Welding Tips and Tricks

So I was doing some flat runs today working on my arc length and torch angle, on what I believe is just carbon or mild steel. Running around 150-175amps, pure argon, 20 CFH, 2% thoriated 3/32 tungsten, #7 cup with gas lens.

Not sure if it is from running beads consistantly or if something else is going on but i'm getting this golden brown haze aroud the weld.



also I was about to run another bead and right after striking the arc it all went white and blew up or something lol, left this and a hole.

If the humidity is high in the shop carbon will steel will rust almost instantly when your finished welding. It should brush right off with a light wire brushing.

The second picture looks like it was started without the gas flowing. With no Argon flowing the tungsten overheats and explodes the tip into the puddle. Check to see if you have gas flow at the torch.

Neither problem is too far out of the ordinary.

Len

I agree - lost shielding gas.

Is your torch a two cable version? I've had the gas line melt where it meets the torch several times - just slide the handle back to check.

3 cable water cooled

MinnesotaDave wrote:I agree - lost shielding gas.

Is your torch a two cable version? I've had the gas line melt where it meets the torch several times - just slide the handle back to check.

agree

d.smith wrote:3 cable water cooled

Either way you need to check shielding gas coverage. That is what happens to both tungsten and steel when they instantly oxidize in the presence of a high-amperage electric arc and nothing to shield them from the air.