Tig Machine?

admin

Ok, I have welding job... customer is willing to purchase welder.  But we have a few limitations...  Power will come from a 5000 watt generator with 110/220...   ( maybe 120/240?.. )I have to have it somewhat mobile as it will have to travel 300 ft. of stairs.. 8/10 pitchIt will also have to weld from 1/16 to 1/4 and maybe a few 3/8... but mostly 1/16 and 1/8 metal...  all of it is mild steel..  Lastly some of the stairs maybe around or in water...  What do I need to pay attention to and what do I need to stay away from.  Obviously, I don't want to put the welder in the water and start welding.. LOL... I was thinking 7018 ER 70S-2 for all of the welds...I am kind of at a loss at what machine is best for this application.  I feel I have some ideas, but the more I spend on the machine the less that is going into pocket, so I really want to keep all the change I can... but don't want to get and underpowered machine..  but also feel that an inverter is more the way to go on this...  kind of at a loss at the moment... was looking at Miller's site and a few eBay items.. but I am a complete idiot when it comes to electric stuff...  so a lil help is greatly appreicated... thanks again guys!!!!!!!!!
Reply:You already know what you need.  We are not going to tell you that a cheap POS will make you happy... Go with a Maxstar 150 or 200  Me!
Reply:An inverter sounds like the way to go. Jim Marshal mentioned in his post on transformes vs inverters on looking to get rid of his maxstar 200. PM him.  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=20519 He wants to up grade to do alum.If the client is paying, maybe consider the dynasty and get the ability for ac alum also? I can definatly understand the wanting to put cash in your pocket statement. Just tossing the idea out so you can think ahead.
Reply:I also understand the point of wanting to put as much cash in pocket as possible but as stated above, if you are able to get an ac/dc machine it would open the possibilities and possibly put more cash in your pocket in the long run.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:TIG or Stick?Me!
Reply:TIG....And the Ac/Dc really crossed my mind several times... I was hoping to stay below $2000... but also looking for new, since I plan on keeping it a while.. which is also why I was thinking Ac/Dc... I realize I do not need the AC side.. but would be nice...  What options really are there?  I am an idoit on electrical stuff...  say Miller's cheapest AC/DC welder... would it work?
Reply:Inexpensive and portable don't go together real well. The answer depends on whats most important. In miller, the least expensive, portable, ac/dc is the dynasty 200. I know the dynasty 200dx will run you close to $3500 complete with torch and pedal. It will run on 110 or 220v and from what I understand it would run off a small gen set. I have a syncrowave 200 from miller, but its a transformer machine. 250lb's and it would take a good size gen set to run it. Cost was about 1/2 of the dynasty
Reply:Yeah, I figured that...  was hoping for middle ground... I mean I can built a cart if it is below 200 lbs.. but more than that and I think it would be too heavy for how steep of an decline it is...
Reply:Sorry I cant do any thing about the weight. If you look at the thread I posted above there is some stuff at the end about a less expensive inverter machine. Its not a miller, I cant remember the name but I'll let you find it.From what it sounds like from your 1st post, for your application I would be concerned about powering a transformer machine. Rent an engine drive like a bobcat or trailblazer and a tig kit? I've never tried to tig with one but I understand they work well.
Reply:DSW makes a good point. Leads go up stairs pretty easily. I have run using around 1000 ft of lead on some construction projects with no problems. BTW 7018 is not a tig rod.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:I found this while refreshing my memory for someone else's question. It talks about using the dynasty on a gen set.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ad.php?t=12555
Reply:Yeah, I am so used to the guys referring to 7018 on stick that I call 70s-2.. 7018 for some reason..Guys,I appreicate all the input...  I will run some thoughts by the customer and do some more research... But right now, I really think you guys are right on the money.. and I might need to look into a different power source...
Reply:Talked to Airgas today.. the guys were very knowledgeable.... but I don't think they listen very well.. LOL..The continued to tell me that stick was the way to go and that I should stick weld it...  I tried telling them several times that I have zero experience with stick... yet they just kept saying to stick it..  So I am going tomorrow to ask a few more people...
Reply:smokeshow, just out of curiosity, where are you located at?
Reply:Georgia...
Reply:Why not get a nice ac/dc tig and only charge your client $2k.  You get the nicer machine and you don't come out of pocket much in the process.  There are other ones out there, HTP & Thermalarc.  They might be a bit less expensive and give pretty much the same service...they don't have 110v, but if you are on a generator with 220 and about 20 or so amps, you can probably get by fine...just some thougts.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I would also recommend stick... tis not that hard...Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:I think in your situation that the Miller Maxstar 150 would be great and will run of the generator you have. The price would fit in the range you are looking for. It is a DC only unit though. If you want an AC/DC unit, I think the price is going to be way to much. The Miller Syncrowave would be what you are looking for but it's big, heavy and not really ment to be dragged around. Also you would need a lot bigger generator.Remember Inverter unit used 37% less input power than a transformer unit according to Miller.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Think a 6000 watt generator would do it on a Syncrowave?
Reply:Originally Posted by smokeshowThink a 6000 watt generator would do it on a Syncrowave?
Reply:I agree. I am purchasing a Syncrowave 200 and have check the specs to wire my shop. I 6000 watt generator will not run it unless it's turn the welder way down on the lower scale and even then you might damage it.An inverter welder would be best for a generator power source.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Smokeshow,Not trying to be the eternal pessimist, but it really sounds like you haven't thought this project out very well.  Are you sure you have the expertise to even take on the job?Some of the questions you've asked lead me to believe you don't have a clue about how to attack the issues at hand.  When you ask whether you could run a Syncrowave off a 6KW gen, it tells me you haven't done your homework.Why would 300' of handrail have to be tigged?  Sounds to me like (with limited data available) a wirefeed welder would be a much better option.  You say you've never used stick, but are going to be doing 300' of rail with tig.No qualified welder that I know of would come on an internet board and ask what machine he needs to do a job he's bidding on.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Smokeshow,After going back and rereading the entire post along with your previous postings on this board as well as the Miller board, I have a few more questions.Why tig in the first place?  Is it because the job requires it, or is it because it's the only welding process you know?  There seems to be a reason your LWS recommended stick (hopefully they know more about the actual job than we do).  Why wouldn't a Passport Plus run from a generator or a suitcase wirefeeder run from a rented engine drive welder be a better option than tig?  Is it because you don't know the GMAW process?When you mention 300' of steps I get concerned.  What exactly are we talking about welding?  Is it in any way safety related or strictly cosmetic?  If individual safety is involved, I don't think you've got the qualifications to be taking on the job.  2nd semester trade school welder doesn't cut it.In the professional welding world, the job dictates the machine used, not the qualifications of the welder.  That's why it's important for a professional (one who gets paid for his work) to be proficient in more than one aspect of welding.Sounds to me like this whole project could turn into a major cluster****.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I completely agree on several levels....  First,Most of this should be done with stick.  That being said, I have no knowledge of the process.  Nor will I try to attempt it, because I do not want it to fail.Second,I truly have little to no understanding of electrical or wiring.  I fully understand that, which is why I ask questions or leave things to those who know.Lastly,I probably do not have all the qualifications to do all of the processes to a professional grade level.I have however, been working in the construction realm for 15+ years. I have built curtain wall for many schools and tons of framing systems for hospitals and malls.  It doesn't tell me everything, but it does give me a general idea on what I am getting into.  (maybe not fully, but a good idea)  I mainly was wanting to take this job on for the Welding machine.  And if I could get an AC/DC inverter welder out of it, I would be more than happy.  I probably could use FCAW for it. (which I am familar with) but I do not want a FCAW machine currently.  I only mentioned the Syncrowave because a previous person listed it as a potential option, or so I thought from reading their post.I am fully open to more advice and opinions. I am realitively new to the welding world. And will fully admit I have a lot to learn. But I am eager and willing to learn.  Sundown,I make you mad or something?  LOL... Just seems like there is a level of frustration/anger in your post?  Maybe I just read into it more than what is there.  But if I have, I never had any intentions of upseting or making someone mad.
Reply:Smokeshow,Yeah, I do get a little upset when I see unqualified people who lack the proper equipment (and are unwilling to acquire it) taking on welding jobs that would be better suited for a true professional.  Gives the whole industry a bad name when a job is not done properly.You never answered my question regarding exactly what was involved in this job.  If safety related (steps/handrails), then I get even more concerned about the final outcome.You admit that stick welding would be the best process to use but insist on tig because that's the only process you know.  Tells me right there that maybe you're not the right "welder" for the job.Not trying to be an A-hole, but from the questions you've asked, you should be in the shop practicing on coupons, not out bidding a job you're not qualified to do.Just calling it like I see it.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.sounds like the customer is willing to purchase the welder out of the project budget--that to me means u are paying for the welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by jamlitI agree. I am purchasing a Syncrowave 200 and have check the specs to wire my shop. I 6000 watt generator will not run it unless it's turn the welder way down on the lower scale and even then you might damage it.An inverter welder would be best for a generator power source.
Reply:Originally Posted by smokeshow ......  I am a complete idiot !! ........
Reply:I do have a complete idea of what I plan to do.  I am selecting a process that I know best.  I have an general idea of the machine/machines I want, but then there is the machines that will be in "budget".   And I ask to comfirm any of my doubts or questions.  But yes, the "knowledge/wisdom" of said "experts" is sometimes suspect.... but thus is the nature of the beast.  And yes, 10,000 people can be wrong.  However, talking amungst friends/people is sort of what this whole forum thing is all about isn't it? And yes, in a round about way, I am paying for the welder. I appreciate all the responses/comments and badgering... LOL...  And for the record, yes I am still an idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring.
Reply:Originally Posted by smokeshowyes I am still an idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring.
Reply:Maxstar 200 will do what you need it to do.I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:smokeshow- i understand the wiring, it just seems that most of the  wiring i actually install turns into welding...