Noob to Tig

[Ram48]

Well I just spent some time playing with my 250 ex.
and realize I have a lot to learn.
I see now that I did not have to worry about becoming good at tungsten sharpening. as I will get all the practice I need. I can finally run the torch at least four to six inches (the length of my scrap) and not stick it so that's good, and I am starting to see the puddle better. I started to add filler and this process is what will help me get good at sharpening. I also like the neon green flare that alerts you to fire up the grinder.
I hope to do some more practice on both beads and sharpening tomorrow and will take and post some pictures then

[DiabolicZ]

Well I just spent some time playing with my 250 ex.
and realize I have a lot to learn.
I see now that I did not have to worry about becoming good at tungsten sharpening. as I will get all the practice I need. I can finally run the torch at least four to six inches (the length of my scrap) and not stick it so that's good, and I am starting to see the puddle better. I started to add filler and this process is what will help me get good at sharpening. I also like the neon green flare that alerts you to fire up the grinder.
I hope to do some more practice on both beads and sharpening tomorrow and will take and post some pictures then

LOL, now you see why I say people are going over board with their tungsten sharpening. You are just going to dip it anyways. As you get more practice, you get better and don't dip as much. But even then, you still have to "freshen up" your tip from time to time. So getting it perfect is kinda pointless.

You will learn pretty quick to keep the tungsten out of the puddle once you realize how fast you are burning through a $4-$6 stick of tungsten.

Try to rest your arm or wrist on whatever it is you are working on. That way your wrist is what has control over the movement of the torch and not your whole arm. It's a lot like writing with a pen. You don't write with your whole arm hanging in the air. Yeah, you CAN, but that's not what people do.

[DiabolicZ]

Also, I'm sure you have watched video's of people welding, but in case you haven't.... If you hold the torch in your right hand, weld toward your left hand, toward your filler rod and not away from it. Or opposite if you hold the torch in your left hand. Also, now is the time to get proficient at both right and left hand welding.

[Ram48]

Also, I'm sure you have watched video's of people welding, but in case you haven't.... If you hold the torch in your right hand, weld toward your left hand, toward your filler rod and not away from it. Or opposite if you hold the torch in your left hand. Also, now is the time to get proficient at both right and left hand welding.

True that D
I do move toward the filler hand, and as soon as I can run a bead righty I intend to practice lefty also as I am sure It will be needed as soon as I do something importand. especially if I dont learn how.
I am on 4T now and want to get my cordination a bit better then add in the foot pedal. Im hoping my years as a drummer when younger will help with that lol
Hell the settings on the EX was intinidating when I opened the box but The videos on welding tips and tricks sure helped with that issue.
Ray

[DiabolicZ]

The foot pedal is easy. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. Think of it like using the brake pedal in your car.

I started TIG with only a foot pedal and no 4T. That is how I have always welded. I have played with the 4T a little bit, but I am not confident enough to use it on customers projects yet.

[Ram48]

D
I went back out to the shop and trashed another electrode no surprise there. I tried feeding rod into the puddle and first time I guess I did not move much and had a gob of molten metal. the second time I got a bead of sorts but it was wide as hell and what heat build up cherry red all around and thru 1/4 inch plate. I was using 3/32 rod and 120 amps. the rod seemed to ball up sometime and I stuck the rod in the puddle too. Man have I got a lot to learn at 62 I just hope I have enough time lol

[WILD BILL]

Just don't give up. It takes a bunch of practice. I'm just about to get my 4th bottle of argon and I seem to making pretty good progress.

Keep at it and it will come.

[hooda]

I use a 4-1/2 inch grinder with a harbor freight diamond wheel modded to fit. when welding, I mount this setup in a vise next to my bench grinder, so I can grind the aluminum goober off with a regular grinder before going at it with the diamond. keeps things so a regrind takes less than 2 minutes, out to in. this setup costed $19.00 for the grinder, and $9.95 for the wheel, compared to $300.00 for an official tungsten sharpener. also lets you experiment with different angles/flat sizes. I'm wondering if your tungsten will ball itself with the 250EX just by welding?