TIG is Hard

[Janderso]

I've found I really need magnified vision to even attempt to get a reasonable result.
I bought the inserts at the welding shop. They help but I think I need more magnification.
I don't practice enough!
This is 18 gauge steel sheet. I finally have a respectable bead this morning after making a mess of things.
The other thing that's frustrating, I get shocked-buzzed when I touch the table with my arm. I put this pad down to help with that.
TIG is just so finicky, everything has to be just so. I have to be right in there to see and manipulate the tungsten so I don't dip. So far, only one dip today!!
Just killing time in the shop.

 

[Aukai]

Your doing better than me. If you have exposed skin, your not getting "sun burn"? I use a leather welding jacket, so I guess I have insulation to the table. I'm still practicing at being bad

 

[markba633csi]

Thin gauge is hard to do Jeff, no matter what process. Maybe work on some thicker stuff some more
-Mark

 

[MrCrankyface]

Looks like you're off to a really good start! Watch tons of youtube videos to get ideas of what to think of and most importantly, spend a lot of time actually welding!
TIG is just one of those things where you really need the seat time to start getting good at it.
I also find that it's extra important to have really bright lights so you can see better what you're doing.

 

[benmychree]

I used to do a lot of TIG on stainless 303 and 304 mostly 16 gage pipe but also heavier parts, most of what I did was using a welding positioner with a device to steady my hand and always using a foot pedal to fine tune the heat. You don't say what gloves you use, you should be using thin "TIG" gloves for fine feeling and control of the torch.

 

[rabler]

I have to agree, thin stuff is difficult as it doesn't give you a lot of time to form a puddle before it just melts away. I originally learned to weld with OA, I have to resist the urge to pull the torch back a bit.

I've never had trouble with getting shocked. I ground clamp to my table all the time. What are you touching that is at the electrode potential?

 

[Janderso]

important to have really bright lights

I think you are on to something.

 

[Janderso]

you should be using thin "TIG" gloves

That's what I'm using John.
I'm also wearing the welding sleeves to avoid getting sun burned.
I haven't tried stainless yet. I have quite a bit of stainless sheet scrap I can learn on.
I'm using 100% argon. OK for stainless?
Maybe I'll try out the 1/8" welding cards I bought for practice. This thin stuff is a royal PITA

 

[Janderso]

What are you touching that is at the electrode potential?

The table is grounded, if I touch my skin to the table when I hit the pedal, I get zapped.

 

[markba633csi]

Seems like the table isn't grounded well enough maybe