What is the Lift TIG start?
Lift TIG start looks similar to Scratch TIG start, but not same in their working. As in scratch TIG start, lift TIG start also uses a tungsten to make contact with the base metal. But the difference is that the tungsten is brought down very quickly and lightly, and then quickly lifted to “draw” up the arc.
Different welding purpose between Lift TIG start and High frequency TIG start
HF is mainly found on professional or dedicated TIG welding machine, such as AC/DC TIG welding machine or DC TIG welding machine, but if working condition is near to electronic, computers or in hospital, that equipment can be interfered by High frequency. In this case, we have to use Lift TIG start.
Lift TIG Start Welding Fundamentals
Stricking the arc for TIG Operation: when tungsten electrode touches the workpiece, the short-circuit current is only 28A. After generating arc, current can rise to the setting welding current. If the tungsten electrode touches the workpiece when welding, the current will drop to 5A within 2s, which can reduce tungsten waste, prolong the using life of the tungsten electrode, and prevent tungsten clipping.
Shielding Gas Selection
Alloy | Shielding Gas |
Carbon Steel | Welding Argon |
Stainless Steel | Welding Argon |
Nickel Alloy | Welding Argon |
Copper | Welding Argon |
Titanium | Welding Argon |
TIG Welding Parameters for Steel
Base Metal | DC Current | DC Current | Electrode | Filler Rod | Argon Gas |
Thickness | Mild Steel | Stainless Steel | Diameter | Diameter | Flow Rate |
1.0mm | 40-50 | 25-35 | 1.0mm | 1.6mm | 5LPM |
1.6mm | 70-90 | 50-70 | 1.6mm | 1.6mm | 7LPM |
3.2mm | 90-115 | 90-110 | 1.6mm | 2.4mm | 7LPM |
Tungsten Electrode Current Ranges
Electrode Diameter | DC Current |
1.0mm | 25-85 |
1.6mm | 50-160 |
Tungsten Electrode Types
Electrode Type (Ground Finish) | Welding Application | Features | Colour Code |
Thoriated 2% | DC welding of mild steel, stainless steel and copper | Excellent arc starting, long life, high current carrying capacity | Red |
Ceriated 2% | AC & DC welding of mild steel, stainless steel, copper aluminium magnesium and their alloys. | Longer life, more stable arc, easier starting, wilder current range, narrower more concentrated arc | Grey |
Difference between Lift TIG start and High Frequency Start
Scratch TIG is a very basic process, the TIG tungsten electrode is scratched on the work piece to initiate arc, and it must be lifted off quickly and try to prevent it sticking, but not lifted too far to avoid extinguishing the arc.
Lift TIG is touched on the work piece and lifted off. The start current is very low and therefore the tungsten barely sticks to the work piece, so the point of tungsten is not damaged. The tungsten is easily lifted off the work piece.
Lift TIG is a facility which allows for starting the arc without high frequency. This is particularly useful in areas where HF could interfere with computer and telecommunications equipment.
Installation & Operation for TIG Welding
Switch the ON/OFF Switch to OFF;
Connect the earth lead to “+”, tighten clockwise;
Connect the TIG torch cable to “-”, tighten clockwise;
Using a secured Argon cylinder, slowly crack open then close the cylinder valve while standing off to the side of the valve. This will remove any debris that may be around the valve & regulator seat area;
Install the regulator and tighten with a wrench;
Connect the gas hose to the outlet of the Argon regulator, and tighten with a wrench;
Be sure the gas valve on the torch is closed, and slowly open the Argon Cylinder Valve to the fully open position;
Connect the ground clamp to your work piece;
Plug the power cable into the appropriate outlet.
NOTE:
When TIG operation, the shielded gas is inputted to welding gun directly.
Secure the gas cylinder in an upright position by chaining them to a stationary support to prevent falling or tipping.
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