Nervous about my first "real" TIG welding.

Since I don't own a MIG welder, I am going to have to TIG weld my first project.

I need to build a trailer frame for my teardrop trailer. I am going to use 2" x 2" x 1/8 square tubing.

Mostly I have practiced with aluminum. Just doing beads. Then I did a few beads on a piece of 1/8 x 1" strip of steel. It did ok, other than when I laid down a bead, the bead was flat, and it was bulged out a little bit on the other side of it.

I guess that was from too much heat? Or was that ok?

Just starting out, and doing my first project, just nervous that it won't stay together. LOL.

Also I don't remeber what I had the welder set on. But I was using 1/16 %2 Thor and 1/16 filler. I know I need to go to 3/32 filler. But that was just what I had on hand.

You will for sure want to use 3/32 filler to get a good sized bead going. Post some pics of your welds It hard to tell without seeing the actual weld.

your tig stick welds to me would be better stick welding a trailer frame stick weld it with 7018

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Originally Posted by Rodsmachineshop

your tig stick welds to me would be better stick welding a trailer frame stick weld it with 7018

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Doesn't 7018's have to be heated in a rod oven or something like that?

no not if its fresh rod lol that just reminded me i need to build a oven for my old welding i mean old over a year old lol

Right, a fresh sealed pack you should be fine. Got an air tight can to store them in as well. They are around $5 and have a rubber o-ring. Stick will be a little fast and cheaper too.

whats good for storing welding rod is ammo canisters since there air tight with some moisture packet in the canister

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Originally Posted by Rodsmachineshop

no not if its fresh rod lol that just reminded me i need to build a oven for my old welding i mean old over a year old lol

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Not correct. A new rod doesn't mean it's dry UNLESS it is in a vacuum sealed canister, and then it only considered "dry" for a max of 4 or 8 hours after opening, depending upon the designation of being MR or not. A plastic box with a seal on it, or a cardboard box wrapped in plastic ISN'T considered fresh, unless it has been baked, and then held at the proper temperature until it is used.

Link:
http://www.specialmetalswelding.com/publica/Storage.pdf


Electrodes which have absorbed excessive moisture should be re-baked in a vented oven at 600ºF ±25°F
(315ºC±15°C) for one hour or 500ºF±25°F (260ºC±15°C) for two hours. Electrodes must be removed from
their original containers during this re-baking operation. Electrodes should not be stacked more than 6 layers
deep on shelves within the oven. Most electrodes can be re-baked at least 2-3 times without substantially
affecting both the integrity of the flux coating and their welding performance. Following the re-baking operation
the electrodes should be allowed to cool to room temperature prior to use.
A common problem that may occur is the uneven absorption of moisture by the electrodes. For example, electrodes
exposed overnight may exhibit "fingernailing" (uneven burn-off on one side of the electrode) problems
during welding when used the next day. In this instance the reason that "fingernailing" occurs is due to moisture
being absorbed by only one side of the electrode causing that side to burn off more slowly and unevenly.
Correct storage conditions will prevent this type of "fingernailing" problem.

I am going to buy some 7018 1/8 rods, and also some 3/32 filler metal. Then I will cut some small pieces when I get the steel, and do some test runs on both, and see which one comes out better.

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Originally Posted by 225

Link:
http://www.specialmetalswelding.com/publica/Storage.pdf

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Great info.

Stick welding would definitely be easier and faster, but you could still throw in some TIG welds to get some practice.

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Originally Posted by 225

I am going to buy some 7018 1/8 rods, and also some 3/32 filler metal. Then I will cut some small pieces when I get the steel, and do some test runs on both, and see which one comes out better.

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7018AC runs like a champ with Everlast Welders. Runs like 7018 but not as prone to moisture.

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

7018AC runs like a champ with Everlast Welders. Runs like 7018 but not as prone to moisture.

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Actually both types of 7018 have moisture problems. It's not so much with how smooth the rod welds, though moisture can cause extra sticking....It's that it will lay down a perfect looking weld on the surface, but in the long run, it will cause under bead hydrogen cracking right at the edge of the penetration. The moisture bound up in the rod is converted to hydrogen, during the welding process and creates something known as hydrogen embrittlement.

Attachment 6685not dry rod can be a pain when welding hard facing rod is real bad when damp i have a engine and head oven in my machine shop i keep my rod in it since always have dry rod at 450 and above when i use oven it drys rod good it will go up to 900 degrees

I might just wait until I have my I-MIG 205 in hand. There's really no rush on doing the frame. I still have to do a lot to the bottom of the teardrop and then a few other things before I bolt it down to the trailer.

I am saving up to buy the I-MIG 205 and a Power Plasma 50 at one time.

Until then, I will keep getting seat time with my 200DX.

I know it take a lot of seat time to get really good at TIG welding. Since I am just starting out, I am taking my time.

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Originally Posted by Rodsmachineshop

Attachment 6685not dry rod can be a pain when welding hard facing rod is real bad when damp i have a engine and head oven in my machine shop i keep my rod in it since always have dry rod at 450 and above when i use oven it drys rod good it will go up to 900 degrees

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I could just bake a few rods at a time (20 or so) for the welding I am doing. Then one day buy a oven.

I tried welding some 7018 not out of the oven and it stuck all the time and welded like crap.

same here buying another plasma cutter and spool gun

How do you like the Power Plasma 50?

well put it this way just bought another lol hey 2 plasma cutters is better and also just bought a spool gun for my i mig 205 from oleg . the power plasma igbt 50 is great on cutting

If I can't buy it the same time as the 205, it will be shortly after.

cant wait for spool gun have some aluminum plate to weld spool gun kick but on plate aluminum get the igbt plasma cutter not the mossfet next welder 300 everlast stick welder

i can do some cuts and show how nice it cuts tomorrow