Pure & Zirconiated, Why Not?

[performance]

I use Pure for AC Aluminum welding with my 250X, I know you guys all say NO to that but it works very well for me. It keeps a very tight ball the size of the Tungsten on the end and is really smooth.
I have tried Thoriated but I get small splits in the tip and little balls on the end and sometimes it will "spit" Tungsten into the weld.

I haven't tried any other Tungsten since these are what I use at night school as well, But I do plan on doing a more indepth test of my own with different Tungstens.
I think alot of it comes down to fine tuning the welder for the Tungsten your using...

That's because you have too much EP on it. Turn it down to 30%.

[redbeard]

I guess What I should have asked is what difference it makes whether the machine is an inverter or not. Is it sine wave vs. square? Why would that make a difference in balling up?

I'm not really interested in pure since it goes away so quickly, but the CK cheat sheet recommends zirc for low amperage AC, which is where I would eventually like to head with this.

[performance]

Adjustable cleaning action. A point is nearly always preferred to increase penetration, reduce cleaning lines, and improve arc directability.

Pure Zirc is for Transformers as well, not inverters.

With a inverter you are do not have to use a balled tungsten as you do with a transformer. That is the whole point. (no pun intended)

[CGCINC]

With a inverter you are do not have to use a balled tungsten as you do with a transformer. That is the whole point. (no pun intended)

Then I need to go back to the drawing board!! :}
My Instructor said you always want a balled end when welding Aluminum..... Of course his "Instructing" ability leaves Very much to be desired.

[performance]

Yes,
If he has only worked transformers, then that is true...but not inverters. You can tell him the Everlast Guy said he was wrong...Then tell him Miller does too: http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/DynastyQuickRef.pdf

[redbeard]

Thanks Mark, I think the light bulb finally came on!

That is a nice cheat sheet, only 2 pages and in color, I like it much more than the one from CK.

[CGCINC]

Yes,
If he has only worked transformers, then that is true...but not inverters. You can tell him the Everlast Guy said he was wrong...Then tell him Miller does too: http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/DynastyQuickRef.pdf

Hmmm.. Time to go shopping..... Thanks for the link!