I'll tell ya Kevin... Years later and I'm still always hitting up your vids when I set up my machines after a while.... Hope you keep your videos coming! Happy new years again! 2024. Brian.
Still like refreshing with this one- Great learning to weld for free! Internet's great for some things. Have a great one Kevin, I'll get down there sometime soon. Lake Havasu 🌞 Az
Glad to help, don't forget to check out my store at "kevincaron.retrieve.com/store". This lets you buy and search all my tig videos. You will be able to search in the videos for key words. Thank you for watching and posting.
Messaged myself a reference for 3mm - 88 amps tig aluminium, thanks Uncle Kev. Just picked up a new Tig Welder, Unimig 200 ACDC, has the usual AC Balance and Freq. post flow, etc. My research around the AC Balance and Freq. shows me all kinds of settings on the Bal. and Freq. from welder to welder. Seen a video from Jody showing Tungsten for aluminium is best to be 2% Lanthanated, so I need to find them, but overall, it's another machine I got to get my head around and start just laying beads. Lately I've been English Wheeling, Planishing Hammering, it's a big new metal working world for me this year, very cool. OK, back to Uncle Kev's Tig Videos, it's been a little while, so I got some catching up
Hi mate, Is your Unimig the new digital version? I just bought one and i'm trying to set it correctly. The AC balance control is 10%- to 10%+, so when tutorials say set balance at 70% i'm not sure how to equate that to the Unimig. I'll for now only be welding 3mm and 5mm ali. What settings do you use on your Unimig? Cheers.
Good thoughts and I am glad you mentioned the various welding positions, plus the change in base metal temperature as the weld progresses, and I guess edge temperature change as well. I also wanted to add this; I had a small one time weld to make the other day. It was hot, humid, I had a T shirt on, and sat down at the table with the welder on - then thought about your other video about getting a shock. I stopped and got the weld jacket on. THANKS for that one!
Thanks for the straight forward demonstration, no fancy balance or frequency alterations. But: what's the general starting point for the amp setting, and how to reduce it on edge welds so the edge doesn't burn away? This is for aluminum - What's it for carbon steel? Thank u Kevin, pleasure as always :)
When I am welding 1/8th inch steel I will drop from 125 amps down to around 80 on the outside edge. If I have already welded the backside of the joint I will only drop to about 95 amps. Thank you for watching and posting.
Hallo Kevin, First of all I would like to congratulate for your presentations. I still have some questions regarding my Tig setup. When I am using DC/Tig, I have to set the following: Pre flow time, initial current, up slope time, welding current, down slope time, pilot arc, post flow time. Can you explain me, what is, initial current and pilot arc. Thank you Spiros Athens Greece.
Agree, this is how I set the amperage as well. Btw, not to nitpick you, but looked like you were pulling the filler rod out of the shielding gas envelope, which will contaminate the end of the rod... btw, I do the same thing at times, that's why i recognized it, lol
Hallo Kevin, First of all I would like for your presentations. I still have some questions regarding my Tig setup. When I am using DC/Tig, i have to set the following: Pre flow time, initial current, up slope time, welding current, down slope time, pilot arc, and post flow time. Can you explain me what is : Initial current, and Pilot arc? Thanks in advance. Spiros Athens Greece.
The initial current is also called "up slope". It is what the welder will start the arc at and then increase to the welding current. Not sure why you have a pilot arc setting on your tig welder. The pilot arc is normally found on a plasma cutter. But I also don't know what machine you are looking at. Thanks for watching and posting.
Hallo Kevin Thanks for your reply for my MMA settings. Regarding the Arc force setting, this should be near the Welding current? For example, when I set the Welding current to 100A, how much should the Arc force be? Thank you Spiros
If the adjustment goes from 1 to 10 I would run it around 6 or 7. But that is just me and how I weld. You need to play with the settings on some scrap and see how they work. Then you will know how to adjust it when you are welding on your work.
Hey Kevin, I teach welding and I have a Lincoln Ranger 225 (2018) but it is a little noisy and I would like something that is quieter. I was going to buy the new AHP 201xd. Is this a good machine to use atleast 2-3 times a week for about 3 hours a day? I have seen couple reviews about guys that use it to teach and no complaints from them. I also want the ability to weld aluminum hence I am choosing this welder.
Hi Danny, Not sure how noisy your Lincoln is but the AHP 201 is not hard to be around when it is running. I think it is a very good machine for the money and have not had a problem with mine.
@@KevincaronSculpture that's great to hear. I'm excited on getting mines but have to wait maybe a month or two. I went to their website and they said they are on back order till end of May. I'm making room in my tiny work area so I can bring this baby in. Thanks for replying I've been welding and doing cwi and api work for 24 years total now and I love the welding trade.
Hi Kevin. I'm having trouble blowing through thin walled steel tubing. I'm using 50 amps on 14 ga tube, but as soon as I get a puddle, it seems like I blow out a big hole.
Kevin Caron, Artist Unfortunately, I have a pretty no-frills machine. Its only control is the amperage dial and the on/off switch. I'll try slightly lower amps. Thanks for responding.
Kevin, love your channel. Thanks for all the good info. I'm retired and looking to try tig welding on 1/8 " and below steel, stainless and aluminum. what are your thoughts on machines and amps. Looking at Lincoln (little expensive), HF Valcon and the green machine they have. Also AHP. your thoughts. THanks.
Kevin, I have the AHP Tig 200x on order. I am running a new dedicated line to my garage for the Tig welder, what is the circuit amperage required? I am guessing 50Amp is needed. Just thought this might be a good place to ask what the service requirements are for a 220V AHP machine. Thanks for your all your help.
I just got a 2016 and 200x 2 days ago, I have been practicing a lot and found the green tungsten doesn't work with that welder. I also found that welding aluminum you use ac and steel use dc, I thought dc was only for arc welding, no. Lots of stuff to learn.
Hallo Kevin I have another question for you regarding my MMA weld settings, At the machine menu I have to set the following: Welding current (20 - 200A), Ignition arc (0,01 - - 1), and Arc force current (0-160 A). What are the, Ignition Arc and Arc force current ? Thank again Spiros
Hey Kevin, I just bought the AHP AlphaTig 200x as well. Can you tell me or show me in a video the settings for welding car sheet metal (19g) on the AHP. I'm using the foot pedal. 3/32nd mild steel filler rods and 2% thoriated 3/32 tungsten. Thanks
is there something wrong when the tungsten just burns up at 120 amps on 1,65mm steel pipe? and it might actually work normally at 65 amps then or it shouldnt burn up the rod in the first place?
@@KevincaronSculpture its basically like a small lift-tig machine with mma and mig also, but i am using the correct electro-negative stuff and i do have 100% argon gas etc... and the tungsten rod actually stays really clean with the gas, it just burns up like a regular mma stick for some reason lol... i did forget to turn the gas valve on at the last try and then it actually made everything completely black lol.. and the rod still melted like before.....
hey kevin .. I'm done my iti and now doing training .. as tig welder but i dont know the current setting for different metal thickness and for different metals .. can u plz teach me
I just use the 1 amp per 0.001 of metal thickness rule to start with. So 1/8 inch plate steel is 0.125 thick so you will start with 125 amps and test on a piece of scrap. Dial up or down as needed. This works with aluminum also but I like to add 25 amps to with ever setting I start with.
I'm confused as to why the 100 amp weld was bad. Don't you always want maximum penetration for a strong weld? The 100 amp wasn't concaved in or anything, so why is it bad?
+MattsMotorz Too cold, not enough penetration.. If you don't get all the way through the metal with one pass than you have to make a second pass on the inside to get total penetration.,. A partial weld with give you a weak joint and it will fail under load...
Thanks Kevin! But I am still confused, how could 100 amps be too cold? This was the highest amperage and you said it was too hot in the video. Doesn't, hotter = more penetration? Maybe you misunderstood. (I know sometimes it is annoying to go back and look through your video for a question someone asks, I run my own youtube channel as well).
MattsMotorz Penetration isn't about welding completely through the parent metal. It's about having the correct % of penetration for the parent metal, too hot will have the filler metal holding the sides and it's simply a hit of some kind will crack the parent metal beside the weld, this is a failed weld, it's also how a lot of people who just weld at home fail at welding because their welds will fail either straight away or at a later time, and people who can see this, may get a hammer and crack the weld in front of these people to show its an failed weld. Or throw the piece on the ground it sometimes the piece will simply shatter apart like it was glass on the ground.
im running 1 of these ahp 200 ,2016 version on 110v and having problems welding aluminum. could it be 110v. i notice on 110v @110+ amps,160s frequency, 30s ac balance 3/32 thor elec , starts to do better in my opinion , but kicks breaker off. I've tried different size filler wire, different tungsten color & size, all on new aluminum. it doesn't melt, and when it does filler doesn't join puddle unless it turn up to 110amp/ 160s frequency.
Kevin Caron, Artist why do you think my aluminum filler doesn't go to weld puddle once melting. seems to run the other way. i tried 220v 50a, same problems im welding 1/8 aluminum diamond plate &16g square tubing thought it was contamination so grind surface clean and got fresh grinding wheel for tungsten. no difference
Kevin Caron, Artist thanks figured that, but keep burning up red & blue tungsten . just ordered grey & brown 1/8 & 3/32 tungsten. love your channel, thanks for your help and time /replys.
Great info Kevin and it worked but this goes against what Jody @ WT&T.com says. He states over and over that he likes 1 amp per thousand thickness or 1/8 base metal = .125 thousands which would call for an amp setting of 125 - 135 amps for this square tubing. He makes it work and looks great but for me it's too hot and am more inclined to follow you on this one. Thanks
I don't think it is a hard rule, more like a good suggestion. Every machine runs a little different. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to hit the like button!
Hello Kevin thanks for the video. One thing I never see stressed enough is the importance of a scrap pile. My wife says when are you gonna get rid of that pile of metal ? Bite your tongue woman . The bigger that pile is the more wonderful life is.
Hey PAL,, Its called Years Of Years, Of and Ya Just Know,,,, Great To Hear MARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,,,,,, Jack
OMG, I thought I was the Last with and Using a "China Rensil"....... But as we Know,its Practice,,,, TY, Have a Happppy 4th,, Do Not do what we Used to do,, Before OBUMMMMMMER,,, Filll the Old atifeeeze Box, and bang yout toch out of brazing mode,, and Fill it, and a 3 ft Pc Of Tig wire, and well, MIN!!!!!!!!! 150 ft away~~~~~~~~
I'll tell ya Kevin... Years later and I'm still always hitting up your vids when I set up my machines after a while....
Hope you keep your videos coming! Happy new years again! 2024. Brian.
Thanks Brian. Some big chances coming this year. Not sure the direction but I know it will be forward!
Still like refreshing with this one-
Great learning to weld for free!
Internet's great for some things.
Have a great one Kevin, I'll get down there sometime soon.
Lake Havasu 🌞 Az
And I will be here to open the gate for you my friend!
Yes! This helps a lot. Trying to learn TIG welding without knowing anyone who TIG welds to give advice 😊 Great vid
Glad to help, don't forget to check out my store at "kevincaron.retrieve.com/store". This lets you buy and search all my tig videos. You will be able to search in the videos for key words. Thank you for watching and posting.
Thank you for a real to life explanation of welding, great narration with a tongue in cheek put over, regards Doc Cox.
Glad you enjoyed it
Messaged myself a reference for 3mm - 88 amps tig aluminium, thanks Uncle Kev.
Just picked up a new Tig Welder, Unimig 200 ACDC, has the usual AC Balance and Freq. post flow, etc. My research around the AC Balance and Freq. shows me all kinds of settings on the Bal. and Freq. from welder to welder. Seen a video from Jody showing Tungsten for aluminium is best to be 2% Lanthanated, so I need to find them, but overall, it's another machine I got to get my head around and start just laying beads. Lately I've been English Wheeling, Planishing Hammering, it's a big new metal working world for me this year, very cool. OK, back to Uncle Kev's Tig Videos, it's been a little while, so I got some catching up
Have had great luck with the E3 purple top tungsten. Works for ALL metals.
ok thanks, I'll have to grab some of them. Do you think the WP-26 Torch is a good model? What's your fav?
I use the 26 on most of my tig machines.. I have big hands and it fits better than the 17s.
Hi mate, Is your Unimig the new digital version? I just bought one and i'm trying to set it correctly. The AC balance control is 10%- to 10%+, so when tutorials say set balance at 70% i'm not sure how to equate that to the Unimig. I'll for now only be welding 3mm and 5mm ali. What settings do you use on your Unimig? Cheers.
Hey Kevin, I love your videos, and I love my AHP Alpha TIG, thanks for the suggestion... and thanks to Mary for all the help in getting it ordered.
You are welcome! Thanks for watching and have fun!
Good thoughts and I am glad you mentioned the various welding positions, plus the change in base metal temperature as the weld progresses, and I guess edge temperature change as well.
I also wanted to add this; I had a small one time weld to make the other day. It was hot, humid, I had a T shirt on, and sat down at the table with the welder on - then thought about your other video about getting a shock. I stopped and got the weld jacket on. THANKS for that one!
Tom Herd Thank you! Glad to help keep you and everyone else safe.
Thanks for the straight forward demonstration, no fancy balance or frequency alterations. But: what's the general starting point for the amp setting, and how to reduce it on edge welds so the edge doesn't burn away?
This is for aluminum - What's it for carbon steel?
Thank u Kevin, pleasure as always :)
When I am welding 1/8th inch steel I will drop from 125 amps down to around 80 on the outside edge. If I have already welded the backside of the joint I will only drop to about 95 amps. Thank you for watching and posting.
@@KevincaronSculpture Thank you kindly!! I can figure it out from there :D
Hallo Kevin,
First of all I would like to congratulate for your presentations.
I still have some questions regarding my Tig setup.
When I am using DC/Tig, I have to set the following:
Pre flow time, initial current, up slope time, welding current, down slope time, pilot arc, post flow time.
Can you explain me, what is, initial current and pilot arc.
Thank you
Spiros Athens Greece.
Initial current is starting amps. This is what the machine will start the arc at when you press the finger switch. Pilot arc is for the plasma cutter.
Agree, this is how I set the amperage as well. Btw, not to nitpick you, but looked like you were pulling the filler rod out of the shielding gas envelope, which will contaminate the end of the rod... btw, I do the same thing at times, that's why i recognized it, lol
Yeah, that's a bad habit of mine as well.
how about try ahp200x on 110v to show capabilities, steel vs aluminum.
Hallo Kevin,
First of all I would like for your presentations.
I still have some questions regarding my Tig setup.
When I am using DC/Tig, i have to set the following:
Pre flow time, initial current, up slope time, welding current, down slope time, pilot arc, and post flow time.
Can you explain me what is : Initial current, and Pilot arc?
Thanks in advance.
Spiros Athens Greece.
The initial current is also called "up slope". It is what the welder will start the arc at and then increase to the welding current. Not sure why you have a pilot arc setting on your tig welder. The pilot arc is normally found on a plasma cutter. But I also don't know what machine you are looking at. Thanks for watching and posting.
Kevin Caron, Artist
Ok Kevin, I received your answer.
Thanks a lot.
Regards
Spiros
Hallo Kevin
Thanks for your reply for my MMA settings.
Regarding the Arc force setting, this should be near the Welding current?
For example, when I set the Welding current to 100A, how much should the Arc force be?
Thank you
Spiros
If the adjustment goes from 1 to 10 I would run it around 6 or 7. But that is just me and how I weld. You need to play with the settings on some scrap and see how they work. Then you will know how to adjust it when you are welding on your work.
Hey Kevin, I teach welding and I have a Lincoln Ranger 225 (2018) but it is a little noisy and I would like something that is quieter. I was going to buy the new AHP 201xd. Is this a good machine to use atleast 2-3 times a week for about 3 hours a day? I have seen couple reviews about guys that use it to teach and no complaints from them. I also want the ability to weld aluminum hence I am choosing this welder.
Hi Danny, Not sure how noisy your Lincoln is but the AHP 201 is not hard to be around when it is running. I think it is a very good machine for the money and have not had a problem with mine.
@@KevincaronSculpture that's great to hear. I'm excited on getting mines but have to wait maybe a month or two. I went to their website and they said they are on back order till end of May. I'm making room in my tiny work area so I can bring this baby in. Thanks for replying I've been welding and doing cwi and api work for 24 years total now and I love the welding trade.
Hi Kevin. I'm having trouble blowing through thin walled steel tubing. I'm using 50 amps on 14 ga tube, but as soon as I get a puddle, it seems like I blow out a big hole.
Try using pulse.
Kevin Caron, Artist Unfortunately, I have a pretty no-frills machine. Its only control is the amperage dial and the on/off switch. I'll try slightly lower amps. Thanks for responding.
Or try different diameter wire.
I have a cheap meachine too. Goes down to 11 amps.. 22 gage steel at 20 amps i have to have perfect, and i mean perfect fitup
Otherwise the edges will burn right up.i also try to push the puddle on the seam rather than run right on it
Kevin, love your channel. Thanks for all the good info. I'm retired and looking to try tig welding on 1/8 " and below steel, stainless and aluminum. what are your thoughts on machines and amps. Looking at Lincoln (little expensive), HF Valcon and the green machine they have. Also AHP. your thoughts. THanks.
I would point you towards the AHP. Great hobby machine and a great price.
Kevin, I have the AHP Tig 200x on order. I am running a new dedicated line to my garage for the Tig welder, what is the circuit amperage required? I am guessing 50Amp is needed. Just thought this might be a good place to ask what the service requirements are for a 220V AHP machine. Thanks for your all your help.
Only need 30 amps. But if you can get 50 more the better.
I just got a 2016 and 200x 2 days ago, I have been practicing a lot and found the green tungsten doesn't work with that welder. I also found that welding aluminum you use ac and steel use dc, I thought dc was only for arc welding, no. Lots of stuff to learn.
Hallo Kevin
I have another question for you regarding my MMA weld settings,
At the machine menu I have to set the following:
Welding current (20 - 200A), Ignition arc (0,01 - - 1), and Arc force current (0-160 A).
What are the, Ignition Arc and Arc force current ?
Thank again
Spiros
Ignition arc is what the machine starts at when you pull the trigger. Arc Force current is for stick welding. It helps with penetration.
Hey Kevin, I just bought the AHP AlphaTig 200x as well. Can you tell me or show me in a video the settings for welding car sheet metal (19g) on the AHP.
I'm using the foot pedal. 3/32nd mild steel filler rods and 2% thoriated 3/32 tungsten.
Thanks
I will add it to the list of videos Kevin!
Thanks so much.....Any chance i can get a few settings to start practicing?
is there something wrong when the tungsten just burns up at 120 amps on 1,65mm steel pipe?
and it might actually work normally at 65 amps then or it shouldnt burn up the rod in the first place?
The tungsten should not burn up! You have your settings wrong or you are not getting the correct gas coverage. Or you are using the wrong gas.
@@KevincaronSculpture its basically like a small lift-tig machine with mma and mig also, but i am using the correct electro-negative stuff and i do have 100% argon gas etc... and the tungsten rod actually stays really clean with the gas, it just burns up like a regular mma stick for some reason lol... i did forget to turn the gas valve on at the last try and then it actually made everything completely black lol.. and the rod still melted like before.....
Ok Kevin, thanks and regards.
Spiros Athens Greece.
hey kevin .. I'm done my iti and now doing training .. as tig welder but i dont know the current setting for different metal thickness and for different metals .. can u plz teach me
I just use the 1 amp per 0.001 of metal thickness rule to start with. So 1/8 inch plate steel is 0.125 thick so you will start with 125 amps and test on a piece of scrap. Dial up or down as needed. This works with aluminum also but I like to add 25 amps to with ever setting I start with.
I'm confused as to why the 100 amp weld was bad. Don't you always want maximum penetration for a strong weld? The 100 amp wasn't concaved in or anything, so why is it bad?
+MattsMotorz
Too cold, not enough penetration.. If you don't get all the way through the metal with one pass than you have to make a second pass on the inside to get total penetration.,. A partial weld with give you a weak joint and it will fail under load...
Thanks Kevin!
But I am still confused, how could 100 amps be too cold? This was the highest amperage and you said it was too hot in the video. Doesn't, hotter = more penetration? Maybe you misunderstood. (I know sometimes it is annoying to go back and look through your video for a question someone asks, I run my own youtube channel as well).
MattsMotorz
Penetration isn't about welding completely through the parent metal.
It's about having the correct % of penetration for the parent metal, too hot will have the filler metal holding the sides and it's simply a hit of some kind will crack the parent metal beside the weld, this is a failed weld, it's also how a lot of people who just weld at home fail at welding because their welds will fail either straight away or at a later time, and people who can see this, may get a hammer and crack the weld in front of these people to show its an failed weld.
Or throw the piece on the ground it sometimes the piece will simply shatter apart like it was glass on the ground.
@@MattsMotorz , It's like talking to a deaf person, isn't it. Maybe he's clueless. I'll look for other channels.
The older alpha didn't have the high speed pulse and AC frequency adjustment. The new model came out late last year.
Is there an equation for ideal amperage? Based on type of metal and tungsten size etc
Try this one... www.randyray.com/TMC/TIGCalc.htm
im running 1 of these ahp 200 ,2016 version on 110v and having problems welding aluminum. could it be 110v. i notice on 110v @110+ amps,160s frequency, 30s ac balance 3/32 thor elec , starts to do better in my opinion , but kicks breaker off. I've tried different size filler wire, different tungsten color & size, all on new aluminum. it doesn't melt, and when it does filler doesn't join puddle unless it turn up to 110amp/ 160s frequency.
You are at the max on that machine on 110 volts.. You need to run it on 220 volts to do any good here...
Kevin Caron, Artist why do you think my aluminum filler doesn't go to weld puddle once melting. seems to run the other way. i tried 220v 50a, same problems im welding 1/8 aluminum diamond plate &16g square tubing thought it was contamination so grind surface clean and got fresh grinding wheel for tungsten. no difference
Too cold! 1/8th plate wants about 130 amps to weld right.. Crank that puppy up!!
Kevin Caron, Artist thanks figured that, but keep burning up red & blue tungsten . just ordered grey & brown 1/8 & 3/32 tungsten. love your channel, thanks for your help and time /replys.
How do you choose what kind of tungsten you use
I use E3 for everything. Works with all the inverter style machines both ac and dc.
Do you know what the difference is between the older ahp and the newer ones? And when they released the new model?
How much Amp used in TIG welding. To good for welding
All depends on what you are welding. I have run low as 15 amps and 255 on the high side.
Love videos you put on
Lots of respect. Subscriber
Thank you! Welcome aboard!
It's interesting that the phrase "in my opinion" is used in every almost every welding video on youtube.
Well in my opinion I am just trying to protect myself from you guys that know so much more then me!
Great info Kevin and it worked but this goes against what Jody @ WT&T.com says. He states over and over that he likes 1 amp per thousand thickness or 1/8 base metal = .125 thousands which would call for an amp setting of 125 - 135 amps for this square tubing. He makes it work and looks great but for me it's too hot and am more inclined to follow you on this one. Thanks
I don't think it is a hard rule, more like a good suggestion. Every machine runs a little different. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to hit the like button!
Hello Kevin thanks for the video. One thing I never see stressed enough is the importance of a scrap pile. My wife says when are you gonna get rid of that pile of metal ? Bite your tongue woman . The bigger that pile is the more wonderful life is.
I totally agree! But there is a certain pleasure in working with new metal. Thanks for watching and posting.
How to adjust Organization welding machine
Thx
No problem
1 amp per .001 of thickness
Julius Tinkey but that would be way too much, at 125 amps, if the 100 amps was too hot.
0.001 is what ? mm or inches.
Hey PAL,, Its called Years Of Years, Of and Ya Just Know,,,, Great To Hear MARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,,,,,, Jack
You know that woman and you still contradicted her!?
Hell dude! I married her! 27 years and still going strong. You should try it sometime.
OMG, I thought I was the Last with and Using a "China Rensil"....... But as we Know,its Practice,,,, TY, Have a Happppy 4th,, Do Not do what we Used to do,, Before OBUMMMMMMER,,, Filll the Old atifeeeze Box, and bang yout toch out of brazing mode,, and Fill it, and a 3 ft Pc Of Tig wire, and well, MIN!!!!!!!!! 150 ft away~~~~~~~~
Going For your Pocket Boook MARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,,,,LOL, The Inverter Machines,are so much Different,,,,,
too frigin funny!