Coming into this I have taken some brief into to welding courses at Hardy & Fuller and the Denver Tool Library which covered flux-core, MIG, and TIG. Starting this build project is therefore going to be learning to TIG weld
Spent the session on autogenous (no-filler) puddle control on 1/16” mild steel coupons, then moved into adding filler. Machine setup: DC, 2T, ~65–70 A ceiling controlled on the pedal, #5 cup, 3/32” lanthanated tungsten, 100% argon. Worked through a clear progression: blowing wide scorched holes at first, then clean isolated puddles once I cut amperage and dwell time, then a continuous fusion bead, and finally attempted rippled beads with filler.
Gear decisions for this session were simply based on what was currently available for use, and are likely not great choices. Following the session, I did more research based on my learnings and ordered some items from Judy from weldingtipsandtricks’ store Weldmonger:
- Stubby Cup Kit