Basic Tig Operation - Everlast PowerARC 161STH Operator's Manual

Section 2
need to change your settings. Practice feeding the
filler wire without actually welding. Manipulating
the wire takes practice and concentration at first.
The wire should be held so that a flicking motion of
two fingers and the thumb can propel the rod for-
ward into the puddle without loosing grip on the
filler rod. The rod should rest on the two fingers
most away from the thumb, while the index and
middle finger are used to advance the rod by slid-
ing them down the rod while they fingers lightly
pinch the rod against the thumb. If you need,
count as you time your rod dips until you can do it
without thinking. As you proceed to dip your rod
into the edge of the puddle, keep the rod close to
the puddle, within the gas cone. If the filler metal
starts to melt before you dip, you have it too close,
or you have the rod inclined too much so that heat
is being directed too far in front of the puddle. As
you add the filler wire, be sure to pause momen-
tarily with the forward travel of the torch. If de-
sired, a tiny back step motion may be used to im-
prove weld appearance. There are other ways to
add filler and to create a sound weld. You can keep
the filler wire in the puddle, with the rod laying in a
flatter profile and weld. As the torch moves for-
ward and the rod melts, the filler can be slid, with
gentle pressure, into the puddle as needed to fill
the weld. This is known as the Lay-Wire tech-
nique. Another method of welding has more to do
with torch manipulation than it does filler addition,
is called walking the cup. The cup is rested on the
metal while the torch head is oscillated in a figure
8 pattern. This will require a forehand grip typical-
ly, and a good bit of motion of your forearm/wrist
to accomplish. The filler metal should be moved
from side to side to provide an evenly filled puddle
under the Tungsten. This method requires much
practice and effort, but yields beautiful welds when
performed correctly. If you cannot see the puddle
or your helmet flashes (auto darkening types), you
need to change your settings. Practice feeding the
METAL THICKNESS
(STEEL)
1-3 mm/.040"-3/32"
3-4 mm/ 3/32"-1/8"
>4mm/ >1/8"
Note: These ranges are approximate, and not absolute. There is a range of overlapping capability with each tungsten size, metal
thickness and amp settings. Experience will eventually dictate the best range and choice of Tungsten size, filler size etc. As a
general rule, select a filler metal that is no more than 1/32" larger or smaller than the Tungsten diameter. Do not use
"pure" (green) Tungsten in an inverter. Use only Lanthanated, Thoriated, or Ceriated Tungsten.

Basic TIG Operation

filler wire without actually welding. Manipulating
the wire takes practice and concentration at first.
The wire should be held so that a flicking motion of
two fingers and the thumb can propel the rod for-
ward into the puddle without loosing grip on the
filler rod. The rod should rest on the two fingers
furthest from the thumb, while the index and middle
finger grasp the rod with the thumb propelling it
forward. Other rod manipulation variations may be
used, but the key is to develop a comfortable, natu-
ral movement that is regular and consistent. If
feeding difficulty is encountered, there are some
feeding devices that reduce the effort to feed the
filler wire and smooth out the feeding process. Do
not let feeding the filler wire hold up the learning
process. There are numerous accounts of welders
making home-made jigs or devices that help feed
the TIG rod smoothly. One helpful hint is to make
sure you have gloves that offer protection without
compromising dexterity. With a proper fitting TIG
glove, you should be still able to pick the filler wire
up from the table top with your fingers.
There are a lot of hurdles to becoming a proficient
TIG welder. But if you will practice when you are
not tired, and are comfortable in your surroundings,
it will help you learn the art a lot faster than if you
are practicing when you are too tired, or not alert.
WELDING AMPS TUNGSTEN DIA.
(A)
30-80 1.5-2 mm/ 1/16"-3/32"
50-120 2-3 mm/ 3/32"-1/8"
120-200 1/8"
23
General Setup and Operation
Ar FLOW RATE
(mm/inch)
8-15 CFH /4-7 LPM
15-25 CFH/ 7-14 LPM
15-25 CFH/7-14 LPM
(CFH/LPM)