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I just wanted to let you all know I am open to any suggestions you have for a newby on tig. I seam to be able to join metal together alright, but still a whole lot of grinding and cleaning. Still learning how to manipulate that puddle. Also noticed that puddle stops puddling somtimes and gets this black bubbly looking. This is all on 304 stainless. I just grind it away when I get that. Seams to be metal under it all.
The black bubbly stuff is your stainless steel oxidizing. Meaning you are not shielding your weld enough with argon. It sounds like you are doing pipe? If this is the case, try something like strips of metal when first starting out. Don't try to learn on stainless which oxidized badly when not shielded properly. Try some regular mild steel strips/coupons about 1/8" thick. Intentionally over heat the metal a few times so you can see what it looks like and you get a feel for what is too much heat.
Also, stainless steel puts off Hexavalent chromium when heated that high. It is very dangerous and OSHA makes employees wear respirators when welding stainless. Either that or they have to have a proper ventilation system for the fumes put off during welding.
What is the pressure you are running on the straight argon? You are you are using stainless for a filter too right? Sounds like not enough gas, maybe gas gas.
As mention, start with mild steel. Learn to see the puddle and move it first. Stainless and aluminum are not good start materials if you have never used TIG before.