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Old 04-13-2009, 03:08 PM
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Default New to TIG - unstable arc

I have been experiencing unstable arcs as well as wandering arcs.

My bench grinder has two wheels - one coarser than the other. I've been grinding my tungsten with the coarse wheel. Should I be shaping the point on the coarse wheel and then finishing off on the finer wheel? The grinder is new and I don't grind anything else but tungsten on it.

Miller Dynasty 200 SD, 1/16" 2% Ceriated tungsten, 20CFM pure argon, #8 cup, 50 amps DCEN, on 16ga steel.

I prep the practice piece by brushing it down with a stainless steel brush and wiping it off with a towel.
Old 04-13-2009, 03:18 PM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

set it to 75amps and try that
Old 04-13-2009, 03:42 PM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

Do you have any magnets near the weld?
Old 04-13-2009, 04:29 PM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

I'll step it up to 75 amps and try tonight.

Yes, I have magnets which hold down the work piece to the bench. I'll try regular clamps.
Old 04-15-2009, 09:24 AM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

I upped the amps to 75 and used regular clamps instead of my magnet ones and it worked great! I'm totally stoked! Now I can get on with practicing.
Old 04-15-2009, 10:40 AM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

The magnets are the culprits!
Old 04-15-2009, 02:40 PM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

duy, come up and weld my roof shut on my car!
Old 04-16-2009, 08:57 AM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

I'd love to, bud!
Old 04-20-2009, 10:33 AM
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Default Re: New to TIG - unstable arc

Over the weekend I bought a cart for the welder.

When I reassembled the welder onto the cart, I found that the gas line from welder to the torch connector was loose! The arc is looking much better now.
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