Help me find my tig problem

[deereman75]

I have finally got started with tig welding, but I am having a really hard time with the tungsten and work turning black.
A few questions to start with. First, will a contaminated tungsten cause the work to be dull, black, and seem not shielded? Second, how far should the tungsten stick out of the cup? I have it around 3/8 of an inch. Third, would a 1/16 tungsten because overheating at 85 amps?
Also, can using a piece of clear vinyl tubing for gas hose cause an issue? It holds out pressure fine, but it was designed more for water than argon.... It was all I could get at the hardware store, and the only semi welding supply place didn't have anything.

Finally, how far should the tungsten be held from the work while welding?

I have already been suggested to use a bigger tungsten, and try using reading glasses. I will get both of those before using any more of my argon.

Any other tricks, tips, and suggestions?
I don't really want to burn any more argon before I have some idea what I'm doing wrong.

 

[Bday]

I assume you are welding aluminum? Right

 

[Shield Arc]

This may help you, more so than we can with the type written word.

Tig Welding Old School with Scratch Start - Homemade Tig Welder | welding-tv.com

 

[deereman75]

Nope, scratch start welding steel. The welds look like gas welds with the heavy black coating on them. And the tungsten is black.
I am sure a part of it is my arc starts.

 

[Bday]

This may help you, more so than we can with the type written word.

Tig Welding Old School with Scratch Start - Homemade Tig Welder | welding-tv.com

Cool video!

 

[Bday]

Nope, scratch start welding steel. The welds look like gas welds with the heavy black coating on them. And the tungsten is black.
I am sure a part of it is my arc starts.

2% tungsten
Arc gap about the same as thickness of your tungsten.
Clean steel

 

[Bday]

Hey Deereman did you find out your problem?

 

[LD1]

What is your argon flow?

What tungsten are you using? (there are 4 or 5 different kinds now. I think all work on steel except green 100% stuff)

I assume you are welding on DC. IS it DCEN or DCEP??

Got any pics of the results??

3/8" stick-out seems a bit far to me. But if gas flow is adequate, shouldnt cause the issues you describe?

I agree that online how-to videos will do you alot more good than we can at the moment.

 

[k0ua]

I use a 5 cup, with 1/16 3/8 stickout is OK but dont go any longer.. with 15cfh of argon. about 1/16 above the puddle. Is the arc stable? looks like a little umbrella? DCEN correct? I am using 1/16 Lanthanated Tungstun They work fine at 85 amps.

 

[deereman75]

I am using thorinated tungsten. DCEN, 20 cfh argon.
I am going to talk to a master welder/machinist friend of mine this weekend, and see what he thinks.
I am going to see about getting a lesson or two from him.