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Old 04-16-2010, 10:47 AM   #1
kharris4
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Default Anyone here ever try to tig SS with AC?

I've never tried it.
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Old 04-19-2010, 03:17 AM   #2
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Why would you? Any TIG machine I've seen with AC capability has DC capability and DC is recommended for TIG on stainless steel.

You could certainly try it, but I wouldn't trust any weld that results without at least an RT of the weld.
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Old 04-19-2010, 07:12 AM   #3
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I bought an AC machine about 12 years ago from a buddy for $100. I've never even plugged it in. Maybe I'll bring it in to work and see what happens.

I realize that you're not supposed to use AC for SS. Just curiuos if anyone ever actually tried it.
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Old 04-19-2010, 12:34 PM   #4
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From my experience, TIG DC works great, so long as you have DCEN (I was using around 40-50amps with 1/16 SS) my welder actually only has DC and I wish I had the option for AC (to do aluminum welds). As what speedyHAM said, your rig should be capable of both AC/DC (lucky you!)
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Old 04-19-2010, 02:03 PM   #5
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It's an AC only unit.
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Old 04-19-2010, 04:34 PM   #6
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it won't weld right with A/C. the reason you use A/C on Aluminum is to help break up some of the oxidation on the aluminum itself. I'm pretty sure from what I remember from my metalurgy class A/C will cause the nickel to float out of the stainless, thus not making it stainless.
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Old 04-19-2010, 05:38 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PSIstolic View Post
From my experience, TIG DC works great, so long as you have DCEN (I was using around 40-50amps with 1/16 SS) my welder actually only has DC and I wish I had the option for AC (to do aluminum welds). As what speedyHAM said, your rig should be capable of both AC/DC (lucky you!)
i know a guy that welds alu with DC and pure helium. seems to work great
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Old 04-19-2010, 06:50 PM   #8
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i know a guy that welds alu with DC and pure helium. seems to work great
yup
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Old 04-19-2010, 10:33 PM   #9
PSIstolic
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Sorry OP, not meaning to threadjack, i know you brought in AC + SS, but a quick question directed to Paranoid56, and tom, about DC + Al TIG, So I'll just need some 100% He gas, is this still DCEN, and will this involve "poking" through the oxide layer using the Al filler metal rod (I've heard someone mention this required technique before)? Any input on the amperage needed for 1/16" Aluminum? Thanks!
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Old 04-20-2010, 01:25 AM   #10
PARANOID56
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yea, that will be a question for tom, as we are talking about the same guy
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Old 04-20-2010, 01:36 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PSIstolic View Post
Sorry OP, not meaning to threadjack, i know you brought in AC + SS, but a quick question directed to Paranoid56, and tom, about DC + Al TIG, So I'll just need some 100% He gas, is this still DCEN, and will this involve "poking" through the oxide layer using the Al filler metal rod (I've heard someone mention this required technique before)? Any input on the amperage needed for 1/16" Aluminum? Thanks!
i dont think i'd use DC welding for that thin of aluminum. It works much better for 1/4 and thicker stuff. Its strange at first doing it, but once you get the hang of its it'll put down some really small beads. almost like you are doing steel. but the penetration is awesome. since 100% of the power is on a single phase. VS the wave on AC.

T
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Old 04-20-2010, 08:20 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by WeldingHank View Post
it won't weld right with A/C. the reason you use A/C on Aluminum is to help break up some of the oxidation on the aluminum itself. I'm pretty sure from what I remember from my metalurgy class A/C will cause the nickel to float out of the stainless, thus not making it stainless.
Its chromium content that makes a stainless be called stainless. 11% or more. Your common 300 series do have a lot of nickel, but others like 410 and 440 for example have none.
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Old 04-20-2010, 01:25 PM   #13
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Its chromium content that makes a stainless be called stainless. 11% or more. Your common 300 series do have a lot of nickel, but others like 410 and 440 for example have none.
its been almost 10 years since my metalurgy class, don't shoot me! But I know it does cause the nickel to float out.
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