Melting Tungsten - New to TIG welding

Do you have the polarity backwards ? Martin

Something is WAY wrong! Now, the very TIP of the electrode is supposed to melt, just a little, when you are at the upper end of the current range for that size. What electrodes are you using? Pure Tungsten (EWP)? Those are only good for serious pros who are required to use them in aerospace work. Get some Zirconiated electrodes for Aluminum, and Thoriated or Lanthanated for mild steels. That makes a HUGE difference.

Are you absolutely sure you have water flowing through the torch? Are you absolutely sure the current control is working? You should be using 100% Argon, and probably flowing 5-10 Cu Ft/Hr for modest sized electrodes.

Jon

That would be my guess, too.

Harold

did you turn on the gas? do you have enough gas flow?

Check your gas. My supplier gave me a tank of 20% CO2/80% Argon. I had blue fits trying to weld AL until I discovered the goof. It works fine on steels. Bugs

What size electrode? What kind of electrode (pure tungsten, 2% zirconiated, etc.) What current? What shielding gas? What flow rate? What size filler rod? How thick is the metal you are welding?

I found that out..the same way I found out how to melt an endmill....sigh

Gunner

Liberals - Cosmopolitan critics, men who are the friends of every country save their own. Benjamin Disraeli

Chuckle!

An admission that you, like the rest of us, are perfectly normal? Don't ask.

Harold

Of course Harold. I dont walk on water, and I put my pants on one leg at a time. I even manage to get the fly in the front most of the time...

Gunner

Liberals - Cosmopolitan critics, men who are the friends of every country save their own. Benjamin Disraeli

Front? The fly goes in front? ;-)

Harold