Great feedback guys, much appreciated. I thought i was using a pretty small tip but i don't really know. It's an OLD setup, like from the 40's maybe. It's a Smith torch that was used for aircraft work back then. I have not been able to find a chart to cross reference to compare tip sizes to more common size designations. I will try smaller though, because it does seem like there is a tendency to get way too much metal way too hot.

I'm also currently taking a TIG class at the local comm. college. I have some MIG experience. It's been fun and interesting playing with gas welding and brazing, and then also TIG at the school. I'm not sure quite what my plans are if/when i get to be any good with these skills, but they seem like good skills to have. I don't really have intentions of being a framebuilder other than as a hobby.

I am using 1/16 rod. This particular tube is not thin-wall. It's about 1.4mm wall thickness in a 12.7mm O.D. tube. It's just from the local steel-supply.

I got the filler and flux from Norco here in Bend. Good tip about the lens darkness, i've got a bit lighter already, and can see fairly well when things are heating up, although i have to flick the flame away to tell.