Newbie now with TIG.

[dazza]

It's perfect for a test. Put a clear pic of the panel up and I'll dial you in for it.

Thanks Richard

Is this pic ok?

 

[Richard.]

130 amps on that bit of 4mm to start but you'll need to reduce it after a run or two.
Set her on AC.
I'm guessing 0% on your balance is 50/50?? If that's the case set it at -20% which I believe will be less 20% off a balanced wave in the negative. (Thinking out loud).
Try the balance at around 2-3 o'clock on the dial.
Set your frequency (hz) at about 80-100 is nice for a flat open bead.
The last dial very top right I think is for mixed acdc wave. Quite advanced for an old machine but a feature I actually hate on my Rehm. I could be wrong but it looks like that to me
I'd suggest leave it at zero for now .

 

[dazza]

Thanks Richard i will have a blast later .

Should i just wipe down with alcohol and wire brush. Dedicated stainless brush is on my buy list.

 

[Richard.]

Can't remember the last time I scrubbed aluminium with a brush. If it's clean stock which it looks like just give it a wipe down with acetone or brake cleaner and crack on.

 

[Richard.]

Oh and don't just dive straight in with filler. That will only make a mess. Something like that will need a few seconds for the pool to start to show. If it ain't shiny like a mirror it ain't ready for fill.

 

[eSCHEn]

Properly excited to see what you get Daz; that's a lovely wee unit and I reckon it's gonna eat zein aluminium yah!

 

[dazza]

Think its broken or just not used to be used by a novice .

**** me you have to move fast think i need thicker filler rod.

The first one was at 130 made a right mess of that, Then dropped it to 110. The very last one of the left was at 90.

 

[Richard.]

Nope not broken. It's your fault
I think that's a great result for your first blast at it.
The lack of etched zone around the runs and dirty welds suggests I haven't dialed your balance in too good. How's the electrode looking can you take a pic of it pls.

 

[dazza]

Nope not broken. It's your fault

Thanks Richard, although its my fault i'm really happy that the machine is working as expected . Cant wait to get a nice cooler attached to it.

The balance was dead on -20.

 

[addjunkie]

This is like open learning tig welding.....excellent.

 

[Richard.]

Thanks Richard, although its my fault i'm really happy that the machine is working as expected . Cant wait to get a nice cooler attached to it.

The balance was dead on -20.

View attachment 94654

That's balled really nicely daz. You've kept it well controlled. You can afford to move the balance a little more towards the + side. Maybe try 10-15%. Which I'm guessing is 60-65% en. This should brighten up those welds. If the tungsten starts to melt to much and become unstable take it back to 20.

 

[dazza]

That's balled really nicely daz. You've kept it well controlled. You can afford to move the balance a little more towards the + side. Maybe try 10-15%. Which I'm guessing is 60-65% en. This should brighten up those welds. If the tungsten starts to melt to much and become unstable take it back to 20.

Thank again for all your help Richard. I will see if i can get some aluminium, what thickness and what rods would be best?

 

[Richard.]

3-4 MM is perfect for learning on. You'll be looking currents of over 100 amps so I'd suggest some 2.4 MM 4043 or 5356 are the common flavours

 

[Richard.]

You'll defo need to get that cooler going if you start getting into AC. It batters the life out of gas cooled torches.

 

[roofman]

Great thread

 

[dazza]

You'll defo need to get that cooler going if you start getting into AC. It batters the life out of gas cooled torches.

I had to stop a few times today at 90 amps dc .

You'll defo need to get that cooler going if you start getting into AC. It batters the life out of gas cooled torches.

Going to have a mess about with them stainless cooking pans next week which should be fun. Started to order a few other bits and bobs.

 

[Richard.]

I had to stop a few times today at 90 amps dc .



Going to have a mess about with them stainless cooking pans next week which should be fun. Started to order a few other bits and bobs.

Look forward to seeing the thread. I finished my cooler off tonight with the last touches. I'm very pleased with its performance

 

[roofman]

Look forward to seeing the thread. I finished my cooler off tonight with the last touches. I'm very pleased with its performance

talk about a matching pair...that looks totally factory

 

[Richard.]

talk about a matching pair...that looks totally factory

Cheers bud. Yes I'm pleased with the result. Those procon pumps perform like a dream.

 

[dazza]

Look forward to seeing the thread. I finished my cooler off tonight with the last touches. I'm very pleased with its performance

That looks awesome, if you want a rehm sticker or some other text made let me know.