Problem balling tungsten when welding

[GregWeld]

I use brake clean -- but I use NON-CHLORINATED


#1 rule in TIG -- CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN

This ain't MIG (farmer) welding... TIG is all about tight fit ups - bare - cleaned metal - NO oily residue. This is precision welding.

ASSume you're using Argon gas...

The DIAMETER of your tungsten sets the limits of your heat. So check the amperage ratings of the diameter and type of tungsten you're using.

There's a thread here about tungsten sharpening. There's also a TON of info and videos on Miller and YouTube etc.

[Rhino]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

#1 rule in TIG -- CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN

This ain't MIG (farmer) welding... TIG is all about tight fit ups - bare - cleaned metal - NO oily residue. This is precision welding.

Yep, I am using Argon, set at 15 CFH currently. You're absolutely right about cleanliness. As soon as I realized what was going on last night I did have a bit of an aha moment. As soon as I cleaned it up not only did I not get any contamination but the weld laid down so much nicer. Not quite the stack of dimes I see elsewhere, but it's something I can at least be proud of.

It turns out my old shop teacher may have known what he was talking about all along.

[mad68rs]

cool man, happy you got it figured out

[coolwelder62]

Only use a stainless steel wire brush for cleaning alum.If you used the SS brush on mild steel get a new one.Dont use a flap wheel from steel then to alum.If you are sharpening you tung. horz. to the grind stone this is wrong.Get a tung. sharpener.Makes the points last longer.Try using a gas defuser len's also.Provide's better gas coverage.I use denaturted alcohol for cleaning alum parts before welding.

[sniper]

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

I use denaturted alcohol for cleaning alum parts before welding.

Is that strong enough? I use acetone. But if something else does the same job for cheaper than I am all for it.

[coolwelder62]

Originally Posted by sniper

Is that strong enough? I use acetone. But if something else does the same job for cheaper than I am all for it.

If the parts are real dirty I bead blast first then wipe clean w/DA.