Stacking Dimes

I was in Appleton, Wisconsin yesterday visiting Miller Electric doing some research for an upcoming article on TIG welding. The folks at Miller had invited me to learn more about TIG welding aluminum and to get some hands-on practice with their equipment. The morning was spent learning the ins and outs of TIG welding. We discussed different machine setups, filler materials, shielding gases and welding techniques. Miller product manager Jim Brook described a good TIG weld as "stacking dimes." He explained that if one has good technique when welding with filler, the bead should resemble a stack of dimes evenly spaced going across the work surface -- consistent width and spacing. After lunch, I donned my auto-darkening helmet and safety equipment and got to welding. We played around with a lot of different machine settings and fillers. It was a good opportunity to get a bit of hands-on practice. So, did I stack dimes? Well, some of the beads looked pretty good. However, I must admit that a few welds looked like I stacked whatever change was in my pocket. It was a good lesson on how practice makes perfect. I definitely could use more practice. Thanks to Miller for letting me get a little stick time and to Jim Brook and Mike Sammons for giving me advice on improving my welding techniques. By the way, I wasn't able to take the Orange County Chopper Miller-themed bike around the block. Seems they have the motorcycle under tight security and are hesitant to let folks take a joy ride on it, even those who play the Press card. Thanks for reading! Joe Escobar