tig welding
tig welding Just got my first tig welder a hobart Tigmate ,Im tig welding 16 guage stainless steel tubing. what size filler rod do i use 1/8, 3/32, or 1/16 ? also what size tungsten would you recommend? thanks
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
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use 1/16 filler and tungston, red #2 is fine. you should purge the tube with argon to shield the weld from the inside. if you have never welded stainless before you should practice because it can be tricky for beginners.
yeah i have welded stainless but it was mig. I never purged the tubes but im gonna start. I am using a tri-mix gas though. do you use straight argon when you tig stainless? In your opinion do you think straight argon is better. I heard that tri mix penitrait beter.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
yeah i have welded stainless but it was mig. I never purged the tubes but im gonna start. I am using a tri-mix gas though. do you use straight argon when you tig stainless? In your opinion do you think straight argon is better. I heard that tri mix penitrait beter.
penetration is based on how heavy your rocking that pedal.
i usually do 304, MS, moly and 6061 alum. whats in your tri mix? 
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 58
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not purging your weld will compromise the integrity of the material. the weld will be pretty on top but falling apart underneath. the area not shielded will be more susceptible to cracking and corrosion (yes even though its stainless) its mandatory in the food industry because bacteria can build up in those microscopic imperfections in the material, food grade stainless is usually a much finer grain or highly polished so that this does not occur.
i never need anything but straight argon. your gas helps shield the weld from atmosphere. usually mixed gases are used for more exotic metals, its been a while so i really dont remember why.
penetration is based on how heavy your rocking that pedal. i usually do 304, MS, moly and 6061 alum. whats in your tri mix?
penetration is based on how heavy your rocking that pedal.
i usually do 304, MS, moly and 6061 alum. whats in your tri mix?91% Helium 8% Argon 1% CO2 is what i use. i guess i will need to purge cause i notice what they call sugar buildup on the back side of the weld which is caused from not using the purge method
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2007
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everything these guys are telling you is spot on. We should start calling you dixie for all the sugar crystals on the inside of your welds. LOL. Thats what we call the welders at work that sugar something up.
i wouldnt use the 1/16" thats to small. use the 3/32 or the 1/8 and control it witht he foot pedal. that way you dont burn out the tungsten. id use around 50-60 amps and feel the rest out. idk how that welder is but thats how it is on the lincoln precision tig 375
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 58
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