Can I get Some TIG help please

[Case IH]

I just got a quick question, I'm currently going to tech school for welding and completed the TIG welding program, and evidently we are spoiled there with brand new equiptment every 2 years, I used a water cooled Millr Dynasty 300 or 350??? Idk for sure but it was a sweet machine, but now where I work I'm stick using an ancient Miller Econo TIG or something like that with 1/16 red tungsten. It has a thumb control (which I hate) and I'm welding stainless. My problem is it just eats tungsten like I have to sharpen it after about 3 beads!!! And half the time the arc start dosent work so I'm scratch starting it. I'm just wondering if its something I'm doing wrong? I mean the thumb control dosent offer much controll at all, and the dial is only set at about 45-55 amps...so I really don't think I'm overheating the tungsten so I'm stumped!! Any help? However I am still able to lay down some sweet beads when the tungsten is good or I get to use a different machine (ill try to post pics later)

Thanks fellas

 

[welder4956]

If that is all they will give you to work with, you will need to get used to it or convince them you need something better. Scratch starting the arc without high freq or touch start will eat up tungsten in a hurry. 3/32" tungsten would help some.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Use a piece of Copper to strike the arc on, your Tungsten will not get contaminated as quickly.
***** to have to use ****** equipment.

 

[t100]

other than the things have been mentioned, make sure you keep everything as clean as possible. clean metal, clean filler rods and most people forgot to use clean gloves.

stainless loves Argon, bump up the gas nozzle size, use gas lens and higher flow rate all help.

 

[metal tech]

Have you taken the cover off and blown out all the dust & grit. I looked thru the owners manual and did't see if the Econo tig has points. The older transformer machines had points that when pitted can cause had starts. The face of the points need to be smooth and propperly gapped if it's got them. The copper "striker" plate is a good work around. It's good you got to experience the advantages of the Dynasty machines, now you'll know when a shop invests in equipment so the workers can be the best at their job.

 

[Case IH]

Thanks guys, ill definatley try the above... I never thought of upping the gas flow or cup size, and i usually wire brush the area before and after each bead with a dedicated SS wire brush..I guess I was sort if wrong to call it scratch starting, I usually have to scratch or tap the tungsten on the metal THEN try to start the arc, either way its not good. I'm am going to ask around for some 3/32 tungsten, unfortunately most of the time there is no room for me to get a piece of copper in as the beats are usually quite small... Another thing is they don't have a dedicated tungsten grinder just a 1" or 1.5" wide belt sander were supposed to use that gets used for everything else too, do you think that is a major factor?

 

[steel 35]

Another thing is they don't have a dedicated tungsten grinder just a 1" or 1.5" wide belt sander were supposed to use that gets used for everything else too, do you think that is a major factor?

Sure can be; When I am in question I use the side of a grinding wheel, another thing I was told years ago if your having problems look for a argon leak because it is possible for a siphon to pull in oxygen and cause problems?

 

[Case IH]

Ok, I'll probably just snag a flap disk for my grinder and use it solely for tungsten

 

[JasonTX]

What you describe would happen if your polarity was backwards.

 

[E.rodz]

I agree with Jason the polarity it backwards dc setting for stainless the leads should NEGITIVE AT THE TORCH. Not pos. and just as others have mentioned clean metal and great fitment is key in tig welding. please post up the results so others can learn as well. keep up the great work.

 

[nismomans13]

your tungsten size isn't your problem, if you're only welding 45-55amps 1/16 tungsten can handle that with no problem.

 

[garfunkle24]

Sounds to me like contamination from the belt sander might be the main problem. The whole point of Tungsten electrodes is there's no **** in them to melt...Tungsten size is NOT an issue for that amperage.

 

[dladcock]

Make sure you are using 100% Argon and not mixed. That happens a lot a work when the empties are changed out. As mentioned, check the polarity.

We have a Dynasty 350 at work and it is a sweet machine. I learned on a POS welder, and that makes most any welder better.

A man once told me that it was best to learn how to play on a **** guitar, when you get your hands on a Martin you can play both.

dla

 

[Tig Master]

Econo tig is a lift arc start read the manual and also comfirm tha gas you have hooked up to it must be pure argon not a mix.Should weld real smooth not as you describe
You state an econo tig or something like that which is it.It is difficult to give help if the exact model isn't known?There are many different procedures for varying models.
Hope this helps in discovering the model.

T