TIG help ..Not sure what to get

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So I purchased a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 from a buddy of mine on the cheap.  He bought it 4 or 5 years ago and literally used it for 3 Hrs max just messing around.  I got the welder, cart, and bottle but no welding rod or cups and whatnot.  I have TIG welded before but it was usually somewhere where someone said "here, use this rod".  So my question is, is there somewhere that lists the different welding rods, tungsten sizes, and cup sizes for basic applications?  I need to go purchase some of these things so I can get started.  Sorry if its a stupid question; there just seems to be a lot of different "numbers" when it comes to consumables.  Oh, and whats the deal with tungsten?  Is that a personal preference or are the particular applications each type should be used with?Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:Run a 3/32 red or orange on all materials.  Sharpen to a sharp point for all steels.  Sharpen to a blunt point for aluminum.Get the following rods:- 3/32 4043 aluminum (soft aluminums)-3/32 5356 aluminum (hard aluminums)-1/16 309 (300 series stainless steel and mystery metals)-1/16 er70s-2 (all mild steels)A pound of each will set you on the right track.Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 250DMiller Millermatic 200Bunch of old blue dinosaurs....
Reply:I have the smaller Lincoln 175. I use 2% lanthanated tungsten. I use 1/16" on DC and 3/32" on AC. I use CK gas lenses and wedge collets to fit each size tungsten. I use #7 cups for steel and aluminum. Hope that helps!
Reply:Awesome!  Thanks guys.  That will get me going.  I was planning on adding a cooler; any suggestion?  I looked at the HTP stuff on ebay for around $500 with the torch.  Recommendations.http://www.ebay.com/itm/200967167389...84.m1423.l2649Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:I was in a similar situation. I ended up getting 10 lbs each of 1/16 and 3/32 4043 and er70s2 ( its cheaper in 10lb quantities) .040 & 1/16 thoriated (had 3/32 Thor already) and 3/32 2% lanthanated. Along with a gas lens kit.
Reply:You can use er70s6 on steels that are not super clean...I never buy it unless its all they have. I prefer the 70s2...  +1 on the 2% lanthanated  I run an 8 cup for everything about 15cfh on the gas. I wouldnt recommend tu gsten like radnor e3. Had it. Hated it. Does not start as well as thoriated at low amps. Likes to bounce around a little more than red bandedMiller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:Get some silicone bronze rod for dissimilar metals, copper, brass etc.  Recommend weldersupply.com for ordering rod cheap... Sent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Miller has an iPhone app that you can down load.  Its free and it allows you to get most the info you need for a variety of metal types and thicknesses.  I use it, and like it much.  Below are some screen shots from the app. You can also get the info from Miller's webpage as well, but the app is good when you don't have an internet connection.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/calculators/GarLast edited by Gar; 03-22-2014 at 11:41 AM.Lincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawGet some silicone bronze rod for dissimilar metals, copper, brass etc.  Recommend weldersupply.com for ordering rod cheap... Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI second this, along with Ebay seller "fillermetalqueen".  They sell Blue Demon Brand filler metal (which I've only seen locally at the Matheson TriGas store), and when bought in 10lb boxes, they have excellent pricing (even better than weldingsupply.com for some fillers.  For tungsten I use 2%La for everything.  I also have some HTP Quad-Mix tungsten which works great as far as I can tell.  I will probably just keep using the HTP Quad since I order most everything from there anyways.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHow do you compare the 2% Lanthanated with the Quad? I have been thinking of getting some.
Reply:Welcome Diesel:I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and I'm very pleased with the welder.  I would suggest that you pick one of the three basic metals and focus on learning how to TIG that metal.  I was jumping from steel, to stainless to aluminum and I sucked big time at all three.I would suggest starting out on steel, getting a 3/32 gas lens, pick up some thoriated or lantinated tungstens in 3/32 and some tig rod.Then start to learn how to TIG steel.  As you learn, you can add different filler rods for aluminum and stainless when you're ready.Learning to TIG weld is something that takes commitment and practice.  Best regards...Lincoln Precision TIG 185.Flex-Loc 150 torch.Super-Flex hose.Lincoln MIG 180.Victor Oxy/Act torch set.DeWalt Bandsaw with SWAG stand
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyWelcome Diesel:I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and I'm very pleased with the welder.  I would suggest that you pick one of the three basic metals and focus on learning how to TIG that metal.  I was jumping from steel, to stainless to aluminum and I sucked big time at all three.I would suggest starting out on steel, getting a 3/32 gas lens, pick up some thoriated or lantinated tungstens in 3/32 and some tig rod.Then start to learn how to TIG steel.  As you learn, you can add different filler rods for aluminum and stainless when you're ready.Learning to TIG weld is something that takes commitment and practice.  Best regards...
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Will do!  Is your 185 cooled?  Any issues running long beads?  I read that the 175's has a problem tripping the thermal switch on long beads.  Just curious if you have experienced this with the 185.
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Oh, and whats the deal with tungsten?  Is that a personal preference or are the particular applications each type should be used with?
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinI use 2% lanthanated for everything...DC and AC on alum. You can get them cheap on ebay.
Reply:Thanks guys, I ordered everything last night.Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:I have a bunch of thoriated, and pure, with aluminum sine wave both work well, a few of the other alloys, all work well enough that I use whatever is sharpened. Be careful with grindings with thoriated. I wonder if 175 amp, low duty cycle needs a water cooler?
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI have a bunch of thoriated, and pure, with aluminum sine wave both work well, a few of the other alloys, all work well enough that I use whatever is sharpened. Be careful with grindings with thoriated. I wonder if 175 amp, low duty cycle needs a water cooler?
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyMine is air cooled.  I just picked up a 150 amp Flex-Loc torch with the super flex hose.  I've never tripped the thermal switch, but I'm doing hobby level stuff.  There are times when the torch gets pretty warm and it can get uncomfortable towards the end of a bead but not enough to warrant a water cooler.
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Where can I look onto a 150 amp Flex-Loc torch with the super flex hose?  Is that the HTP stuff everyone talks about?
Reply:Here's a video that Jody over at Weldingtricksandtips.com posted about the Flex-loc.  http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...ooled-tig.htmlI got mine through my local welding supply house.  They were a little more than online, but I prefer to deal locally when reasonable.I'm left handed, so I'm welding backwards compared to others.  The Flex-loc makes it easier for me to prop and not use the tungsten as a plow.  I tried 2% lanthanated for the first time yesterday.  Tried it on alum. and stainless.  Worked very well for me.  I like the lanthanated better than the pure on aluminum.  This is on a transformer TIG.  Best regards.Lincoln Precision TIG 185.Flex-Loc 150 torch.Super-Flex hose.Lincoln MIG 180.Victor Oxy/Act torch set.DeWalt Bandsaw with SWAG stand
Reply:Thoriated tungsten is made with Thorium, a low level radioactive metal. They say the dust can cause health issues. It bothers some, some have used it for 30 years and havent grown extra fingers....yet. It doesnt bother me but I use 2% Lanthanated.
Reply:Man, you guys have been so helpful.  Seriously, I'm used to car forums and a lot of sarcasm.  I really appreciate all the help.  Thanks again to everybody.Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:Unlike a car forum, most of  us are over 40, don't live at home with mom, and actually do work for a living.GarLincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding tableSo I purchased a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 from a buddy of mine on the cheap.  He bought it 4 or 5 years ago and literally used it for 3 Hrs max just messing around.  I got the welder, cart, and bottle but no welding rod or cups and whatnot.  I have TIG welded before but it was usually somewhere where someone said "here, use this rod".  So my question is, is there somewhere that lists the different welding rods, tungsten sizes, and cup sizes for basic applications?  I need to go purchase some of these things so I can get started.  Sorry if its a stupid question; there just seems to be a lot of different "numbers" when it comes to consumables.  Oh, and whats the deal with tungsten?  Is that a personal preference or are the particular applications each type should be used with?Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:Run a 3/32 red or orange on all materials.  Sharpen to a sharp point for all steels.  Sharpen to a blunt point for aluminum.Get the following rods:- 3/32 4043 aluminum (soft aluminums)-3/32 5356 aluminum (hard aluminums)-1/16 309 (300 series stainless steel and mystery metals)-1/16 er70s-2 (all mild steels)A pound of each will set you on the right track.Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 250DMiller Millermatic 200Bunch of old blue dinosaurs....
Reply:I have the smaller Lincoln 175. I use 2% lanthanated tungsten. I use 1/16" on DC and 3/32" on AC. I use CK gas lenses and wedge collets to fit each size tungsten. I use #7 cups for steel and aluminum. Hope that helps!
Reply:Awesome!  Thanks guys.  That will get me going.  I was planning on adding a cooler; any suggestion?  I looked at the HTP stuff on ebay for around $500 with the torch.  Recommendations.http://www.ebay.com/itm/200967167389...84.m1423.l2649Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:I was in a similar situation. I ended up getting 10 lbs each of 1/16 and 3/32 4043 and er70s2 ( its cheaper in 10lb quantities) .040 & 1/16 thoriated (had 3/32 Thor already) and 3/32 2% lanthanated. Along with a gas lens kit.
Reply:You can use er70s6 on steels that are not super clean...I never buy it unless its all they have. I prefer the 70s2...  +1 on the 2% lanthanated  I run an 8 cup for everything about 15cfh on the gas. I wouldnt recommend tu gsten like radnor e3. Had it. Hated it. Does not start as well as thoriated at low amps. Likes to bounce around a little more than red bandedMiller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:Get some silicone bronze rod for dissimilar metals, copper, brass etc.  Recommend weldersupply.com for ordering rod cheap... Sent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Miller has an iPhone app that you can down load.  Its free and it allows you to get most the info you need for a variety of metal types and thicknesses.  I use it, and like it much.  Below are some screen shots from the app. You can also get the info from Miller's webpage as well, but the app is good when you don't have an internet connection.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/calculators/GarLast edited by Gar; 03-22-2014 at 11:41 AM.Lincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawGet some silicone bronze rod for dissimilar metals, copper, brass etc.  Recommend weldersupply.com for ordering rod cheap... Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI second this, along with Ebay seller "fillermetalqueen".  They sell Blue Demon Brand filler metal (which I've only seen locally at the Matheson TriGas store), and when bought in 10lb boxes, they have excellent pricing (even better than weldingsupply.com for some fillers.  For tungsten I use 2%La for everything.  I also have some HTP Quad-Mix tungsten which works great as far as I can tell.  I will probably just keep using the HTP Quad since I order most everything from there anyways.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHow do you compare the 2% Lanthanated with the Quad? I have been thinking of getting some.
Reply:Welcome Diesel:I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and I'm very pleased with the welder.  I would suggest that you pick one of the three basic metals and focus on learning how to TIG that metal.  I was jumping from steel, to stainless to aluminum and I sucked big time at all three.I would suggest starting out on steel, getting a 3/32 gas lens, pick up some thoriated or lantinated tungstens in 3/32 and some tig rod.Then start to learn how to TIG steel.  As you learn, you can add different filler rods for aluminum and stainless when you're ready.Learning to TIG weld is something that takes commitment and practice.  Best regards...Lincoln Precision TIG 185.Flex-Loc 150 torch.Super-Flex hose.Lincoln MIG 180.Victor Oxy/Act torch set.DeWalt Bandsaw with SWAG stand
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyWelcome Diesel:I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 and I'm very pleased with the welder.  I would suggest that you pick one of the three basic metals and focus on learning how to TIG that metal.  I was jumping from steel, to stainless to aluminum and I sucked big time at all three.I would suggest starting out on steel, getting a 3/32 gas lens, pick up some thoriated or lantinated tungstens in 3/32 and some tig rod.Then start to learn how to TIG steel.  As you learn, you can add different filler rods for aluminum and stainless when you're ready.Learning to TIG weld is something that takes commitment and practice.  Best regards...
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Will do!  Is your 185 cooled?  Any issues running long beads?  I read that the 175's has a problem tripping the thermal switch on long beads.  Just curious if you have experienced this with the 185.
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Oh, and whats the deal with tungsten?  Is that a personal preference or are the particular applications each type should be used with?
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinI use 2% lanthanated for everything...DC and AC on alum. You can get them cheap on ebay.
Reply:Thanks guys, I ordered everything last night.Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:I have a bunch of thoriated, and pure, with aluminum sine wave both work well, a few of the other alloys, all work well enough that I use whatever is sharpened. Be careful with grindings with thoriated. I wonder if 175 amp, low duty cycle needs a water cooler?
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI have a bunch of thoriated, and pure, with aluminum sine wave both work well, a few of the other alloys, all work well enough that I use whatever is sharpened. Be careful with grindings with thoriated. I wonder if 175 amp, low duty cycle needs a water cooler?
Reply:Originally Posted by WenValleyMine is air cooled.  I just picked up a 150 amp Flex-Loc torch with the super flex hose.  I've never tripped the thermal switch, but I'm doing hobby level stuff.  There are times when the torch gets pretty warm and it can get uncomfortable towards the end of a bead but not enough to warrant a water cooler.
Reply:Originally Posted by diesel-67f100Where can I look onto a 150 amp Flex-Loc torch with the super flex hose?  Is that the HTP stuff everyone talks about?
Reply:Here's a video that Jody over at Weldingtricksandtips.com posted about the Flex-loc.  http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...ooled-tig.htmlI got mine through my local welding supply house.  They were a little more than online, but I prefer to deal locally when reasonable.I'm left handed, so I'm welding backwards compared to others.  The Flex-loc makes it easier for me to prop and not use the tungsten as a plow.  I tried 2% lanthanated for the first time yesterday.  Tried it on alum. and stainless.  Worked very well for me.  I like the lanthanated better than the pure on aluminum.  This is on a transformer TIG.  Best regards.Lincoln Precision TIG 185.Flex-Loc 150 torch.Super-Flex hose.Lincoln MIG 180.Victor Oxy/Act torch set.DeWalt Bandsaw with SWAG stand
Reply:Thoriated tungsten is made with Thorium, a low level radioactive metal. They say the dust can cause health issues. It bothers some, some have used it for 30 years and havent grown extra fingers....yet. It doesnt bother me but I use 2% Lanthanated.
Reply:Man, you guys have been so helpful.  Seriously, I'm used to car forums and a lot of sarcasm.  I really appreciate all the help.  Thanks again to everybody.Lincoln 175 MIGLincoln 185 Precision TigHypertherm Powermax 45Connecticut 4 ft Finger BrakeWilton 600 vise (156lbs)
Reply:Unlike a car forum, most of  us are over 40, don't live at home with mom, and actually do work for a living.GarLincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table