Hi all, I had just graduated from HIWT and i bought a TIG machine to make some manifolds and other automotive related stuff. I am not new to tig welding which makes this dilemma even more annoying. I bought a Diversion 180, comes with a Weldcraft LS17 torch air cooled, 3/32 2% ceriated. 3/32 collet and collet body, and a 7 cup. I am welding thin stainless (under 2mm) with about 15CFH of gas. For some reason every single weld comes out to be gray and too hot. Only welding about 30 amps. And my tungsten is also turning a black/blue. I know for a fact that it has to be a gas delivery issue and turning the gas up isnt a fix, or a fix i will settle for. I am going to go get a bigger cup but that shouldnt be the only fix. Any input? thanks!

 

no pro at TIG, but changing just the cup will make a world of dfference. throw on a #10 and see how it goes. are you sharpening your Tungsten?

 

Check to make sure the post flow on the machince is working, We had a Sync that just did that. Put a smaller tungsten to, 3/32 is WAY to big to be welding at 30 amps.

 

I am going to buy a gas lens and hopefully works out

the post flow is working for sure, about 10 seconds of postflow.

 

UPDATE:

just put on a #12 gas lens, coverage and color is a little better, using about 20CFH. still isnt shielding properly. All lines are tight and used teflon tape. Im stumped

 

maybe the teflon is blocking the hole in the fitting also you do not need it for a 37* fitting to seal as most welder fittings are JIC fittings.

 

I'll give it a try, thanks

 

UPDATE:

Removed Teflon tape, still no difference in gas coverage

 

moving too slow? post some pics?

can you feel gas coming out? what's your post flow? Using pure Argon?

If nothing else works exchange your cylinder, might be bad gas or mix

 

turn your regulator up to an unreasonably high amount and try again.


are you using the ball type or the guage type regulator?

 

update:

It was a bad tank of argon. swapped out tanks at my supplier and runs perfect. pictures soon to come. thanks everybody