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I think I've convinced myself to get the Thermal Arc 185tsw. Is there somewhere you all recommend dealing with for this unit? I've spoken to Indiana Oxygen - http://stores.ebay.com/Welding-Supplies-from-IOC for $1660 shipped.Can you all recommend what I should buy to get started? Here is what I've been told would be good:Miller Elite helmet http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-ELI...wItemGloveshttp://cgi.ebay.com/TILLMAN-24...wItemJacket. Is this one decent or needed? I'd rather not burn holes in my arm so I'll get a jacket of some kind. I live in Florida so maybe there is a lightweight jacket that will still work well?http://cgi.ebay.com/TILLMAN-24...wItem10lb of steel filler rod for $30. I won't do aluminum yet since I will only have one tank of gas for steel welding.80cf tank that I can get locally for $140 filled. Is 80cf a good size or should I get larger? I won't be welding all day or doing much welding at all...I figured I'd get a spare non-auto helmet for $30 or so for friends to watch, help, etc.Thanks, Chad
Reply:Tig doesnt generate sparks like stick welding, so a special jacket isnt required. You might want a denim or cotton long-sleave shirt to keep from getting a really bad sunburn. If you know what kind/size torch you are getting, you might want to get a parts kit that has a variety of size collets, cups and stuff, but that can wait until you figure out what is what on the welder. If I remember right, those package deals come pretty complete. An auto darkening helmet is nice, but that is up to you, and mainly a preference thing. Some like 'um...I do. But others use the non-auto helmets also. The regular helmets are much cheaper and provide plenty (maybe more) safety and you can get one with a picture window-sized glass in it. The auto helmets generally have really small view windows.Gloves should be nice and soft, so you can feel what you are doing. You dont want big thick ones. I generally use cheap leather gloves from Sam's club that cost about 15 bucks for a 3 pack. There are lots better, but...I generally think about gloves as I walk by them in Sam's. That also is based more on taste and comfort. You just want some protection from the heat and the UV rays. Sparks are not really an issue. But dont go picking up a hot workpiece with your tig gloves.80 cf is ok. Bigger is always better from a cost standpoint, but weight begins to matter as some point also. You got argon, so steel and aluminum are possible. Refills will be between $25 and $40 bucks, depending on completely unknown things. Who knows why gas costs more or less in some places???You've picked a good welder in that class. Have fun.Last edited by smithboy; 11-02-2005 at 09:55 AM.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Thanks for the reply smithboy! I appreciate your time and opinons. Tried on a $17 campbell hausfeld helmet at walmart just to see what it felt like I had to get stuff there anyway. Wasn't as if I was looking for the wide variety of fine welding supplies they carry. The helmet fit and felt ok. I am sure I could go a while using it before feeling the need to get an autodark at $200 plus. Oh well, whats another 10% more expense at this point? |
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