TIG Lessons in N.C.?

Bought a PP205 and am brand new to welding. Researched online and watched all of Jody's videos. Definitely have gotten better, but now getting frustrated. Wanting to weld aluminum diamond plate .063. Been practicing on scrap.

Have cleaned with Acetone and dedicated stainless brush. Using Argon 7 lpm, 3/32 Lanth. Tung., 50 amps, 3/32 filler rod, 150 hz AC frequ, 30% AC Bal., etc...

Filler Rod continues to want to ball and absorbs on the Tungsten...feel like I spend more time grinding tungsten than under the hood.

Anyway, I am at the point to hire someone for lessons to get good habits and catapult the learning curve. I live in Charlotte...Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?

Is there a community college near you that offers welding? The problem is immediacy, tho: you'd have to wait for a new cycle of classes to start, and they may not offer TIG every semester. But instructors would be listed in the faculty directory, and a fast email might get you answers to questions about the school and its local alternatives.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buggy Chief

Bought a PP205 and am brand new to welding. Researched online and watched all of Jody's videos. Definitely have gotten better, but now getting frustrated. Wanting to weld aluminum diamond plate .063. Been practicing on scrap.

Have cleaned with Acetone and dedicated stainless brush. Using Argon 7 lpm, 3/32 Lanth. Tung., 50 amps, 3/32 filler rod, 150 hz AC frequ, 30% AC Bal., etc...

Filler Rod continues to want to ball and absorbs on the Tungsten...feel like I spend more time grinding tungsten than under the hood.

Anyway, I am at the point to hire someone for lessons to get good habits and catapult the learning curve. I live in Charlotte...Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?

---

I'd use 1/16 filler rod for .063 material (which is 1/16). I think that will solve your problem with proper technique.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DaveO

Is there a community college near you that offers welding? The problem is immediacy, tho: you'd have to wait for a new cycle of classes to start, and they may not offer TIG every semester. But instructors would be listed in the faculty directory, and a fast email might get you answers to questions about the school and its local alternatives.

---

Thanks Dave..my challenge is that I travel 80% with my job and do the family thing on the weekends.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zoama585

I'd use 1/16 filler rod for .063 material (which is 1/16). I think that will solve your problem with proper technique.

---

Good point...Thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Buggy Chief

Bought a PP205 and am brand new to welding. Researched online and watched all of Jody's videos. Definitely have gotten better, but now getting frustrated. Wanting to weld aluminum diamond plate .063. Been practicing on scrap.

Have cleaned with Acetone and dedicated stainless brush. Using Argon 7 lpm, 3/32 Lanth. Tung., 50 amps, 3/32 filler rod, 150 hz AC frequ, 30% AC Bal., etc...

Filler Rod continues to want to ball and absorbs on the Tungsten...feel like I spend more time grinding tungsten than under the hood.

Anyway, I am at the point to hire someone for lessons to get good habits and catapult the learning curve. I live in Charlotte...Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?

---

Would even consider driving 2-3 hours on a Saturday am; or weekend where I could take the family and they could shop, sight see, etc, while I try to take lessons...

Buggy,
If you wanted a days drive, I'd be glad to help out. Room rates down here are cheap for an overnight stay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by performance

Buggy,
If you wanted a days drive, I'd be glad to help out. Room rates down here are cheap for an overnight stay.

---

Thanks Mark for your help.

Where are you located?