Folks,
I've been working on a frame with a "lugged" ST cluster. Noticed that when I welded (yes, I mean TIG) the TT to the lug it the weld would pop + spit a little bit. Seemed strange to me. Nothing crazy ugly with the weld but I don't usually experience that kind've thing.
I prepped like I normally do:
2% Lanthanated Tungsten sharpened on a "blue only" wheel.
Wipe rod with acetone. Usually Weldmold
Outside + inside of tube is sanded.
Wiped with clean acetone.
Re-sand.
Re-wipe.
Same thing with the ST lug.
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Today I was welding the SS to the cluster and I started getting a LOT of popping and spitting. Ugly bead. Porosity. Blew through at one point.
Same prep. Tried ER70S (made sure to clean that too). Looks similar to welding hot-rolled steel w/out cleaning off the mill scale or when you forget to open the argon bottle.
Checked the hose. Checked the lens. They're fine. CFH ~25.
Things that I think it could be:
1. Me / prep.
2. Argon. It's a new tank.
3. Lug.
4. Dunno, fill me in.
1. If it's my prep, what else do I need to be doing? I've never experienced this before even when I've bought crap metal from our local supplier.
2. If it's the argon. I guess I just take it back and what? Ask the shop to test it? Is there a way to test every time I get a new bottle?
3. The lug is a Ritchey Break-Away. I'm removing the casting marks and scale with emory (To quote Jody, "Shiny bright steel."). Wiping down 2x with acetone (and using a clean cloth).
4. Other thoughts?
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