Set the amperage to about 60 amps on the amperage selector
(#6). Connect argon to the machine and set the flow rate to
about 20 cfh. Set the welding mode switch (#2) to the 2T
position. Set the Touch Start/HF switch to HF. Depress the foot
pedal to start the current flow and the shield gas. Pushing the
pedal further gives you more amperage, which gives you more
heat. Depress the pedal so you get a molten puddle about 3/16"
diameter. Initially, just practice moving the tungsten in a straight
line, at a constant speed, with a constant bead width, and
keeping it a constant distance off the work piece. Remember
that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don't expect to master TIG
welding in 15 minutes. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Once you have mastered just running a bead in a straight line
without adding any filler metal, the next step is to do the same
thing but to add filler metal. Dip the filler metal into the
molten puddle (do not try to melt the filler metal into the work)
and NEVER allow the filler metal to touch the tungsten. If
the filler metal comes in contact with the tungsten, or if the
tungsten contacts the work, you must stop and sharpen the
tungsten. Remember, practice, practice, and practice.
To make my life easier, and so I am not always stopping to
sharpen tungsten, I keep a package of 10 tungsten of each
diameter sharpened in the box. That way, when I need a new
tungsten, I can just take a sharp one and put the contaminated
one in the box. When I have used them all, I will sharpen them
all at once.
Now, once you have practiced laying a bead and adding filler
metal, then you can practice welding two pieces of metal
together. Start with a butt weld, as this is the easiest. Master
this technique before you continue to other joints. Compared
to MIG welding, TIG welding is much harder and will require
a lot of practice to become proficient.
Arc Welding with your Invertig 130 DC/HF
You can arc weld with your Invertig 130 DC/HF if you have
purchased the optional electrode holder # 22315-ARCMTS. If
you will be welding Electrode Negative (Straight Polarity) insert
the electrode holder into the negative output receptacle and the
ground cable into the positive output receptacle. If you will
be welding Electrode Positive (Reverse Polarity) insert the
electrode holder into the positive output receptacle and the
ground cable into the negative output receptacle.
Make sure material you are welding is clean, and attach the
ground cable to the workpiece. Select the correct rod type,
diameter and amperage for your application. (See Fig 11)
To strike the arc, drag the electrode across the work as if you
were trying to strike a match. Lift the electrode off the work
slightly. If the electrode sticks to the work, give it a sharp twist
to break it free. If the arc goes out after it has started, you have
lifted the electrode too high off the work. Try to incline the
electrode at a 10 deg to 30 deg angle from perpendicular in the
direction of motion.
Set the arc force to a setting which you find fits your particular
welding application.
Fig 11– Electrode Selection Guide
Fig 10 –
Holding the Torch
Electrode Polarity
Penetration
Position Diameter
40
50
60
70
80
90 100 110 120 130 140 150
6010
EP
DEEP
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
6011
EP
DEEP
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
6013
EP,EN
LOW
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
7014
EP,EN
MEDIUM
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
7018
EP
LOW
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
7024
EP,EN
LOW
FLAT
3/32"
1/8"
308L
EP
LOW
ALL
3/32"
1/8"
5/32
Amperage Range
Electrode Selection and Amperage Range
