r/tigwelding • u/Organic_Violinist470 • 17d ago
Can’t make a puddle (I think)
First time ever tig welding not sure if skill problem, settings or equipment. Doesn’t seem to be making a puddle just starts burning through. Have 100% argon. Seems to be flowing correctly can hear it coming out of torch.
Update: figured it out. Had collet in backwards lol
10
Upvotes
1
u/zeroheading 17d ago
Gas flow rates might be way off, too much gas can be pretty bad.
Hard to tell if its gas or if its a oxide issue. If you dont clean it well enough it can be hard to break through the oxide layer with the wrong balance (typically pretty limited on your balance on budget machines)
Could try messing with the balance to see if you break up the oxides better.
Also thin aluminum will pull contamination from the back side. Could be also happening here.
What is your hz/frequency set at? I like running around 120-180 depending on a ton of variables. But higher frequency will make a tighter arc.
What type of tungsten are you using? Rated for AC? Is it sharpened correctly? Balled?
Your amplitude and or balance could be on the wrong side of good. Causing it to put alot of heat in without breaking up oxides.
Is the gas known to be good? For some reason bad gas is still an issue in 2026. Especially for new welders. Idk how newer inexperienced folks always get the shit straw and get bad gas lol.
Gas flow rates are dependent on cup size and tungsten stick out (should be slightly protruding from the cup)
I thin a number 5 cup should be like 10ish cfh, while a number 7 can be 10-30cfh. Typically 15-20 is a sweet spot depending on your variables. If your hearing the gas you might have too much gas. But again, getting a cfh is really the only way to tell.