I've been doing a bunch of tig welds on OS and HS steel using a standard
tig torch with a number 7 cup. The torch is a solid back, no way to use
a long tungsten.
These welds are in tight spots which preclude getting a good torch
angle. Can a 2% Lanthanated tungsten be bent slightly at the tip to
direct your arc force downwards while holding the torch cup in a
horizontal position?
What I've been doing is adding a little more amperage (170 amps) so my
puddle washes around to smooth out the toes. This still doesn't look as
nice, and it's hard to control the puddle very well as the steel heats
up like that.
Anyone make specialty tig torches for tight spots? I don't just mean
the clear pyrex cups, but a real short gas lens and cup that will take
1/16th or 1/8th inch diameter tungstens?
Imagine a flat 5/8 inch fillet weld done with only one inch of clearance
above the part being welded. That's what I've been doing most of this
week.
Thank You!!
- posted
11 years ago