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Tig electrode size for 1/8 X 1/4 ss 304l rod weld? technique?

What TIG electrode size should I use when welding 1/8" ss rod X 1/4" ss rod, both 304 L? Should I use a 1/16" electode or 1/8" or something else? (Ceriated tungsten)

(the rods are positioned across each other, using a "L" angle iron and a couple of vise-grips clamping each rod to the angle iron, with the two rods X - ing each other.)

Should I try to angle the torch toward the thicker 1/4" rod, or circle it around the tiny spot where the two pieces over-lap?

I'm using a Miller Maxstar 125 STH on regular house current. I've got the finger-tip control wheel and the basic torch it came with "WP1712RDI25 TIG torch "

What settings should I use?

I have it set on HF start, pulse TIG, 125 amp Electrode negative, DCEN

Am using 1/16" 2% Ceriated tungsten electrode, properly ground to a sharp tip.

I'm using 1/16" 316L ss filler rod.

I have the argon flow rate at 20

While I'm asking basic questions, what electrode size should I using when welding 1/8" X 1/8" ? (I'm using the 1/16" ) It's important that at least one of the ss rods not get deformed or out of round after it's welded.

Obviously, I'm a "rank" beginner. ....

I tried a lower amp of about 75, but I just slagged through the piece on top ( both when tryng to weld 1/8" X 1/8" and 1/8" X 1/4" (slagged the 1/8" rod) )

With 125 amp, at least I get partial ugly looking welds on 1/8" X 1/8" and 1/8" X 1/4" and 1/4" X 1/4" (1/16" electrode on the first two and 1/8" electrode on the last one)

When using 75 amp, I actually got a braze-weld using 1/8" filler brazing rod, on 1/4" X 1/4" ss 304 rod, using the 1/8" ceriated electrode.

Any other basic tips??? I know to match the collets to the electrode size, at least I guess that's what I'm supposed to do...

Just hobby welding, no weight-bearing welds, no "critiical" welds. I could pay a guy from the welding store to help me out for a hour or so, and then practice, but I want to see if I can do it on my own.....I feel like I'm close to at least getting some functional welds, and then it's just practice from there on.

Thanks ....larq

Reply to
larq
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Dude, 1. yes I think you will generally want to focus the arc primarily on the thicker rod, so you can begin to get melting on it without simply blowing away the thinner rod.

  1. Check out following info on tungsten electrodes, diameter choice is primarily a funtion of the maximum current used for your weld, so 1/16" is a good choice for up to about 150 amps DCEN. Sharp tip is good.
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  2. 1/16" 316L filler rod is probably ok, but it is half the size of the rod you are trying to weld, so it may be easier with smaller diameter such as 0.045 or 0.035".

  1. Argon at flow rate of 20, assume this is cubic feet per hour (cfh). To me this is too high. I only use enough flow to provide good shielding and I use a gas lens to improve shielding. Excessive flow rate can cause turbulence and bring air into the arc and weld. Try reducing you flow, see if 5 to 10 cfh is enough for what you are welding. See gas lens info at this link.
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  1. I think this is a fairly challenging weld joint, with the small diameter (1/8") and the large "gap" produced by the intersecting diameter of the rods. It will be beneficial to get the tungsten tip in as close as possible to the root of the joint, 0.030 to 0.060". This will concentrate the heat at the joint, provide more precise melting, helping to avoid over heating the entire thickness of the rod.
Reply to
Ipeak

Thanks for the information and tips....very helpful....I'll giv'em a try.

I've been over-heating the rod and the top rod melts and "blows away". I'll practice the weld with the 1/16" filler for now...once I know what I need, I'll need to mail order thinner filler and most everything else.

My original claming jig - before the angle iron - put too much shearing stress on the X 'ed rods - the way I'm clamping the rods in position now should keep'em next to each other without the shear pressure, that's my next practice weld..

I've seen ya'll write about the gas lenses and I plan to get some once I know a little more about what I'm doing - then I'll know more about what I need for my project.

Thanks again.

larq

Reply to
larq

Go to the hardware store and get a roll of thin stainless steel wire. It lasts a long time used as filler in this fashion. I regularly use a roll of .026 mig wire for filler.

Gunner

"If I'm going to reach out to the the Democrats then I need a third hand.There's no way I'm letting go of my wallet or my gun while they're around."

"Democrat. In the dictionary it's right after demobilize and right before demode` (out of fashion).

-Buddy Jordan 2001

Reply to
Gunner

Ok--good idea, Gunner! I'll get some this weekend.

I practiced a few welds with what I have. Got a couple of ok ones, but I'd never photograph them. Things seem to better if that tiny weld (I guess it's a tiny fillet weld) I'm doing is done in 2-3 seconds, otherwise the other end of the 1/8" rod drops to the floor. So 2-3 or 4 secs and the weld is done or I back off and try again.

Hopefully, I'll get some more time to play Sunday or Monday.

Thanks- larq

Reply to
larq

Harbor Freight and other sell a 2lb spool of SS wire for about $10-15USD That goes a very very long way.

You will be fascinated by the difference when you go to a small wire for filler. Less heat, zip and its done. Id not be surprised if you wind up tigging at 50 amps

Gunner

"If I'm going to reach out to the the Democrats then I need a third hand.There's no way I'm letting go of my wallet or my gun while they're around."

"Democrat. In the dictionary it's right after demobilize and right before demode` (out of fashion).

-Buddy Jordan 2001

Reply to
Gunner

I can't wait to buy some thinner filler!!! I'm checking the hardware store tommow - don't have much hope they'll have it, but maybe they'll have some 0.26 mig filler like you suggested.......pretty soon I'll be welding like a newbie! ;-) lol

Reply to
larq

Well..how did it work?

Gunner

"If I'm going to reach out to the the Democrats then I need a third hand.There's no way I'm letting go of my wallet or my gun while they're around."

"Democrat. In the dictionary it's right after demobilize and right before demode` (out of fashion).

-Buddy Jordan 2001

Reply to
Gunner

Reply to
dcaster

Yep, a homemade spotwelder would be nice, so I'm interested in more details. I'm going to be away from any computer access for a week, so I'll check back then.

I'm go>Is this something you are going to weld often? If so you will be

Reply to
larq

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