AL tig welding setup q's

[Andrew429]

Hi Zedn,

I use 2% Lanthanated Tungsten (blue tip), it works well on both AC and DC.
A sharp (with a very small flat spot) 2.4mm 2% lanthanated tungsten works well for me with the following settings: AC Freq: 120 Hz ; AC Balance: 30% + ; by this I mean the machine is DCEN (Negative) 70% of the time and DCEP (Positive) 30% of the time. This is the balance that Mike is referring to.
Frequency adjustment can also help, 60 Hz gives you a wider arc (and can work well on thicker material), 120 Hz gives you a more focused arc, 250 Hz (what my machine is capable of) just gives me a headache from the noise and I don't see much change in the weld bead !
I started out on an old transformer with fixed 60 Hz and 50/50 balance, it will give you more than reasonable results once you get your eye in.
Foot pedal control will be important to you.

[AC-460]

I do it every day of the week...
If you are using AC the best is Zirconiated it has a white end as Boxhead suggested.... grind a small shamfer on the electrode...
only small 1/3 of diameter of electrode ...not a point
Use straight Argon Gas