31
PROCESS
TORCH POLARITY
WORK POLARITY
TIG (GTAW)
-
+
STICK (SMAW)
+
-
METAL THICKNESS
WELDING AMPS
(A)
TUNGSTEN DIA.
Ar FLOW RATE
1-3 mm/.040
”
-
1/8”
40-80 (60-125)
1-2 mm/.040
”
-
3/32”
8-15 CFH /4-7 lpm
3-6 mm/
1/8”
-
1/4”
80-200 (125-200) 2-3 mm/
3/32”
-
1/8”
15-25 CFH/ 7-14 lpm
6-10 mm
1/4”
-
3/8”
150-200 (200-250) 3-6 mm/
1/8”
-
1/4”
20+ CFH/10-15 lpm.
METAL THICKNESS
ELECTRODE SIZE
WELDING AMPS
< 1 mm/.040
”
1.5 mm/
1/16”
20-40
2 mm/.080
”
2 mm/3/32
”
40-50
3 mm/
1/8”
3.2 mm/1/8
”
90-110
4-5 mm/
3/16”
3.2-4 mm/
1/8”
90-130
6-10 mm/
1/4”
-
3/8”
4
–
5
mm/
1/8”
-
5/32”
130-200
STICK (SMAW) OPERATION GUIDE
GENERAL POLARITY RECOMMENDATIONS*
*Follow manufacturer of stick electrode for complete polarity recommendations
TIG (GTAW) OPERATION GUIDE FOR STEEL (ALUMINUM)*
*As a general rule, set amperage using 1 amp for every .001” of metal thickness for aluminum. Less is required for DC.
TUNGSTEN SELECTION GUIDE FOR AN INVERTER
NOTE: Thoriated tungsten is slightly radioactive, but is commonly used in the US. Care should be used when grinding so as
not to breath the dust. If you have concerns about Thoriated (red) tungsten, choose from Lanthanated or Ceriated tungsten.
TYPE
PERCENT
COLOR
PROCESS
RECOMMENDATION
Pure
100% Tungsten
Green
AC
NOT RECOMMENDED!
Do not use in an inverter.
Thoriated
(slightly radioactive)
2% Thorium
Red
AC/DC
YES. Great for all purpose welding. Most eco-
nomical.
Ceriated
2% Ceria
Orange
AC/DC
YES. Good for low amp use.
Lanthanated
1.5% Lanthanum Gold
AC/DC
YES. Best alternative to 2% Thoriated. Tough
performer.
Lanthanated
2% Lanthanum
Blue
AC/DC
YES. Slight advantage over 1.5% Lanthanated.
Zirconiated
1% Zirconia
Brown
AC
NOT RECOMMENDED!
Do not use in an inverter.
Basic theory and function
Section 3
