Melting tungstens 150 amps 1/4" 6061

[steelmesh]

3/32" Pure Tungsten
15 cfh
150 amps
12 sec pf
Wire brushed 6061 1/4" plate

The tungsten tip melts into a big ball (larger than its diameter) instantly when I burst full amps to get a pool going. If I try to hold back, and keep the tip alive, it will never start a pool. I tried adjusting balance, seems to burn up either way.

I ran out of time, and tungsten, so real quick tried red tip thoriated, it seemed to do 1/4" joints, and hold a tip longer. Should I be using thoriated instead? I have a lot of 90 degree joints, the pure tungsten won't allow me to.

Any suggestions?

[shovelon]

3/32" Pure Tungsten
15 cfh
150 amps
12 sec pf
Wire brushed 6061 1/4" plate

The tungsten tip melts into a big ball (larger than its diameter) instantly when I burst full amps to get a pool going. If I try to hold back, and keep the tip alive, it will never start a pool. I tried adjusting balance, seems to burn up either way.

I ran out of time, and tungsten, so real quick tried red tip thoriated, it seemed to do 1/4" joints, and hold a tip longer. Should I be using thoriated instead? I have a lot of 90 degree joints, the pure tungsten won't allow me to.

Any suggestions?

Yes, some tigs thrive on thoriated. For instance my Dynasty350 and 700 kills it. but my 200 likes it.

Best of both worlds is 2% lanthanated. Works very well AC and DC.

But only experimentation will you find the best combination. I gave up on pure in the 90's.

What tig do you have?

[steelmesh]

Yes, some tigs thrive on thoriated. For instance my Dynasty350 and 700 kills it. but my 200 likes it.

Best of both worlds is 2% lanthanated. Works very well AC and DC.

But only experimentation will you find the best combination. I gave up on pure in the 90's.

What tig do you have?

I am using a Lincoln precision 225.

[shovelon]

I am using a Lincoln precision 225.

Good. I used only 2% thoriated on my Linde tigs for years on both DC and AC. Now if you are the type that has to ball back with DC reverse, I will need to hit you.

[jrscgsr]

Don't use pure tungsten on a squarwave machine. Pick up ceriated (orange) tungsten and your good to go on AC or DC. Use a modified point for AC (grind to a point 1+1/2 times the diameter then knock just the sharp tip off on the grinder) so the tip doesn't drop into your weld.

[steelmesh]

Thanks for the quick replies, gonna try the ceriated electrode tonight!

[TTNickSoCal]

Good. I used only 2% thoriated on my Linde tigs for years on both DC and AC. Now if you are the type that has to ball back with DC reverse, I will need to hit you.

I notice that on AC with 2% thoriated on my syncrowave 250 will get alway get little inclusions budding off the side, which kills the arc shape. Really pisses me off because pure just balls up and gives this real wide arc and makes my beads wider then I'd like them to be.

Is 2% lanthanated is any better?

[shovelon]

I notice that on AC with 2% thoriated on my syncrowave 250 will get alway get little inclusions budding off the side, which kills the arc shape. Really pisses me off because pure just balls up and gives this real wide arc and makes my beads wider then I'd like them to be.

Is 2% lanthanated is any better?

2% lanthanated is my favorite with my inverter tigs. But I don't know about your square wave tranny.

2% ceriated is very good on tranny tigs.

[MMW]

Step up to a 1/8" tungsten & more amps. What torch are you using? I have used 2% thoriated on Lincoln squarewaves with good results.

[paulrbrown]

I'm with MMW, 1/8" will be much better....., 1/4 inch 6061 takes some amps to work easily, hope this helps....Paul