TIG'n ain't easy

[JohnJL]

First attempt at TIG welding today making a regulation 3L catch can.

I laid out the design and cut up/deburred and prepped the parts. Its actually not that easy to make a perfect box, the band saw wasnt very cooperative and wanted to be fed at an angle. Spent about 1 hour laying everything out, cutting them and prepping them.

Then Paul tacked them all up with me looking over his shoulder. I practiced a few scrap pieces then made my attempt...I'm not displeased with the result...next weekend I'll weld in the cap, mount and fittings...

It was a very enjoyable project, I really liked it. My only previous welding experience was random tasks with a stick welder. THis was something else entirely.

THe biggest difference was getting my mask adjusted properly. Its amazing how much easier it is with a good mask properly adjusted.

Oh, Paul also insisted I have a beer first. Like with Pool, I think he was right that being relaxed helps.

[sc_rufctr]

The welds look strong...

Great first effort

[JohnJL]

These were fun on the lathe too...

This is a stock G50 fill plug drilled and tapped for 1/4 NPT to accept a transmission temp sensor for the new dash gauge.









This one is a fuel pressure regulator plug drilled and tapped to accept the fuel pressure gauge on the dash.

[VinceQN]

Not bad for your first time. I commend you

[Tippy]

I have made several attempts with sheetmetal. Lets just say it didnt work out well. I should of tried 1/4 plate and worked thinner.

I kinda accepted I would always be an arc, MIG, or oxygen-accetylene welder. TIG was too hard.

Id say you did quite well for your first time...

[Larry_Ratcliff]

Nice! I would like to get a tig welder.

[Canada Kev]

I commend your first effort. TIG is no where as easy as using a MIG or even stick welding. The most similar type as far as I see it is torch welding with a rod. And many don't seem to have that ability. It must be that two handed coordination thing that gets people. Looks pretty good to me...

[3.2 CAB]

Very nice looking for a first timer. Welds look very strong.

If someone can't walk and chew gum at the same time, I believe they would have a horrible time trying to learn TIG welding, being you are using both hands and the foot pedal all at the same time.

[EarlySport]

When I need some Tig welding done I know who to call John - they look very nice indeed :-)

[ZOA NOM]

I call BS. Those are not your first welds. Admit it, and apologize for this narcissistic cry for attention.

Nice work. Now I have to look for a TiG welder...

[DasBoot]

Advantage of TIG over MIG (re: aluminum)?

[Bill Douglas]

Very nice. Especially after drinking a bottle of Coopers. Don't Coopers make sheep drench and weed killers?

[JohnJL]

I call BS. Those are not your first welds. Admit it, and apologize for this narcissistic cry for attention.

Wow, I'll assume that was meant in humor. It was indeed my first time handling anything other than a stick welder. I didnt take or post pics of the practice scrap pieces I butchered to start with!

Paul was really good about teaching to practice each seam, acting it out once or twice, like taking practice golf swings. Also counting out loud to establish a rhythm.

Also enjoyed a nice 90amp shock when I touched the piece. I know that's not huge but it certainly woke me up!

Paul did the other side and cleaned up some of mine but I still think it came out pretty good. Overkill for a catchcan, thats for sure but who doesnt like a little bling in their engine compartment?

As always, there's nothing like having the right too for the job too. His was a super-fancy rig from Sweden or something like that.

Craig, I wouldnt trust myself to weld anything for someone else yet, I wouldnt even trust myself to weld anything structural on my own car.

Bill, they might but the Red and Green always treat me right! I do think he was right about having a (1!) beer first. I was nervous to start with!

[Zeke]

TIG can be done fairly well on the first day of welding IF the set up is done by an accomplished welder and the equipment is first rate. Of course, that's not the first welding he's done. I bet he's pretty darn good with MIG, stick and oxy/fuel even tho he admits to only stick experience. With a pulse machine and steady hands, the welds will turn out just as seen. The foot pedal does not have to be modulated if the set up is spot on except at the end of the weld.

I welded almost that good (for a much shorter distance) within 10 minutes of beginning AL TIG. I had been in school for 2 years, however.

[cgarr]

What type of alum and how thick was the alum you used? When I build fuel tanks we edge/seam weld them, you put a 1/4 inch 90 degree bend around the entire edge then lay up the covers and just weld the seam using 5052 alum.

[JohnJL]

Seriously, I've never even touched a MIG or Oxy torch. Paul setting it up and looking over my shoulder the whole time was key. Those werent continuous runs either, but careful starting and stopping/overlap.

I dont know what grade alu it was or remember what rod it was. It is 2mm thick plate. Cutting it carefully, grinding straight edges and deburring was time consuming. Easily spend 5x the effort preparing than actual welding.

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by DasBoot

Advantage of TIG over MIG (re: aluminum)?

Mig is faster, but the wire is hard to feed through a liner. The heat is not modulated with a foot pedal like tig is.

[berettafan]

wow man, that is pretty awesome tig'n!

[MT930]

Those are some very nice welds for a begining TIG welder ! You will be pumping out intercoolers in no time. Nice Job!

[mack6820]

I have a wire welder. AND I SUCK AT IT!!