Sculptor has tig questions.

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Hey forum!I hope that you are all having a great week.My question:I make bronze cabinet hardware, and every now and then I drill the hole for the screw in the wrong place.Now I have a pile of these and I would like to fix them. The holes are for 8/32" screws, so pretty small. Also, sometimes the hardware comes back from the foundry with nicks and depressions that need to be filled.I also would love to make bronze furniture.My guess is TIG is the way to go. I am familiar with stick and flux core.I would like to know your recommendations for a TIG welder that:Can weld and fill bronzeIs good for steel and aluminium (nothing thick - mostly up to 1/8". 1/4" capability would be useful though very rarely used)Relatively Portable and not too bigGood quality/reliableEither 110/240vNot complicatedPleasure to use and amateur friendlyYour thoughts are much appreciated.Thanks!
Reply:The best bang for the buck in a machine that will cover all those bases is going to be the Primeweld 225X.  I don't own one, but have yet to read a negative comment about them.  I actually recommended the same machine to a buddy/coworker not long ago and he is extremely happy with it.  The machine is imported, but it's a U.S. company and you can get a human, who speaks English, on the phone quickly if you have a problem.  They use quality components (CK torch for example) and offer a lot of features for under $1K...more than most of us will ever need.  I'm actually hoping to get some time on my coworkers machine before long as I'd really like to give it a try!Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Exactly as G-ManBart states, except I do own and us one. Highly recommend you at bare minimum give them call to discuss your needs and get feel for their customer service.

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

The best bang for the buck in a machine that will cover all those bases is going to be the Primeweld 225X.  I don't own one, but have yet to read a negative comment about them.  I actually recommended the same machine to a buddy/coworker not long ago and he is extremely happy with it.  The machine is imported, but it's a U.S. company and you can get a human, who speaks English, on the phone quickly if you have a problem.  They use quality components (CK torch for example) and offer a lot of features for under $1K...more than most of us will ever need.  I'm actually hoping to get some time on my coworkers machine before long as I'd really like to give it a try!
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Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

Hey forum!I hope that you are all having a great week.My question:I make bronze cabinet hardware, and every now and then I drill the hole for the screw in the wrong place.Now I have a pile of these and I would like to fix them. The holes are for 8/32" screws, so pretty small. Also, sometimes the hardware comes back from the foundry with nicks and depressions that need to be filled.I also would love to make bronze furniture.My guess is TIG is the way to go. I am familiar with stick and flux core.I would like to know your recommendations for a TIG welder that:Can weld and fill bronzeIs good for steel and aluminium (nothing thick - mostly up to 1/8". 1/4" capability would be useful though very rarely used)Relatively Portable and not too bigGood quality/reliableEither 110/240vNot complicatedPleasure to use and amateur friendlyYour thoughts are much appreciated.Thanks!
Reply:That's a good idea. I'm in Los Angeles, and there is an Airgas nearby.
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Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

That's a good idea. I'm in Los Angeles, and there is an Airgas nearby.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

I make bronze cabinet hardware, and every now and then I drill the hole for the screw in the wrong place.Now I have a pile of these and I would like to fix them. The holes are for 8/32" screws, so pretty small.Thanks!
Reply:The only person I know that does Sculptor by welding.  He only uses a torch by choice. He was welder in world War 2, had weld shop till 1963 and open a welding supply and start Sculptor welding in 1976. Still was doing the welding at age 95 in 2018. FYI He likes Vector torches Dave

Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

Hey forum!I hope that you are all having a great week.My question:I make bronze cabinet hardware, and every now and then I drill the hole for the screw in the wrong place.Now I have a pile of these and I would like to fix them. The holes are for 8/32" screws, so pretty small. Also, sometimes the hardware comes back from the foundry with nicks and depressions that need to be filled.I also would love to make bronze furniture.My guess is TIG is the way to go. I am familiar with stick and flux core.I would like to know your recommendations for a TIG welder that:Can weld and fill bronzeIs good for steel and aluminium (nothing thick - mostly up to 1/8". 1/4" capability would be useful though very rarely used)Relatively Portable and not too bigGood quality/reliableEither 110/240vNot complicatedPleasure to use and amateur friendlyYour thoughts are much appreciated.Thanks!
Reply:To fill the holes put a brass screw in with some thread lock. Then cut the screw off flush then Re drill
Reply:First off, your vice restoration project is AWESOME. Wilton made the very best and it's great to see them looking so good.I would love to buy the Primeweld, however my breaker is only 30 and PW asks for 50. I have learnt to follow what companies specify for their machines, so I am thinking that this machine won't be happy in my garage.So, I am looking for welders that have a lower requirement. These would be the Eastwood 200 and the Lincoln 200. In your opinion which one would you pick?Thanks again for the reply, and again, what a pleasure to see your work.
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Originally Posted by bcguide

To fill the holes put a brass screw in with some thread lock. Then cut the screw off flush then Re drill
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Originally Posted by smithdoor

The only person I know that does Sculptor by welding.  He only uses a torch by choice. He was welder in world War 2, had weld shop till 1963 and open a welding supply and start Sculptor welding in 1976. Still was doing the welding at age 95 in 2018. FYI He likes Vector torches Dave
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Originally Posted by shovelon

Where in Los Angeles? The machine you want is the PrimeWeld225X.  I am in Los Angeles around the corner from the Chatsworth metro rail station in the Valley. I would spend a couple of hours with you to fire it up make sure it works, and weld a bronze part if you bring it. I have gas and silicon bronze to try it out and show you how it is done. If it does not work, as least you will know it is not you. PM me.
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Originally Posted by Tillerdemon

Exactly as G-ManBart states, except I do own and us one. Highly recommend you at bare minimum give them call to discuss your needs and get feel for their customer service.
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Originally Posted by Oldiron2

You don't mention where in the world you are, which can make some difference in what is an appropriate answer. Before buying equipment, I'd suggest taking a few of your damaged pieces to a local welding supply and asking them what they recommend; also asking if they could demonstrate a TIG machine and perhaps letting you test it yourself on some simpler work. While there, also check about gas availability and costs.
Reply:I have the primeweld 225 as well and highly recommend. In all honesty I wouldn't think you would have any issues running it on a 30 amp ,240 volt circuit. Those other machines would most likely have similar current needs at a given amperage, the primeweld just has more output. Unless your welding heavier aluminum you probably wouldn't be any where near maximum output. As far as I know any of those machines ( primeweld and others listed) are going to use the 6-50 type plug anyways.
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Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

First off, your vice restoration project is AWESOME. Wilton made the very best and it's great to see them looking so good.I would love to buy the Primeweld, however my breaker is only 30 and PW asks for 50. I have learnt to follow what companies specify for their machines, so I am thinking that this machine won't be happy in my garage.So, I am looking for welders that have a lower requirement. These would be the Eastwood 200 and the Lincoln 200. In your opinion which one would you pick?Thanks again for the reply, and again, what a pleasure to see your work.
Reply:

Originally Posted by shovelon

Where in Los Angeles? The machine you want is the PrimeWeld225X.  I am in Los Angeles around the corner from the Chatsworth metro rail station in the Valley. I would spend a couple of hours with you to fire it up make sure it works, and weld a bronze part if you bring it. I have gas and silicon bronze to try it out and show you how it is done. If it does not work, as least you will know it is not you. PM me.
Reply:The 95 year old is a well known metal Sculptor  {Criss Sorenson }(spelling may not be right)Dave

Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

Incredible. That's the kind of life I would like!
Reply:In the end, this is exactly what I did. A friend had first tried using Tig, but the heat melted the sides.The holes were enlarged to 17/64" and then a 1/4" silicon bronze plug was inserted. Heated up and silver soldered.Worked beautifully.
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Originally Posted by Pruskinhardware

This is AWESOME advice. Thank you!