It can be used on thinner material if the tip is kept very sharp.
Electrode size tig weld 20 gauge sheet metal.
In a situation when a welder needs to make a butt weld on a 20 gauge panel and the parts are not able to touch each other not even for even 1 16 inches you will create a gap that is not capable of being absorbed by the heat.
2 2mm is the transition between 1 0mm and 1 6mm filler rod.
Tig welding and tungsten metal work so well when welding mild steel because the tungsten keeps the arc with a consistent temperature of 11 000 degrees f.
Tig welding sheet metal forget the larger 1 8 inch tungsten electrode and use a smaller one.
The tig process relies on tungsten s hardness and high temperature resistance to carry the welding current to the arc as it has the highest melting point of any metal 3 410 degrees celsius.
Below are five tables that will help select the correct current and tungsten size type when initially setting up your tig welder tweak and change as necessary for your own situation.
Fit up and joint design.
The diameters down to 020 040 and 1 16 inch tungsten are popular.
Compared with other electrodes thoriated electrodes deposit less tungsten into the weld puddle so they cause less weld contamination.
These electrodes are used mainly for specialty ac welding such as thin gauge aluminum and material less than 0 060 inch and dc welding either electrode negative or straight polarity on carbon steel.
1 a 1 6mm tungsten is ok down to about 30 amps.
Tungsten brings us a high melting point and also offers excellent electrical conductivity as you weld so the tungsten electrode won t ever burn up.
Sheet metal welding demands really tight fit ups.
The larger filler rod cools the weld pool more than the smaller rod so you might add about 5 amps if using 1 6mm filler rod.
These non consumable electrodes come in a variety of sizes and lengths and are composed of either pure tungsten or a hybrid of tungsten and other rare.
Ceriated tungsten are preferred with thoriated tungsten as a second option.
Reduce the amps a little if using a 1 0mm tungsten.