- Thread starter Retired
- Start date
Hi,
Many thanks eSCHEn for your kind words; good luck for me has been a long time coming but it's definitely most welcome now it's arrived.
Thanks Hood.
I'll be happy to post the schematic eddie49 and intended to but firstly I need to obtain permission from Parweld because it was included in a private email to me; I'm unsure if it's public domain so I need to check first.
Kind regards, Colin.
Many thanks eSCHEn for your kind words; good luck for me has been a long time coming but it's definitely most welcome now it's arrived.
Thanks Hood.
I'll be happy to post the schematic eddie49 and intended to but firstly I need to obtain permission from Parweld because it was included in a private email to me; I'm unsure if it's public domain so I need to check first.
Kind regards, Colin.
slim_boy_fat
Forum Supporter
- Messages
- 29,540
- Location
- Scottish Highlands
Hi,
You are so right slim; yes a bunch of great guys here on the forum and as such I hope to join in; I truly appreciate all the help and information kindly afforded me together with members for having patience to follow my story which hopefully will soon come to a satisfactory ending.
Thanks Munkul; yes my fingers are well and truly crossed. I made a mistake in assuming the original capacitors to be poor quality but now with hindsight having installed high quality expensive capacitors the fault is obviously elsewhere.
Whilst it's been very upsetting for me with Bron generously spending so much money to buy me the welder only to have the welder self destruct within minutes of use I hope I've not caused or been in any way offensive throughout this thread. I understand things go wrong especially for me and over the years I've gained a huge amount of patience; it's pointless getting mad which never helps in any situation but I always try to resolve my problems in a quiet methodical way as I hope I've shown here. I would have continued trying to repair this welder because I'm really too stupid to know when to quit; once the welder tripped the mcb having just had the new capacitors installed I knew then I was in for a lot of research and was very pleased when Parweld supplied me the schematic which would help a great deal rather than me going in blind.
Initially I was miffed with Parweld because I contacted Parweld using their official contact online form and was rudely ignored which offended me and hence the ongoing saga of this thread with the only help from you wonderful guys. I believe Parweld would do well to drop their online contact form and just use email or phone because in this instance I became an unhappy customer never wanting to buy Parweld goods in future.
Feeling the way I did I would never bodge up the welder and pass the problem on but I did intend to get the welder into full working order knowing it to be without fault then sell it or as a last resort sell it as repair or spares because I had lost faith in it.
Yesterday however fully restored my faith in Parweld following an email I sent to them asking if they could supply a schematic or power supply board; what a transformation; Parweld were extremely helpful in supplying the schematic and also requesting fuller details of the board. At this point I could now relax with Parweld no longer feeling upset with them. I had also emailed The Wakefield Welding Centre and what a top guy Jim proved to be; Jim contacted Parweld actually the Parweld contact I had exchanged emails with and the outcome is that the welder will be repaired by Parweld under warranty.
I confess that because this welder has put me to so my trouble and grief I intended to sell it or trade it in once I knew it to be fully working but I'm in no way vindictive and hopefully once the welder is back with me it will shake hands with me and we can be friends; I didn't want to part with it because after all it was a present from Bron.
I don't know what caused the welder to blow up after all it had only seen less than ten minutes use but I am impressed by what I've seen when I opened it up by its build quality; it's not thrown together but looks a nice bit of kit on the inside.
With my sincere thanks to Jim at Wakefield Welding Center and Parweld for standing up I hope to shortly give Parweld very top marks; Jim already has top marks and now I know where Wakefield Welding Center is I can pop over for consumables in future. I like happy endings because I'm a softie.
Kind regards, Colin.
You are so right slim; yes a bunch of great guys here on the forum and as such I hope to join in; I truly appreciate all the help and information kindly afforded me together with members for having patience to follow my story which hopefully will soon come to a satisfactory ending.
Thanks Munkul; yes my fingers are well and truly crossed. I made a mistake in assuming the original capacitors to be poor quality but now with hindsight having installed high quality expensive capacitors the fault is obviously elsewhere.
Whilst it's been very upsetting for me with Bron generously spending so much money to buy me the welder only to have the welder self destruct within minutes of use I hope I've not caused or been in any way offensive throughout this thread. I understand things go wrong especially for me and over the years I've gained a huge amount of patience; it's pointless getting mad which never helps in any situation but I always try to resolve my problems in a quiet methodical way as I hope I've shown here. I would have continued trying to repair this welder because I'm really too stupid to know when to quit; once the welder tripped the mcb having just had the new capacitors installed I knew then I was in for a lot of research and was very pleased when Parweld supplied me the schematic which would help a great deal rather than me going in blind.
Initially I was miffed with Parweld because I contacted Parweld using their official contact online form and was rudely ignored which offended me and hence the ongoing saga of this thread with the only help from you wonderful guys. I believe Parweld would do well to drop their online contact form and just use email or phone because in this instance I became an unhappy customer never wanting to buy Parweld goods in future.
Feeling the way I did I would never bodge up the welder and pass the problem on but I did intend to get the welder into full working order knowing it to be without fault then sell it or as a last resort sell it as repair or spares because I had lost faith in it.
Yesterday however fully restored my faith in Parweld following an email I sent to them asking if they could supply a schematic or power supply board; what a transformation; Parweld were extremely helpful in supplying the schematic and also requesting fuller details of the board. At this point I could now relax with Parweld no longer feeling upset with them. I had also emailed The Wakefield Welding Centre and what a top guy Jim proved to be; Jim contacted Parweld actually the Parweld contact I had exchanged emails with and the outcome is that the welder will be repaired by Parweld under warranty.
I confess that because this welder has put me to so my trouble and grief I intended to sell it or trade it in once I knew it to be fully working but I'm in no way vindictive and hopefully once the welder is back with me it will shake hands with me and we can be friends; I didn't want to part with it because after all it was a present from Bron.
I don't know what caused the welder to blow up after all it had only seen less than ten minutes use but I am impressed by what I've seen when I opened it up by its build quality; it's not thrown together but looks a nice bit of kit on the inside.
With my sincere thanks to Jim at Wakefield Welding Center and Parweld for standing up I hope to shortly give Parweld very top marks; Jim already has top marks and now I know where Wakefield Welding Center is I can pop over for consumables in future. I like happy endings because I'm a softie.
Kind regards, Colin.
Hi,
Unfortunately I'm unable to post the schematic into public domain which I respect and fully understand; I've promised it will remain solely with me. I'm eagerly looking forward to getting my welder back and learning TIG welding shortly.
Kind regards, Colin.
Unfortunately I'm unable to post the schematic into public domain which I respect and fully understand; I've promised it will remain solely with me. I'm eagerly looking forward to getting my welder back and learning TIG welding shortly.
Kind regards, Colin.
Hi,
I finally remembered to check our mains supply yesterday; I installed a 13A plug into a socket in the workshop with the plug cap removed; power definitely switched off first; switching on; my DMM read 243V which is near enough so the mains look OK. I did connect the welder to the supply using a 32A plug and socket this from a 32A C type mcb.
32A supply for my bigger machines; my Pickhill Bantam welder kept tripping the B type mcb so I upgraded the lot installing a new metal clad 16 way consumer unit together with 100A DP isolator. The new CU is https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...d-high-integrity-dual-rcd-consumer-unit/7300g I'm confident our supply is fine but good to check as you kindly suggest John of Arc.
The original consumer unit with garage unit.
I'm still keen to learn TIG welding once the welder is returned; I've already got two interesting TIG welding projects to get me started after practicing on scrap first; I think I'll enjoy TIG welding.
Kind regards, Colin.
I finally remembered to check our mains supply yesterday; I installed a 13A plug into a socket in the workshop with the plug cap removed; power definitely switched off first; switching on; my DMM read 243V which is near enough so the mains look OK. I did connect the welder to the supply using a 32A plug and socket this from a 32A C type mcb.
32A supply for my bigger machines; my Pickhill Bantam welder kept tripping the B type mcb so I upgraded the lot installing a new metal clad 16 way consumer unit together with 100A DP isolator. The new CU is https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...d-high-integrity-dual-rcd-consumer-unit/7300g I'm confident our supply is fine but good to check as you kindly suggest John of Arc.
The original consumer unit with garage unit.
I'm still keen to learn TIG welding once the welder is returned; I've already got two interesting TIG welding projects to get me started after practicing on scrap first; I think I'll enjoy TIG welding.
Kind regards, Colin.
Hi,
WOW; WOW and WOW, Parweld are brilliant and I can't sing their praises high enough. Jim at Wakefield Welding emailed the good news that he had my fully repaired and tested welder ready for me to collect. I've just returned home with the welder but not yet tried it out which I hope to do tomorrow. The welder had suffered a catastrophic blow up meaning lots of new parts plus labour to repair it; I still don't know what caused the welder to expire but can put it down to simply my bad luck. This has fully restored my confidence in Parweld and I'm eagerly looking forward to using the welder for years to come; I've no hesitation at all in recommending Parweld now knowing they have such an excellent back up should anything untowards happen; no fuss and no quibbling at all my broken welder sorted without the slightest hassle; well done Parweld and also well done Wakefield Welding Center; top marks from me. What a relief.
Kind regards, Colin.
WOW; WOW and WOW, Parweld are brilliant and I can't sing their praises high enough. Jim at Wakefield Welding emailed the good news that he had my fully repaired and tested welder ready for me to collect. I've just returned home with the welder but not yet tried it out which I hope to do tomorrow. The welder had suffered a catastrophic blow up meaning lots of new parts plus labour to repair it; I still don't know what caused the welder to expire but can put it down to simply my bad luck. This has fully restored my confidence in Parweld and I'm eagerly looking forward to using the welder for years to come; I've no hesitation at all in recommending Parweld now knowing they have such an excellent back up should anything untowards happen; no fuss and no quibbling at all my broken welder sorted without the slightest hassle; well done Parweld and also well done Wakefield Welding Center; top marks from me. What a relief.
Kind regards, Colin.
angellonewolf
Member
- Messages
- 8,457
- Location
- bristol england
hope you bought the walkfield welding center a box of biscuts and a beer fund donation
Hi,
Thanks for the suggestion angellonewolf; box of chocolates already handed over with my sincere thanks; only a small token considering the help I received but now they have a new very loyal customer. Beer fund sadly no I'm teetotal. How do you thank such people though for so much help which is so rare these days?
Kind regards, Colin.
Thanks for the suggestion angellonewolf; box of chocolates already handed over with my sincere thanks; only a small token considering the help I received but now they have a new very loyal customer. Beer fund sadly no I'm teetotal. How do you thank such people though for so much help which is so rare these days?
Kind regards, Colin.
angellonewolf
Member
- Messages
- 8,457
- Location
- bristol england
its better to ask how much for the job but if they insist on just give me a drink
work out how much it would cost for the job thats been done (or if a car repair the same the same applys for most stuff)
add in how well you know the person and if you can do jobs in return for them
but 1/3 or 1/2 depending on how well you know them ive always gone by
in your case i guess the job was £150 poss more (there are more on here that could give a better idea this i expext is prob to low) for the repair so as it was done under warrenty they did not do the work but did go out there way to set it up the 1/3 add the choc a promice of putting there name out when every you hear of any one local (or poss if people on here are local to them) put there name forward would not be out the way and also use them for any things you need even if there a few quid more than you can buy it on line for remember they got overheads for buildings staff etc rather than some one selling parts out there back room that possably dont even know what there selling or pay tax etc
remember better to pay to much than to little as you might need who evers help again especialy if you cant do the job yourself the next time
only a few days i done a job for someone that did not ask just shove some cash in my hand (wont say job or who but done a few times all ways asked much ive always said a price aways the same price and its normaly 1/3 of the pro price prob even less than that realy)
i took the money and put in pocket and said thankyou (did not count it)
the payent given was lets say just over 1/3 less than the normal expected amount did not say any thing as was back home at the time i was putting the money away said to otherhalf thats the last time i do that any how funny they must have got a touch of guilt as come home tonight to some extra beer in the fridge that was droped round
a bit later said to other half ok if they need job done again dont mind doing it again if needed
and and on your side dont aways expect payment for little jobs a thankyou means more to me for a job for certain people than a few quid in the hand
work out how much it would cost for the job thats been done (or if a car repair the same the same applys for most stuff)
add in how well you know the person and if you can do jobs in return for them
but 1/3 or 1/2 depending on how well you know them ive always gone by
in your case i guess the job was £150 poss more (there are more on here that could give a better idea this i expext is prob to low) for the repair so as it was done under warrenty they did not do the work but did go out there way to set it up the 1/3 add the choc a promice of putting there name out when every you hear of any one local (or poss if people on here are local to them) put there name forward would not be out the way and also use them for any things you need even if there a few quid more than you can buy it on line for remember they got overheads for buildings staff etc rather than some one selling parts out there back room that possably dont even know what there selling or pay tax etc
remember better to pay to much than to little as you might need who evers help again especialy if you cant do the job yourself the next time
only a few days i done a job for someone that did not ask just shove some cash in my hand (wont say job or who but done a few times all ways asked much ive always said a price aways the same price and its normaly 1/3 of the pro price prob even less than that realy)
i took the money and put in pocket and said thankyou (did not count it)
the payent given was lets say just over 1/3 less than the normal expected amount did not say any thing as was back home at the time i was putting the money away said to otherhalf thats the last time i do that any how funny they must have got a touch of guilt as come home tonight to some extra beer in the fridge that was droped round
a bit later said to other half ok if they need job done again dont mind doing it again if needed
and and on your side dont aways expect payment for little jobs a thankyou means more to me for a job for certain people than a few quid in the hand
Usually most places are near a food establishment or able to reach one etc.
Even if they dont drink, the gesture of
"Put that in the biscuit/bacon/tea fund" goes along way.
I dont think twice about putting an extra £20 in anymore to people who deserve/earnt it in my opinion. Especially if I feel they under charged for what task/job they have performed.
Parweld and wakefield welding have saved you, what in essence, could have easily been another new welder. that in my eyes is superb customer service especially as it was outside of their usual warranty etc. These people need supporting!
Even if they dont drink, the gesture of
"Put that in the biscuit/bacon/tea fund" goes along way.
I dont think twice about putting an extra £20 in anymore to people who deserve/earnt it in my opinion. Especially if I feel they under charged for what task/job they have performed.
Parweld and wakefield welding have saved you, what in essence, could have easily been another new welder. that in my eyes is superb customer service especially as it was outside of their usual warranty etc. These people need supporting!
Munkul
Jack of some trades, Master of none
- Messages
- 7,519
- Location
- Cumbria
Bear in mind that Parweld UK have something to do with the out-of-warranty repair as well. It's stories like this that make people buy more machines from them. Sounds like a great welding shop, though 
Excellent result Colin, now you need some hood time playing with it!
Excellent result Colin, now you need some hood time playing with it!
Hi,
I couldn't agree more with you Ruffian & Munkel. I've been arc welding for over 50 years but TIG welding is totally new to me so I'm on a steep learning curve. My introduction to TIG welding could hardly have been much worse and I'm sure would have put many off ever trying TIG welding again but I'm stubborn. Wakefield Welding and Parweld have turned this around though and I can't praise them high enough. When I visited Wakefield Welding yesterday it was with the intention of trading in my welder against either a brand new Parweld or Jasic; I had enough cash on me to buy a new welder outright; I had taken along a small box of chocolates as a thank you but expecting to part with a lot of money.
I hadn't fallen out with Parweld at all putting the expired welder just down to my bad luck hence it wouldn't have been a problem to buy a new Parweld; what I really wanted was a new welder with full manufacturers warranty to give me peace of mind; discussing my options though and now having the welder fully reconditioned by Parweld I decided to give the welder a second chance after all it was now fully tested so I returned home. I'll never forget the huge amount of help I've received from both Wakefield Welding and Parweld; my main concern was in having a working welder. My welder was second hand but at a year old had never even had a plug on it; it looked brand new and the torch definitely had never been used so why did it explode? I've now had time to think about this and the guy I bought the welder from stated it had been stored under his bench for a year? This begs the question as to quality of storage; the location was Cornwall so had sea air got to it; I just don't know.
Initially it was all so depressing for me; less than ten minutes welding and the welder expired. I'm truly grateful to both Wakefield Welding and Parweld for their massive support and at last more good news; I've been in the workshop all morning and spent over an hour proving how rubbish I am at TIG welding; there's so much to get used to at once; I've got a new Optrel Crystal helmet which is wonderful; lots of controls to become familiar with; gas pressure and flow meter etc I'm finding it difficult controlling the torch due to weight of cables meaning I keep touching the metal resulting in trips to the grinder but this is just another learning curve and only after a morning I'm starting to settle getting to grips with everything; all TIG beginners will go through this so all I need is lots of practice; the welder is brilliant and the problem is now me.
Now I know the welder is working I can relax and give some thought to Wakefield Welding and Parweld at the moment I feel excessively mean but as I say it's all new to me with so much going on; a small box of chocolates simply isn't good enough but I can easily do something about this and fully intend to.
I'm sure I'm going to settle down with my Parweld and enjoy using it; Wakefield Welding have got a new very loyal customer.; Parweld too have royally looked after me. With so much greed and badness in the world as you rightly say Ruffian these two deserve full support.
Kind regards, Colin.
I couldn't agree more with you Ruffian & Munkel. I've been arc welding for over 50 years but TIG welding is totally new to me so I'm on a steep learning curve. My introduction to TIG welding could hardly have been much worse and I'm sure would have put many off ever trying TIG welding again but I'm stubborn. Wakefield Welding and Parweld have turned this around though and I can't praise them high enough. When I visited Wakefield Welding yesterday it was with the intention of trading in my welder against either a brand new Parweld or Jasic; I had enough cash on me to buy a new welder outright; I had taken along a small box of chocolates as a thank you but expecting to part with a lot of money.
I hadn't fallen out with Parweld at all putting the expired welder just down to my bad luck hence it wouldn't have been a problem to buy a new Parweld; what I really wanted was a new welder with full manufacturers warranty to give me peace of mind; discussing my options though and now having the welder fully reconditioned by Parweld I decided to give the welder a second chance after all it was now fully tested so I returned home. I'll never forget the huge amount of help I've received from both Wakefield Welding and Parweld; my main concern was in having a working welder. My welder was second hand but at a year old had never even had a plug on it; it looked brand new and the torch definitely had never been used so why did it explode? I've now had time to think about this and the guy I bought the welder from stated it had been stored under his bench for a year? This begs the question as to quality of storage; the location was Cornwall so had sea air got to it; I just don't know.
Initially it was all so depressing for me; less than ten minutes welding and the welder expired. I'm truly grateful to both Wakefield Welding and Parweld for their massive support and at last more good news; I've been in the workshop all morning and spent over an hour proving how rubbish I am at TIG welding; there's so much to get used to at once; I've got a new Optrel Crystal helmet which is wonderful; lots of controls to become familiar with; gas pressure and flow meter etc I'm finding it difficult controlling the torch due to weight of cables meaning I keep touching the metal resulting in trips to the grinder but this is just another learning curve and only after a morning I'm starting to settle getting to grips with everything; all TIG beginners will go through this so all I need is lots of practice; the welder is brilliant and the problem is now me.
Now I know the welder is working I can relax and give some thought to Wakefield Welding and Parweld at the moment I feel excessively mean but as I say it's all new to me with so much going on; a small box of chocolates simply isn't good enough but I can easily do something about this and fully intend to.
I'm sure I'm going to settle down with my Parweld and enjoy using it; Wakefield Welding have got a new very loyal customer.; Parweld too have royally looked after me. With so much greed and badness in the world as you rightly say Ruffian these two deserve full support.
Kind regards, Colin.
Hood
I am obsessed.
- Messages
- 17,304
- Location
- Carnoustie, Scotland
Colin, I wouldn't stress about being mean. You have given both Parweld and Wakefield welding glowing reports.
Parweld has proved they are willing to stand by their products and Jim at Wakefield has shown himself to be very helpful and both have now gained your trade and likely others will consider buying from them as well, that is of much more value than anything else you can do.
Parweld has proved they are willing to stand by their products and Jim at Wakefield has shown himself to be very helpful and both have now gained your trade and likely others will consider buying from them as well, that is of much more value than anything else you can do.
Hi,
It's taken a while to get an hour in the workshop but I've just put in a bit of practice attempting TIG welding. The Parweld is excellent as is the Oprel Crystal helmet; I've now gathered all the kit and can practice more as winter approaches allowing me to quit the garden.
As expected whilst learning something new it's a steep learning curve. I've kindly been given 1.7mm thick aluminium circles these being offcuts from metal spinning so they will be contaminated with oil and wax. I cut two rough small squares on the bandsaw; filed true the edges deburring them then wire brushing and wiping over with Meths to clean them.
The welder was set at 85A but this seemed a bit too fierce so I reduced it to 65A. I tried butt welding with both edges touching but found it worked better with a small gap and this also allowed better sighting of where to actually weld; the flow meter was set at 12.
I need to learn how to feed the filler rod through gloved fingers; just to get welding I applied the filler rod as I would feed the electrode whilst arc welding; I'll learn the technique but I was concentrating more on keeping the tungsten at the correct distance from the work; this involved a number of trips to the grinder. The pictures below show this attempt so I expect you experienced welders will be giving a wry smile having gone through the same yourselves. The big hole is where I stopped welding leaving the tungsten near the work without lifting off allowing post flow but for some reason it remained lit so perhaps I hadn't completely released the trigger; anyway I'm not bashful and I know there are many beginners who view this forum so here's my efforts this morning. Parts of the weld are not too bad and I think I'm getting the hang of it all I need is practice and lots of it but I'm not under pressure or in a hurry; once winter arrives I can settle down to longer workshop sessions but this morning has cheered me up.
The Crystal helmet is a joy to use; I can see the weld at last which obviously helps a great deal; I've a lot yet to learn but I'm now off to a good start.
Kind regards, Colin.
OK have a good laugh I don't mind in the least; I'm enjoying playing with my new toy.
On the top piece I tried to generate a pool but ended up touching the tungsten a number of times; each time I then headed to the grinder; the bottom piece shows I did manage to obtain a pool then I moved to the actual joint; it's interesting and just another steep learning curve to tackle. I need to practice stopping welding without blowing a big hole in the work.
It's taken a while to get an hour in the workshop but I've just put in a bit of practice attempting TIG welding. The Parweld is excellent as is the Oprel Crystal helmet; I've now gathered all the kit and can practice more as winter approaches allowing me to quit the garden.
As expected whilst learning something new it's a steep learning curve. I've kindly been given 1.7mm thick aluminium circles these being offcuts from metal spinning so they will be contaminated with oil and wax. I cut two rough small squares on the bandsaw; filed true the edges deburring them then wire brushing and wiping over with Meths to clean them.
The welder was set at 85A but this seemed a bit too fierce so I reduced it to 65A. I tried butt welding with both edges touching but found it worked better with a small gap and this also allowed better sighting of where to actually weld; the flow meter was set at 12.
I need to learn how to feed the filler rod through gloved fingers; just to get welding I applied the filler rod as I would feed the electrode whilst arc welding; I'll learn the technique but I was concentrating more on keeping the tungsten at the correct distance from the work; this involved a number of trips to the grinder. The pictures below show this attempt so I expect you experienced welders will be giving a wry smile having gone through the same yourselves. The big hole is where I stopped welding leaving the tungsten near the work without lifting off allowing post flow but for some reason it remained lit so perhaps I hadn't completely released the trigger; anyway I'm not bashful and I know there are many beginners who view this forum so here's my efforts this morning. Parts of the weld are not too bad and I think I'm getting the hang of it all I need is practice and lots of it but I'm not under pressure or in a hurry; once winter arrives I can settle down to longer workshop sessions but this morning has cheered me up.
The Crystal helmet is a joy to use; I can see the weld at last which obviously helps a great deal; I've a lot yet to learn but I'm now off to a good start.
Kind regards, Colin.
OK have a good laugh I don't mind in the least; I'm enjoying playing with my new toy.
On the top piece I tried to generate a pool but ended up touching the tungsten a number of times; each time I then headed to the grinder; the bottom piece shows I did manage to obtain a pool then I moved to the actual joint; it's interesting and just another steep learning curve to tackle. I need to practice stopping welding without blowing a big hole in the work.
Munkul
Jack of some trades, Master of none
- Messages
- 7,519
- Location
- Cumbria
Finally, some hood time!
Some things to consider:
1. 1.7mm alloy butt welds are HARD even for experienced TIG welders. no-one will be surprised to see your result. The thicker the material, the easier it is, for a beginner, at least on alloy. You should start with 3mm+.
2. Before tackling joints, just get used to the arc, seeing the puddle, feeding wire, etc. You're trying to run before you can walk.
3. It's easier starting on steel as a beginner TIG, it's an awful lot easier to get the hang of it. You don't have aluminium soaking up heat and suddenly melting on you. You have a nice precise arc, and the puddle is easier to see.
Basically you're making life really difficult for yourself.
You don't mention tungsten size, and AC frequecy/balance, but preferred settings for me would be 2.4mm tungsten with a roughly sharpened end, 120hz and 70% EN balance. This will give you a pretty decent arc and good tungsten shape.
Little tip for aluminium: After tacking it up, weld the last 10-20mm of a run at the finishing edge. Then as you weld across the seam, the wave of heat you bring across with you hits the end of the weld and dissipates, instead of reflecting off the edges and melting the corners into a soggy mess.
BUT, you have to be able to run the beads, first
Some things to consider:
1. 1.7mm alloy butt welds are HARD even for experienced TIG welders. no-one will be surprised to see your result. The thicker the material, the easier it is, for a beginner, at least on alloy. You should start with 3mm+.
2. Before tackling joints, just get used to the arc, seeing the puddle, feeding wire, etc. You're trying to run before you can walk.
3. It's easier starting on steel as a beginner TIG, it's an awful lot easier to get the hang of it. You don't have aluminium soaking up heat and suddenly melting on you. You have a nice precise arc, and the puddle is easier to see.
Basically you're making life really difficult for yourself.
You don't mention tungsten size, and AC frequecy/balance, but preferred settings for me would be 2.4mm tungsten with a roughly sharpened end, 120hz and 70% EN balance. This will give you a pretty decent arc and good tungsten shape.
Little tip for aluminium: After tacking it up, weld the last 10-20mm of a run at the finishing edge. Then as you weld across the seam, the wave of heat you bring across with you hits the end of the weld and dissipates, instead of reflecting off the edges and melting the corners into a soggy mess.
BUT, you have to be able to run the beads, first
