Newbie needs some help

[Roger]

I just recently aquired a Dynasty 200 DX. I have to teach myself how to do this new craft. Things started pretty well then went you know where. I think my problem is I contaminated my tip but it goes beyond what's described in the books. I observed the following: The arc seems to climb up the electrode. The copper appears eroded and there is a carbon film inside the nozzle.

Now, do I need a new nozzle? I cut back the electrode and ground a new point. but the arc seems to come from everywhere and the aluminum seems to turn black.

Any advice would be appreciated as I have no one to ask that knows TIG welding.

[arc]

first off what type of tungsten are u using? and u do not need to grind the electrode to a point. and what copper are u talking about? if the cup is not broken then just give it a good cleaning make sure ur stick out is not to much and u have good gas flow. if that dont work then post another thread.

[Roger]

I'm using pure tungsten the copper I'm talking about is the colett body. The black carbon doesn't seem to want to come off the nozzle, it's stained pretty good.

[arc]

i wouldn't worry to much about the carbon. check you balance and hertz on your machine. and gas flow is critical.

[wldrman]

What are you using for gas? What is your flow rate? Are you balling the Tungsten? Metal thickness, Amperage? etc.

[Roger]

Arc you got it right about the balance. Somehow it got changed ( I think the dog did it ) Went through all the settings and it started working better. Too many buttons for a beginner.

Thanks

[Sundown]

If you got the machine used and didn't get a manual you can download one from the miller site. Ditch the pure tungsten, get some thoriated, or better yet lanthanated, in either 1/16" or 3/32" sizes. Grind to a point with about a 30 degree taper. Gas should be 100% argon with a flow rate between 10 and 20 CFH, start at 20 and work your way lower till you start having problems. Measure the aluminum stock you are trying to weld and set your amperage to 1 amp per .001" of thickness as a starting point. Make sure the stock is clean using a stainless steel brush & and/or acetone wipe. Sounds like you have the balance and hertz set so you should be ok there, leave the rest of the controls alone until you get the hang of things. Miller has some education stuff that will help, it's located in the education tab on the main page.

[arc]

the machines are nice but they are a little complex for a beginner but hey if ya want the best then why not learn with the best. i love my 200 DX so nice with the options once you learn to use them.