Greetings all, I'm not an expert welder, but I've done enough to have an idea of what's going on. I've just migrated to tig and I'm having a heck of a time making all this work. I can't seem to figure out what's wrong. Here's the info: Weldcraft watercooled torch with gas lens, 3/32" tungsten - 1.5% lanthanated(grey end), 1/16" 308L filler rod, Lincoln Idealarc 300/300 tig - on low setting(60A max), pure argon running at 20 scfh, torch is negative with respect to workpiece(welder set at DC-). The foot pedal can only active the torch, can't control amperage except from the front panel(still working on the problem - homemade foot pedal). I'm experimenting with some 1/16" sandblasted steel. I can get an arc going easily enough and start laying down a bead with the filler. When I'm done with the weld, the back side of the steel looks terrible. All kinds of stalagtites and jagged chunks poking out of the back of the welds. Tungsten seems to ball up after a short time. Have tried raising the current, going to a 1/8" 2% thoriated tungsten, larger filler rod, removed gas lens. Even tried a thicker chunk(1/8") piece of steel. Results are basically the same. I tried joining a couple pieces of wire-brushed steel fuel line at right angles. Same problem. Tube was full of stalagtites. I started doing tig with my Powcon 300ST late last year before obtaining the Lincoln. Amazingly enough, I was having the same problems. Garbage coming out the back of the welds. I thought it was the Powcon. The only common things between the two systems are the torch, the gas bottle, and me. Is it possible that my argon is no good or maybe filled incorrectly? I have had the bottle over 10 years and used it with my mig before moving it to the tig. Actually I've had some funny problems with the mig over the years, too. Maybe I've answered my own question, but I'd like to find the definitive answer. Thanks for any suggestions.
-Jim