Ran a practice butt joint on some 304SS exhaust tube( 2.25" OD/.065" wall ), to get in some practice time with my new HTP Invertig 251. Could be worse, but a LOT of room for improvement. Maintaining a consistent bead profile with .040" filler is a sonofabitch! Got decent melt through at 50A, but will bump it up a couple of amps next time. The 5 cfh back purge was sufficient to prevent sugaring. Used a sharp 1/16" C-K LaYZr tungsten, and Fupa 12 cup, and 35 cfh.

Hi folks, meant to fill this out after first joining the site, but spaced it out. I've always been primarily a " I'll weld when I need to weld something" kind of guy for most of my 60 years. Started stick welding in high school and on the farm. Got into MIG and then TIG later in life. After a hitch in the USAF, I worked in telecommunications all over Alaska for 30+ years. Primarily into doing machinist work on the side, but welding a lot more after selling the mill and lathe ( preparing for our move to the "lower 48" ). With the machine work gone, welding is the new focus, and would like to up my skills. Main interest is motorcycle related welding, saving machined parts from the scrap barrel, general repair work, and just plain "making stuff". Has been a great way to spend time after retiring, and enjoying welding more and more. Also volunteer doing machine and fabrication on a steam locomotive restoration , which has been very rewarding. Sure do appreciate the knowledge shared on here. Thanks!