Quote:
Originally Posted by out2kayak
Just curious how folks setup your TIG machines for welding sheet metal.
Do you still follow the 1 amp / .001" rule of thumb?
I've been playing in the 80 amp range for 16 gauge with 15 CFH and a 3/32 2% lanthanated tungsten.
I've been reading at http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6292 a "no hammer method" of welding sheet metal that I'm going to try, but wanted to hear what others are doing.
Thoughts?
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I typically run more amperage than I want to use... and because I use a foot pedal - I can back off or add heat as needed. I like to set the machine up just a little higher -- and then just use the bare minimum needed to make the weld.
I will always use the smallest tungsten I have to weld with especially on sheet metal. I like the keep the arc tight - the arc distance tight - and again - the minimum amount of heat to do the job. 3/32" on sheet metal -- is way large by huge. For sheet metal like we're talking about - car patches etc -- I'm in the 1/16th or .040 range again - depending on the heat... too small and you're going to blow tungsten into your weld... to large - and it takes too much heat to even get the tungsten working and by then - you're going to have a big HAZ and or a big ol' hole to fix.
