Scratch, lift, HF?

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I'm about to dive into TIG.  My understanding is with basic scratch start tig you usually have a gas valve built into the torch.  You turn on the gas and go to work.  This can also be done with lift arc.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to be purchasing a maxstar 200SD.  I'm not going to have the cash flow to get a full tig set up with pedal ect.  So I'm probably gonna start with lift tig.  Which is probably going to be more in tune with my current needs.  Anyway is it possible to use HF and lift with a Maxstar with no foot pedal and use the gas valve that's built in?  Is there an on off switch that will work instead of amperage control.  ThanksMiller Maxstar 200 strMontgomery Ward 250 AC/DC
Reply:There is no need for HF when using lift start. For the on/off switch, I think you can buy them for the Maxstars but I'm not sure. If it is the same as my 150STL then when not using a foot pedal/thumb control you touch the tungsten to the work and the gas starts and you can hold it on the steel for a pre-flow. When you lift the torch the arc will start. The on/off switch would be nice to have if you need to keep good shielding on the weld but you will still get a crater unless you "dry up" the puddle before hitting the switch to stop the arc.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Watch about 4:40 in the video, it shows how the argon starts when you touch the tungsten to the steel. Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Zapzoo, why a Maxstar 200?  Kinda a ba$tard machine.  Pricey with no AC capability.  Just my opinion which is free and worth what you paid for it.  Lift arc will control the gas for you.  You can buy a used miller pedal or a new SSC pedal for your machine for $100-150.  By all means get the pedal ASAP.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:look at the thermal arc 181i and 211i   mig/tig/stick/spoolgun capable.  the 181i goes for around $800 with a nice free auto darkening helmet..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:zapzoo has been kicking the tires for the last year .  Asking the same questions every couple of months about the same machines.  Last oct he asked about the ta252i and said he was going to buy oneSince that time i have bought 2 252is and a 181i one 252i for myself and the other two welders for one of the large dairys i work for.For the price of the maxstar 200sd he wants he can buy the 252i setup with a tig torch and foot pedal, also the ta welders are not compromise welders they are solid machines that will be around a long time. All three process on the welders work the same no compromise on any process.  When someone ask me what welder to buy I tell them Thermal Arc.