140st in TIG mode- what to start with?

[MotoJ]

I'll probably try and get myself a tank this weekend for my new 140st. What's the best combo of tungsten and wire to start with?

I've TIG welded in class (for 3-1/2 whole hours!) with 3/32" or 1/8" 2% ceriated electrodes and 3/32" wire (I think). Welders were big Miller multi-process units. I think the amps were around 95.

Is that combo too much for the little 140st? Should I start with say, 1/16" tungsten and .35 wire, or something like that?

I'm practicing on 1/8" scrap, BTW. In class was 3/16" and 1/4". All mild steel.

thanks guys

[Rambozo]

I would say 3/32" tungsten should take care of everything that machine can put out. Use 2% thoriated or lanthanated. If you lean more towards sheetmetal work you can use a 1/16 tungsten up to about 100 amps. Different grinds on the tips can extend the range of a tungsten. A needle point on 3/32" works about as well at low amp sheetmetal as a normal grind on a 1/16" As to filler, my go to rod is ER70S2 1/16" It will work for everything from sheetmetal up to about 1/8 without going too fast. If you will only weld 1/8" and thicker, you could go a little larger, but I think starting out, you tend to be a little on the slow side, and the smaller filler will be easier for you.

[everlastsupport]

Basically what Rambozo said, I would pick up 1/16" and 3/32" lanthanated (or thoriated, get lanth). Also ER70 in 1/16" and 3/32" Then you can mix and match as needed, filler "wire" is not a lot of money, nor lanthanated (over thoriated).

ER70-2 or ER70-6, 6 is better on dirty metals (they mix things in the rod (oxidizers) and that is the number part), look up an ER70 list and pick type metal/work you will be using.

[MotoJ]

Thanks for the info, guys. That will get me started!

[performance]

Thanks for the info, guys. That will get me started!

Thoriated works well for lift starting. I'd actually have use 70 S6 unless you are using Chrome Moly...then 70 S2. NO 70S3....not a good idea. It's cheap but not good.

[MotoJ]

Is one of those- thoriated or lanthanated- supposedly poisonous or carcinogenic or something?

[everlastsupport]

Is one of those- thoriated or lanthanated- supposedly poisonous or carcinogenic or something?

Thoriated is radioactive a little. NOT GOOD to breath it. Thoriated would be better on the 140 lift start, I missed that part. All my machine have HF so I prefer lanthanated.