How do I get rid of " the worm"?

[k0ua]

So what's with TIG gas lenses? Do they help reduce turbulence? I'm having a hard time thinking that something that helps to reduce turbulence can possibly help when there is so much hot gas being produced when welding. Sorry, I'm pretty green when it comes to arc welding with a shielding gas.

One thing a gas lens is designed to do is "focus" the gas down the tungsten to allow more stick out of the tungsten from the cup This will allow you to reach down into crevices better.

James K0UA

 

[ericher69]

I read somewhere how to test the amount of gas flow, but for the life of me I cannot remember how!
I'd turn the CFH of gas back down to 20. Too much gas can cause turbulence, and give you the same results. Only time I run 35 to 40 CFH is with certain dual shield wires that manufactures suggest.
I still believe you are not getting enough gas around the weld zone. My gut tells me you have a loose hose or bad O-ring, most likely between the solenoid, and gun connection. Or, and I've seen this before, the gun is not shoved all the way into place, which reduces gas flow. But to be safe I would switch rolls of wire!

Good one Shield arc!

I too have had this happen in the past and my retired high school welding teacher found the problem for me...real head scratcher!

 

[Shield Arc]

One thing a gas lens is designed to do is "focus" the gas down the tungsten to allow more stick out of the tungsten from the cup This will allow you to reach down into crevices better.

James K0UA

Yeah, that is one of their biggest selling points, not sure I buy that either.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Don't weld in an enclosed area without a clean air supply to yourself, or others working there.

 

[Dr Dave]

I have had this happen with new stock, worse in past two years. I clean all parts with brake parts cleaner, [ before grinding or wire brushing ] metal is porous. My neighbor has a metal coating business, all parts are bead blasted and then degassed, a shinny, clean part will have oil, contaminates etc, running off of it, as if it was just dipped in water. You can never be to clean. Also be sure wire is clean and rust free, I use a wire sweeper that slides over wire just before rollers. I dont think the metal, we are getting is what it used to be.

 

[undercut]

I have had this happen with new stock, worse in past two years. I clean all parts with brake parts cleaner, [ before grinding or wire brushing ] metal is porous. My neighbor has a metal coating business, all parts are bead blasted and then degassed, a shinny, clean part will have oil, contaminates etc, running off of it, as if it was just dipped in water. You can never be to clean. Also be sure wire is clean and rust free, I use a wire sweeper that slides over wire just before rollers. I dont think the metal, we are getting is what it used to be.

Any time I hear "brake fluid" and welding being using in the same paragraph it raises a red flag for me. I did a quick google and found this:

Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Article

 

[Dr Dave]

Thanks for the info, I will be sure to check lable. I now it said "will leave no residue", and flamable, so always let it dry first. Any other cleaners recommended?


Dave

 

[yomax4]

Thanks again guys.

Sheildarc: I've done exactly what you mentioned about listening for the gas flow. I can definitely hear the "whoosh" when I first pull the trigger but my hearing isn't that great after 25 years of being a heavy equipment mechanic. It's difficult for me to hear much after the initial whoosh. I did seal a one gallon Ziploc bag around the nozzle as best I could and then pulled the trigger. The bag filled, but I have no idea how quickly it should have filled.

The things I've tried that HAVE helped are:
1) welding hotter than recommended. Chart says to weld .125 @ high range #2 with 48 wire speed. I went to high range #3 and 45 wire speed and that helped.
2) running gas reg @ 35 cfh instead of recommended 20 cfh.

The last pic I posted that shows a lot of soot... I can't figure out where the soot came from. I used extra care to remove rust and paint with 4-1/2 grinder and flap disc. The gusset was actually new steel though I've had it for several years. I watched closely as I prepped that piece to make certain that I got even the old mill scale off.

I'm going to.go back to square one and follow all the advice here and see what happens next weekend.

Stay tuned! !!

Check your O-Rings on the machine end of the gun and also make sure the gun is in all the way..You have done everything else. You can also fet a little flow meter to put on the end of the gun to test flow cfh.

 

[Scooby074]

Thanks for the info, I will be sure to check lable. I now it said "will leave no residue", and flamable, so always let it dry first. Any other cleaners recommended?


Dave

acetone

 

[Bilko]

Check your O-Rings on the machine end of the gun and also make sure the gun is in all the way..You have done everything else. You can also fet a little flow meter to put on the end of the gun to test flow cfh.

I also would give this a try.