Help for another new guy

admin

Hey Guys, I need some advice and this looks to be a good place to get it. I am new to welding other than burning a few rods on a stick welder that was given to me a while back. I have been reading post here and a book called the welders handbook by Richard Finch. I am looking to do some hobby welding such as building trailers and such, farm repair and also 50% of my work will be aluminum welding on light to medium stuff. From what I have read , it looks to me like I am pulled in a couple of different directions with the things I would like to weld. So for now, I am going to start out with a good torch set for cutting and also to learn to weld with. From what I have read, if I learn to weld with the torch first it should help me down the road no matter what direction I end up going.(stick,tig,or mig). Which torch setup do you think I should go with?  I am looking at the Harris Radner Steelworker classic.Do I need to look at a two stage regulator instead?I am looking two spend about 750 on the torch setup with tanks and then about 2000 on a welder when I decide what I want.Thanks in advance for your help.
Reply:Welcome to the board SlimJim!Gas welding is a great way to begin because not only will the gas rig be invaluable in bending, heating, cutting etc.. etc.. The techniques learned in gas welding transfer almost completely to Tig welding. This is the way I started and recommend it highly. Harris is good name to start with, I personally have a Victor Super Range II only because my welding shop has a good deal on it at the time. As far as a two stage regulator goes, it really isn't necessary. It does provide a more even pressure when getting to the bottom of the bottle though. I spent around $500 getting setup with a gas rig and that is with rather large O/A bottles and the Victor Super range torch set, so $750 should be more than sufficient. Having $2000 budget for a welder will get you into Tig outfit (which can be used for stick by the way!) with no problem or a great mig outfit with money leftover for a plasma cutter!TiggerAaronHTP Invertig 201w/ CK-20 torch and Bernard ChillerHTP MicroCut 300 plasma cutterLincoln R3S-325 w/ TA 17A Wire FeederVictor Super Range II O/A kitClausing/Colchester 13X40 LatheBridgeport 9X42 Mill
Reply:Welcome SlimJim.  I can't help with your question (because of limited knowledge)  but there are others here that can.  You picked the right forum to ask.
Reply:Welcome to the NuthouseSlim.Tigger gave you some sound advice, and about the only thing I'd add is to get a torch that is comfortable in your hand, rather than something huge.  2 stage regulators become fairly important when you are using large torches that require volume of gas, but for average welding a single stage regulator will more than meet your needs.As far as learning first with gas, in my opinion, that is the way to go.  When you pick up TIG, 90% of the necessary learning will be done, and you'll find yourself thinking how nice a gas torch with a foot operated amptrol would be.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Welcome,I completely agree with Franz and Tigger.  If you really are looking to do that much aluminum a plasma cutter is a must.  Oxy/Acetylene will not cut aluminum, in case you did not know.  I've seen too many people try, it is good amusement for a beer or two.  Also look at a bandsaw versus a chop saw.  A small 4x6 inch capacity saw will to you fine and you can pick them up for the same cost as a chop saw.  Use bimetal blade (carbons won't last for ****.) with a 5/8 or 6/10 variable pitch.Ebay is a good place to look for equipment.  But it is a buyer beware world there and always consider shipping, that cost may kill you.As far as a constant current machine for TIG and Stick welding I recommend Miller's SYNCROWAVE 180 SD RUNNER 208-230V 50/60HZ 907055   $1983.00* List  (You should be able to pick it up for ~$1600 plus tax.)Syncrowave 180 SD Runner Includes Syncrowave 180 SD, with primary cord, 150A (DB1712RDI) TIG torch, 12 ft work cable with clamp and quick connect, electrode holder and quick connect, RFCS-14 foot control, gas regulator & hose, and No. 29 Running Gear (all completely assembled).I'm sure Lincoln has a comparable machine for a comparable price.  I personally prefer Miller but will not bad mouth Lincoln, they make a quality product.  Buy which ever you perfer.  But do not waste your money on anything other than Miller or Lincoln you will be sorry.  (PS Hobart is owned by Miller and is fine)Ron ShopFloorTalk Millermatic 350P, M-25, M-40 gunsDynasty 300DX, Coolmate 3, Crafter CS-310 TorchTrailblazer 302, 12RC, WC-2430A spoolgunSpectrum 2050Thermal Arc Plasma Welder PS-3000/WC-100B
Reply:slimjim: Would like to add one more thing to your welding collection. If you decide on a good tig with HF and stick mach. you might want to check out a wire feeder also. I have the miller S-32p-12 it has cc & cv switch , runs bare wire with gas cover or flux core. Just clamps onto your weld leads. Fabbing outside you might want the flux core wire. Much faster than stick and easy to run.     revpol
Reply:Thanks for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate it. My dream welder would be one that could do tig, mig and stick and be portable but that dream cost to much for me at this time. I am leaning toward a good tig, stick combo unit  and then I could get a mig (mm210) down the road but I also like the idea revpol has. Thanks again for the help. I also have 325 other questions but I will only ask a few at a time.
Reply:welcome SlimJim, good to see another Alabamian on the board