iTig-200 Noob having some troubles doing beads on 1/8

[Kempy]

Point made I understand now what you meant.

Yes, if you are intent on making a single pass out of it...which is one reason why you don't make single pass welds that thick.

[seanm]

Thanks for the responses guys. I was setting the power level following the 1 amp per .001 inch guideline and maybe taking that too literally. I may have the torch too far off. When I do a dry run my arc length seems good. When I did these beads it seemed at the end of the weld I was further away than at the beginning. It's a lot to think about when things look like they aren't going right. Next weekend I'll cut some more pieces and try out 80 amps and let you know how it goes.
I thought about using 1/8 filler and 1/8 tungsten to go along with the 1/8 thick steel. I have 1/8 tungten but only have 3/32 and smaller filler rod, and for the 17 torch I don't have a 1/8 collet. I have 1/8 for my 9 series torch but to do the trigger switch I need to stick with the 17 torch. I'll pick up some 1/8 stuff next time I'm at the welding supply store.
- Sean

[zoama]

Thanks for the responses guys. I was setting the power level following the 1 amp per .001 inch guideline and maybe taking that too literally. I may have the torch too far off. When I do a dry run my arc length seems good. When I did these beads it seemed at the end of the weld I was further away than at the beginning. It's a lot to think about when things look like they aren't going right. Next weekend I'll cut some more pieces and try out 80 amps and let you know how it goes.
I thought about using 1/8 filler and 1/8 tungsten to go along with the 1/8 thick steel. I have 1/8 tungten but only have 3/32 and smaller filler rod, and for the 17 torch I don't have a 1/8 collet. I have 1/8 for my 9 series torch but to do the trigger switch I need to stick with the 17 torch. I'll pick up some 1/8 stuff next time I'm at the welding supply store.
- Sean

Match the tungsten to your welding amps. 3/32 will do for most work.

[performance]

Amp range for steel is usually different, especially on an inverter. Set it for no more than 90 amps and about 3/32 arc gap or less.