Quote:
Originally Posted by jarhead
I decided I needed to come back and read this, and watch some videos.
Will be practicing on 18-20 gauge sheet metal scraps. I want to work on my Torino cowl after I learn from my mistakes, it won't be seen but I want to do a good job. I've already repaired some of it with MIG.
I was just at the local welding supply to get argon (92CF). He reccomended, and I bought.
*70S-6 filler 1/16X36 here pounds.
* 2% cerriated tungsten in 1/16 and 3/32, I bought one of each.
My family gave me the HTP-221 for Christmas, and it has an assortment of gas lenses, none of which are clear. It has a 17 torch and the standard lenses, etc.
The question is did I buy the correct supplies to get started burning coupons?
Thanks!
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Quick response Joe —- yes...
See if I can say all this correctly so people understand what I’m saying.....
TIG welding - like GOLF has nothing to do with the equipment - and everything to do with developed or developing the skills required. The hardest part of welding won’t ever be the equipment at hand..... if you have the skill.
TIG is HARD — not in a hard way — but in the skill aquiriing department. It’s eye / hand / foot.... and it’s BOTH hands doing different things - and now add in the foot. I’ve been a drummer for over 50 years - “independence” of your hands and feet is mandatory. And if you ever learned welding (as I did) using a GAS torch and fill rod - TIG is similar and uses that same “SEEING the puddle - moving the puddle - and adding fill”. THIS IS HARDER than most think —- and it’s very frustrating to see all these other welders lay perfect stacks of dimes, as if done by a robot.... Those people are generally professionals.
I suggest people start on some thicker gauge material — so they can concentrate on the puddle and torch angle and hand steadiness etc versus burning / blowing thru - dealing with the warp - and all the other things that happen in a hurry when you’re just learning and using sheet metal. CLEAN THAT MATERIAL to bright shiny metal and prep it with acetone so it’s grease free..... and just run the torch to get your travel speed and heat control and settings and gas flow and all those basics.
When you feel you can “run a bead” — add the fill and this is when the poo hits the fan as you contaminate your tungsten..... and you begin to think you are retarded ..... keep at it — for hours and hours.... days..... you WILL BE HOOKED and it will test your will - because this should be so dang easy — and it’s NOT. LOL
Graduate to stitching some cheap short pieces of angle iron together for a butt weld - then join them together lengthwise - and make boxes — whatever..... but stick to this thicker gauge material... when you’re satisfied with what you’re doing - start joining thick to thin.... this is just more puddle control and heat control.. and warp control. And if you think you’re struggling — make up an ILL FITTING piece and try that - because that will teach you to make FIT UP KEY along with cleanliness....... because if it don’t fit — well... just do it - you’ll thank me later.
There’s more - but I need to go to bed.
HAVE FUN WITH THIS BECAUSE IT’S AN AMAZING SKILL
Gas Lens — good gas flow - need less CFH for similar job with standard torch