What else do I need?

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Here is a list of things I just purchased:Firepower ArcMaster 185Giganto tank of Argon1/16 pure tungsten (1 package)1/16 2% thoriated tungsten (1 package)5 lbs 4043 aluminum filler 1/1610 lbs mild steel filler 1/161 large stainless steel wire brush1 tooth brush sized stainless steel wire brush1 Helmet (soon to buy an auto-darkening)1 Glove. (couldn't afford the 2nd one)I'm wondering if I needed more diverse tungsten sizes and filler rod sizes.I will be working initially on 1/16 aluminum piping and all different thicknesses of steel. Max would be 1/4 but there will definitely be some 1/8 in there.Last edited by Underwhere; 01-04-2007 at 10:49 AM.
Reply:You should have a regular steel brush for mild steel.  Don't use your stainless brush for that AND aluminum also.  You also probably want to at least use some kind of glove to cover your bare hand...it will get a bit of sun(arc)burn if you don't.  I use cheapie leather workgloves most of the time...your torch will determine the max tungsten size you can use...3/32 is a good size if you are planning on maxing out the 185 for short periods...2% is probably all you will need...Remember, more sizes means more torch parts...you can buy a kit that has several sizes later if you need it.  Standard helmets are good for tigging.  Sounds like you have pretty much all you need to get started.  Wear a long sleave denim or heavy cotton shirt, and long pants without cuffs.  Look around your welding area to make sure nothing is around like fuels or other easily combustible materials...get a bucket of sand just in case...and, go at it.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:you need a cleaning agent for the aluminum such as acitone.
Reply:Originally Posted by smithboyYou should have a regular steel brush for mild steel.  Don't use your stainless brush for that AND aluminum also.  You also probably want to at least use some kind of glove to cover your bare hand...it will get a bit of sun(arc)burn if you don't.  I use cheapie leather workgloves most of the time...your torch will determine the max tungsten size you can use...3/32 is a good size if you are planning on maxing out the 185 for short periods...2% is probably all you will need...Remember, more sizes means more torch parts...you can buy a kit that has several sizes later if you need it.  Standard helmets are good for tigging.  Sounds like you have pretty much all you need to get started.  Wear a long sleave denim or heavy cotton shirt, and long pants without cuffs.  Look around your welding area to make sure nothing is around like fuels or other easily combustible materials...get a bucket of sand just in case...and, go at it.
Reply:If you have heavy millscale on the mild steel, then just lightly take a grinder to it then use an airhose to blow off all the dust.  You just need to wipe down the stainless a little, not at much as the aluminum.As far as tungsten goes, I always used 2% Thoriated on steel, and Zirconiated on Aluminum...never used pure, always heard it was icky to weld with.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldrwomnIf you have heavy millscale on the mild steel, then just lightly take a grinder to it then use an airhose to blow off all the dust.  You just need to wipe down the stainless a little, not at much as the aluminum.As far as tungsten goes, I always used 2% Thoriated on steel, and Zirconiated on Aluminum...never used pure, always heard it was icky to weld with.