bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

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

Stampede4ever

How much did you pay for it?

Thanks.

bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

Factory Reconditioned with full warrenty $1,000 free shipping

Stampede4ever

Is it able to do Alum.?

Thanks.

bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

yes its ac/dc

HELLBENTfabrication

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.

bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

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.

bgblockelcamino

iTrader: (9)

i use straight argon. the filler rod that i use is dependant on how much gap i need to fill lol. i typically use 1/16th rods for most work

bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

how well do the straight argon work i heard the trymix is for heating the metal up faster for more penitration

TB22

iTrader: (2)

Use Straight Argon But Make Sure You Purge The Tubing It Will Be Fine.

HELLBENTfabrication

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?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

i think tri is used with magneisum, titanium and **** like that.

fenton06

iTrader: (1)

The only time I purge is on sanitary piping in meat packing plants and such... not needed imo for structural stuff

HELLBENTfabrication

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.

bgblockelcamino

iTrader: (9)

i have been using stragith argon for close to 10yrs. never had a reason to try the tri mix. never really had a problem with it.

bumpin_records

iTrader: (19)

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

99345hp

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.

b00sted

iTrader: (7)

Does that welder have HF start or is it a scratch start?

SoxXpupPeT

iTrader: (34)

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

HELLBENTfabrication

i use 3/32 for just about everything unless its thick or aluminum. you dont NEED to use the small tungsten, its just a good starting point. actually burning out the tungsten might be a good thing when welding thin materials. it will help with pedal control and let you know what happens when the tungsten and workpiece get too hot. ****** up is always a learning experience