Just bought an AlphaTig..

[bellyupfish01]

Ok, so I've been mig welding for a few years, bought an AlphaTig a couple months ago but finally got around to wiring my shop for 220v.

So I'm ready to start playing with the Tig.

I've got a bottle and the machine.

Anyone have any suggestions on tungstens for it to learn with? I'd like to start on steel and aluminum.


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[TruckRed]

2% lanthanated

 

[rburke65]

TruckRed.....what does than mean? I have been around tigs but have never welded with one. Thx

 

[BellyUpFish]

TruckRed.....what does than mean? I have been around tigs but have never welded with one. Thx

Supposed to be a healthier substitute for thoriated tungstens from what my Googlefu is telling me.

 

[TruckRed]

2% Lanthanated tungsten can be used in place of the more commonly used
2% thoriated and is considered to be safer, it works great for both steel and aluminum. Lanthanated is all i use.

 

[matt_i]

Right or wrong I use the ceria tungsten as I think its compatible with either material.

I usually keep one with a pointed tip for steel and then quickly switch it out for the balled end version if aluminum comes to the shop. Otherwise there's a bunch of work to keep breaking off the pointed end and then repointing it, seems like a lot of work for just one job here and there. The work I do is probably 95% steel and 5% aluminum.

Also on the list I would recommend some stainless steel wire brushes for cleaning the aluminum up so you can weld it with less contamination. Mcmaster Carr has a couple different sizes.

 

[Zeke]

You will need different sizes as well. I have them all the way from 1/8th" to .040". The thinner the work, the thinner the tungsten (in most cases).

 

[TruckRed]

One of the advantages of a Lanthanated tungsten is it doesn't ball, which means you always have a sharp tungsten for both aluminum and steel. I prefer a sharp tungsten for more precise bead control, particularly for aluminum.

 

[WILD-BILL]

One of the advantages of a Lanthanated tungsten is it doesn't ball, which means you always have a sharp tungsten for both aluminum and steel. I prefer a sharp tungsten for more precise bead control, particularly for aluminum.

This. 2% Lanthanated is all I use and I've gone from steel to aluminum and back to steel all with the same electrode.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

All I use is 1/16" or 3/32" 2% lanthanated, best all-around tungsten for TIG welding. I have some 1/16" 2% ceriated that I use for low-amp DC TIG, but I would be perfectly content with just 2% lanthanated. Easy to switch from DC to AC and back, no need to ball the tip (it may round over just a bit, sometimes grind the very tip flat instead of pointed), and it won't split on AC like 2% thoriated.


If you're just getting one pack of tungsten to start get the 3/32" 2% lanth, perfect for this machine. I love my AlphaTig, I've got the 2015 model and haven't had a single problem with it. I plan on getting a CK torch for it soon, and hopefully an SSC pedal eventually. But you really can't beat it for the price. I've even used it on 120V power a few times with great success.

 

[Tom.C]

Correct me if im wrong but I have read that with aluminum you want to grind the point horizontally and then grind the very tip flat, and with Steel you grind the point perpendicular and leave the tip pointed?

 

[xman_charl]

grind should be parallel with center axis of tungsten.

will get a "swirl" if grinding circular pattern on tungsten.

observe all of this when tigging metal.

my 2 cents

charl

 

[bigdav160]

grind should be parallel with center axis of tungsten.

That's the way I do it, AC or DC

 

[txvwnut]

I plan on getting a CK torch for it soon, and hopefully an SSC pedal eventually. But you really can't beat it for the price. I've even used it on 120V power a few times with great success.

I have the SSC pedal, get one you wont regret it. The rocker style pedal is sooooo much nicer than the little flap pedal.

 

[BellyUpFish]

If you're just getting one pack of tungsten to start get the 3/32" 2% lanth, perfect for this machine. I love my AlphaTig, I've got the 2015 model and haven't had a single problem with it. I plan on getting a CK torch for it soon, and hopefully an SSC pedal eventually. But you really can't beat it for the price. I've even used it on 120V power a few times with great success.

I can get however many packs I need to get going, but it sounds like 3/32 2% lanth might be a good way to go.



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