TiG basics (syncrowave 180 sd)

Also Check your wiring if you have the ground crossed with either of the hot legs your machine will eat tungsten quickly and could burn up.

[billmccandless]

Melting tungsten

If you are melting your tungsten, try reversing your polarity.

I'll suggest you check out your ground from end to end for loose connections first then:[list=1][*]I assume you are using 100% Argon[*]Eventually you'll want to try 1/16", but stay with 3/32 to get started, it's more "forgiving"[*]Try with the input on 120 and the dig (small dial) on 5[*]Hold a sahrp tungsten about an 1/8 away from your steel[*]You should be able to start a quiet, splatter free arc melt a pool and stop. [*]If not something else is wrong[/list=1] We have a 180 and for all around work the perfomance has been just great. Hang in there.

[flash_burn]

What gas are you using and flow rate?
What type tungsten(green band,red band,etc)?
Cup size(4,5,6)?
Is the steel clean?
3/32 is good, I use 1/16 although.
I am no pro just a hobbyist in training.
Jim

I just bought a new syncrowave and I have never used a tig before. some problems I have been having recently are as listed.
- I keep melting the tip of the tungston even at low amps (70-90).
I have the tungston sticking about 1/8-1/4 out of the cup.

- While welding i keep throwing sparks as though I am mig welding

- Unless the amps are aroung 150 or so, I cant keep a flame unless im almost touching the metal (1/16").

-Im never going to be welding anything thicker than 1/8 inch steel, should i have a 1/16 or 3/32 tungston? Right now I have a 3/32.

Just for the record Im welding mild steel and have the welder set on negative polarity.

Thank you for answering my dumb questions!
Chris