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Retreating tungsten

by Reardon Raffe
(Fiji Islands)

I've just started tig as a hobby and, thanks mainly to this site, my technique is getting better with each bead. Mild steel and stainless are pretty forgiving until I try aluminum. Although the beads look consistent the tungsten gradually retreats into the cup after only a 6" pass. Adding pulse helps a little to keep the tip cool but it always ends up the same. This is only at 70 amps. Using a larger tungsten doesn't seem to make a difference.

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wtt replies,

using a larger electrode should be making some difference.

if you have ac balance , adjust it to allow for more dcen . that makes a difference.

make sure you are on AC and not dcep.

for AC current a 3/32" or 1/8" electrode is needed. that equates to about 2.4mm and 3.2mm

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