Syncrowave 200 / Tig Tips

**Burl** · 12-13-2005, 08:48 PM

Just picked up a Syncrowave 200 on Friday. Got the electrical straightened out that night and spent most of Saturday attempting to learn to tig weld. Anyway, here are a few beads on 3/16" steel and 1/2" aluminum. I know I still need a bunch of practice but give me some tips if you have any. How should I proceed to learn? Run more beads on steel? Should I start with a butt weld as my first joint? Any good on-line tutorials with lesson progressions?

Thanks,

Burl

**joebass** · 12-13-2005, 09:10 PM

First step to learning is take a class or find someone to show you. So much to learn that cant be self taught.

**Burl** · 12-13-2005, 09:21 PM

The only class I can find in the DFW area is a general welding class. I want to take a class but something geared toward tig not general welding. Does anyone know of a tig welding class in the DFW area? I am with you on the too much to learn to self teach.

Thanks,

Mike

**IBU KING** · 12-13-2005, 11:44 PM

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on general welding class. Just got a new guy at work that finished up a tech course and is certified, but he needs a ton of work and they never even did any tig at all. If you know someone who can tig weld have them give you some pointers. In the meantime practice,practice, practice.
You could see if a local fab. shop has some scrap that you could buy for cheap. I would practice for a while just laying a bunch of beads down in a row and then move on to a butt or lap joint.

**Burl** · 12-14-2005, 09:47 PM

That's what I figured, I'll keep doing beads until I improve.

Thanks,

Burl

**blueoval557** · 12-14-2005, 11:22 PM

Too the post stating the only way to learn is to take a class or have someone show you and that it cant be self taight....TOTALLY WRONG! No offense, but I am a walking, talking example of that. Sure I dont know every single thing about TIG welding, but I can run a great looking bead on aluminum, steel, 4130, and stainless steel...and they are all strong as ****. I never had anyone show me how to do anything at all...just practiced.
Burl, it can totally be self taught. Honestly, for your first time, those look pretty **** good. Just need more consistency, which I think you will find will be the first word of advice given to any newbie tig welder. It just comes with practice. Its nothing someone can teach you, its how steady you are with your hands is all it is. After awhile, your hands will be super steady and you'll be tiggin' great. I have seen a HUGE difference in my hand steadiness since I started tig welding, and in other places than just welding, ceramics class in high school being one of them....anything anybody needs carved or delicately "massaged", I always seem to be the person they come to.
All in all, just keep practicing. Dont worry about running beads on joints right now. Cut your self some coupons and just run bead after bead after bead. I would do it both on aluminum and mild steel. In my opinion, they both teach you something or make something easier or more visible that you can use on the opposite...in the end helping you tremendously.
One more word of advice before I stop rambling...carry a piece of filler rod in your car/truck. This was discussed in a recent thread on the boards here, and I had never thought of it. At stop lights, grab it and practice dabbing your filler rod(I usually do it across the top of the steering wheel), and that will help you alot in a short amount of time...well, it did me anyways.
The most important thing...dont get frustrated and have fun with it!!!!! GOOD LUCK!
Kyle

**IBU KING** · 12-15-2005, 12:18 AM

http://www.millerwelds.com/education/welding_links/

Check some of these sites out I flipped through a few real quick might find something useful.

**CarmenElectrode** · 12-15-2005, 11:28 AM

One of our customers:
http://www.emptytombchoppers.com/content/sickbikes

is completely self taught... from videos and books, and a lot of practice.

When it comes to learning, sometimes its easier to take a class because you know you have (a) paid for it and (b) dedicated a certain day / time to learning.

**Burl** · 12-15-2005, 03:21 PM

Thanks for the ideas & help!

Burl

**Gary94** · 12-15-2005, 08:22 PM

Try fusion welding outside corner joints to start with. It's good practice in starting a puddle and working it along the joint. Since steel is easier to work with, practice with that first off. As soon as your confidence allows you, start playing with the aluminum. How was that deep fried turkey?