Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandbagger
I could use a little advice here ....ok allot of advice
Im trying to tig 18 & 20 guage sheet metal . I do alot of patch panels .
Not having much success with this Miller Econotig . I have a foot pedal .
I have tried 3/32 tungsten .Today I tried a 1/16 tungsten and filler rod .
I was told today it would be very difficult to do 20 guage with this welder .
True ?
3/32 I burned through . 1/16 not enough .
I have been grinding to a point allot like a #2 pencil . Tried all kinds of stick out with the tungsten .
frustrated ...
When I turned the amps down , I got an arc through the cup , or diffuser . Not the tungsten .a couple times .
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Nobody can teach you how to TIG weld via a forum.... YOU are probably doing something wrong - but it'd be pretty dang hard to say what that would be by reading and replying to a post. Not being a smart ass here -- or being down on you. Just trying to be factual. TIG is an acquired art/skill. The settings are "guidelines" - to be adjusted by the welder depending on the materials being used... the job... the skill... the speeds at which the individual welder welds... it's all "sorta"...
It could be the way you're grinding your tungsten - could be the gas flow - could be the material - could be the fit up - could be the who knows what.
Check your GROUND.... Check that your material is as clean as a newborns butt... or cleaner. DO NOT USE CHLORINATED CLEANERS -- that will kill you... I clean all my edges with a scotchbrite or 3M scuff pad on a die grinder... get the scale etc off the edges. Get 'em down to brite clean metal... FIT UP IS SO IMPORTANT - CLOSE MAN - GET EM CLOSE. You should be able to tack the piece in without filler on a corner weld... probably have to use some filler on a butt weld (like a fill panel)...
20 gauge is weldable with a book of matches... any welder can handle that gauge... so that isn't the problem. The thinner the material the more skill required would be my only caveat.
What gas are you using -- should be ARGON only -- 100%. Flow around 10 or 12 CFH @ 20 psi
You should use a 1/16" 2% Ceriated/ or 2% Thoriated tungsten with a sharp point - and 1/16" filler - ER70S6.
How are you sharpening your points? Do you use a dedicated wheel? If not - you should...
Look up - YOUTUBE - and search videos on sharpening your tungsten if you haven't already. And also search and watch any videos you can on beginning TIG welding. You might pick up some info that will help you.
I'm sorry that you are frustrated with this style of welding -- but once you get the hang of it - you won't want to weld any other way!