Tweco 160 TS Arcmaster - Manual (Page 35)

ARCMASTER ® 160TS
March 31, 2006 6-1
SECTION 6:
BASIC TIG WELDING GUIDE
6.01 Electrode Polarity
Connect the TIG torch to the - / TORCH terminal and the work lead to the + / WORK terminal for direct current straight polarity.
Direct current straight polarity is the most widely used polarity for DC TIG welding. It allows limited wear of the electrode since
70% of the heat is concentrated at the work piece.
6.02 Tungsten Electrode Current Ranges
Electrode Diameter DC Current (Amps)
0.040” (1.0mm) 30 – 60
1/16” (1.6mm) 60 – 115
3/32” (2.4mm) 100 – 165
1/8” (3.2mm) 135 – 200
5/32” (4.0mm) 190 – 280
3/16” (4.8mm) 250 – 340
Table 7 – Current ranges for various Tungsten electrode sizes
6.03 Tungsten Electrode Types
Electrode Type
(Ground Finish) Welding Application Features
Color
Code
Thoriated 2%
DC welding of mild steel, stainless
steel and copper. Excellent arc starting, Long life, High
current carrying capacity.
Red
Ceriated 2%
DC welding of mild steel, stainless
steel, copper, aluminium,
magnesium and their alloys Longer life, More stable arc, Easier
starting, Wider current range,
Narrower more concentrated arc.
Grey
Table 8 – Tungsten electrode types
6.04 Guide for Selecting Filler Wire Diameter
Filler Wire Diameter DC Current Range
(Amps)
1/16” (1.6 mm) 20 - 90
3/32” (2.4 mm) 65 - 115
1/8” (3.2 mm) 100 - 165
3/16” (4.8 mm) 200-350
Table 9 – Filler wire selection guide
NOTE
The fi ller wire diameter specifi ed in Table 9 is a guide only, other diameter wires may be used according to the
welding application