Nervous about my first "real" TIG welding.

[225]

Since I don't own a MIG welder, I am going to have to TIG weld my first project.

I need to build a trailer frame for my teardrop trailer. I am going to use 2" x 2" x 1/8 square tubing.

Mostly I have practiced with aluminum. Just doing beads. Then I did a few beads on a piece of 1/8 x 1" strip of steel. It did ok, other than when I laid down a bead, the bead was flat, and it was bulged out a little bit on the other side of it.

I guess that was from too much heat? Or was that ok?

Just starting out, and doing my first project, just nervous that it won't stay together. LOL.

[225]

Also I don't remeber what I had the welder set on. But I was using 1/16 %2 Thor and 1/16 filler. I know I need to go to 3/32 filler. But that was just what I had on hand.

[SeanMurphy265]

You will for sure want to use 3/32 filler to get a good sized bead going. Post some pics of your welds It hard to tell without seeing the actual weld.

[Rodsmachineshop]

your tig stick welds to me would be better stick welding a trailer frame stick weld it with 7018

[225]

your tig stick welds to me would be better stick welding a trailer frame stick weld it with 7018

Doesn't 7018's have to be heated in a rod oven or something like that?

[Rodsmachineshop]

no not if its fresh rod lol that just reminded me i need to build a oven for my old welding i mean old over a year old lol

[everlastsupport]

Right, a fresh sealed pack you should be fine. Got an air tight can to store them in as well. They are around $5 and have a rubber o-ring. Stick will be a little fast and cheaper too.

[Rodsmachineshop]

whats good for storing welding rod is ammo canisters since there air tight with some moisture packet in the canister

[performance]

no not if its fresh rod lol that just reminded me i need to build a oven for my old welding i mean old over a year old lol

Not correct. A new rod doesn't mean it's dry UNLESS it is in a vacuum sealed canister, and then it only considered "dry" for a max of 4 or 8 hours after opening, depending upon the designation of being MR or not. A plastic box with a seal on it, or a cardboard box wrapped in plastic ISN'T considered fresh, unless it has been baked, and then held at the proper temperature until it is used.

[225]

Link:
http://www.specialmetalswelding.com/publica/Storage.pdf


Electrodes which have absorbed excessive moisture should be re-baked in a vented oven at 600ºF ±25°F
(315ºC±15°C) for one hour or 500ºF±25°F (260ºC±15°C) for two hours. Electrodes must be removed from
their original containers during this re-baking operation. Electrodes should not be stacked more than 6 layers
deep on shelves within the oven. Most electrodes can be re-baked at least 2-3 times without substantially
affecting both the integrity of the flux coating and their welding performance. Following the re-baking operation
the electrodes should be allowed to cool to room temperature prior to use.
A common problem that may occur is the uneven absorption of moisture by the electrodes. For example, electrodes
exposed overnight may exhibit "fingernailing" (uneven burn-off on one side of the electrode) problems
during welding when used the next day. In this instance the reason that "fingernailing" occurs is due to moisture
being absorbed by only one side of the electrode causing that side to burn off more slowly and unevenly.
Correct storage conditions will prevent this type of "fingernailing" problem.

[225]

I am going to buy some 7018 1/8 rods, and also some 3/32 filler metal. Then I will cut some small pieces when I get the steel, and do some test runs on both, and see which one comes out better.