they've been behind rapidly thickening glasses for most of that time. I said my Miller was 5 years old but it turns out it's 10. Way before digital, still has turn knobs inside. Has been a good tool but I could use another.
Also, probably not a big deal to most, batteries. My Miller uses a funky numbered watch battery that isn't everywhere. Would be nice to throw a couple AAAs in there and be done.


Jeff-

Actually felt like I started to grasp this TIG stuff experimenting tonight..... gradual heat, puddle, speed, positioning, motion, patience. This photo is with stainless and no filler.......baby steps.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...MAG2922-XL.jpg

Another bottle of Argon and a good helmet and who knows. :D

It's the right color.... I see dimes in there...

Not bad for an old blind guy!



:lol: