Tungsten diameter vs. amperage question

Can someone explain why diameter makes a difference when TIG welding thinner material? For example, why could I not sharpen up a 1/8" diameter rod to a needle point and stainless weld a couple of razor blades together just as easily as if I were using the smallest diameter tungsten? Isn't 3 to 5 amps the same at the pinpoint?

Is this a HAZ size issue, even though the amperage is the same for both diameter rods? I can certainly see why a smaller rod could not handle higher amps, but why couldn't the larger one handle the lower current?

Just curious. While I love my TIG welder, I have yet to grasp some of the physics involved, and wish I could better understand what is going on here.

Thanks,

Dan

Reply to
Dan
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I believe it has more to do with the electromagnetic field that contains the arc. A larger tungsten has a larger field and makes it harder to concentrate the heat of the arc at the very tip. So a larger tungsten will tend to make a larger puddle and a smaller tungsten a smaller puddle.

Reply to
Ernie Leimkuhler

Good knowledge Ernie -

Electric field is in circles around the rod/wire. A larger rod takes more voltage to deliver the same current density. When current isn't flowing - the arc is larger and more out of control. Once flowing the field takes over and does its thing.

A larger field is effected by all things around it - projections that can rob the power within or other surfaces that bend the rings. So higher current or higher voltage has a higher field. And it interacts with more stuff. Say a bracket over or next to - You are doing a joint next to or inside a ....

IIRC at this time of night and age...

Martin

Mart> >

Reply to
Martin H. Eastburn

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Reply to
Ernie Leimkuhler

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