New Tig, what parts do i need to buy still

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I just bought an ArcMaster 300 s and the only accessories that came in the box was 2 dinse connectors.  Can anybody tell me what i need to get this thing going.  Here is the items i know i need but if i miss something please let me know.1.  Tig Torch Kit - The one i found has the power line, and all of the torch parts2.  Work Clamp and Cable3.  Gas Line4.  Flow Gauge / Regulator5.  Argon TankMy Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Tungstens, filler metal?Rex
Reply:Yeah I meant to add consumables but for some reason my computer went ahead and posted it before i could type it.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:you might want to get a tig sharpener
Reply:Gig, I am in the same spot as you, just got a TIG.  I am doing a lot of research on the internet, downloading stuff and keeping procedures and ideas in a notebook.  I want to learn how to do aluminum but will primarily working on mild steel.  Looks like there is lots to buy out there but you probably will only need a few pieces for the majority of the time.  I've gleaned that 3/32 tungsten and filler will probably be the most used size.  The TIG sharpener looks like a neat toy, but expensive.  I'm going for a dedicated fine grinding wheel that I will only use on my tungsten.  I found a technique to sharpen the tips where you put the tip into the wheel at the top parallel with the plane of rotation not perpendicular, the rotation towards you.  The other little bit of advice I've found is keeping an aluminum dedicated stainless steel wire brush for cleaning the area for welding and using acetone for cleaning.  Lots of good info out there.  I wish I could find a place to take a class around San Antonio that is reasonably priced but I have a nearby friend to show me some stuff.  I'm waiting on the 80 minute DVD from Ron Covell about TIG welding to hopefully learn from, Northern Tool carries it and he has a website.Anyway, this is some of the stuff I'm exploring.  Can't wait to start playing with my machine.
Reply:My thing is that I primarily do tig welding at work, so i will be able to get most of my consumables and such from here.  As for sharpening, we generally put our tungsten in a drill and spin it against a moving belt sander or dyna file.  Seems to work pretty quick and gets done evenly.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Helmet, gloves Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Originally Posted by gjgarreI just bought an ArcMaster 300 s and the only accessories that came in the box was 2 dinse connectors.  Can anybody tell me what i need to get this thing going.  Here is the items i know i need but if i miss something please let me know.1.  Tig Torch Kit - The one i found has the power line, and all of the torch parts2.  Work Clamp and Cable3.  Gas Line4.  Flow Gauge / Regulator5.  Argon Tank
Reply:I have been doing TIG welding most of my life.I will give some free advice.Go to a WELDING store and they will help you.Also if you get a Weldcraft torch it is very common and easy to get parts for. it is the standard of the industry. Get  3/32  Tungstens like 3 of them. 2% thoriated. For aluminum get a small package of pure tungstens. Forget the Tungsten sharpener for right now.Your whole experience will be much better if you get an automatic welding helmet. A GOOD ONE not a cheap one. I recommend a Miller Elite.Like i said you really need to go to a real welding store.If you had gone to a real welding store you would not even have posted this thread.FORGET asking kids at big box stores etc.,.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by gjgarreMy thing is that I primarily do tig welding at work, so i will be able to get most of my consumables and such from here.
Reply:If you "primarily tig weld at work" why would you be asking what you need?  This thread sounds goofy.  That being said, if what you meant to say is 'they' do tig welding at work, perhaps you should ask one of the a"Tig welders" and then let the members fill in the blanks.  DON'T TAKE WHAT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU, AS WAS SAID THAT IS STEALING!!I am rather new at tig welding but I can assure you that you will find plenty to purchase after getting a machine and if you stick to the basics for SS,MS, Aluminum, you will find you won't need to get a lot of accessories aside from different size cups, electrode holders, and a couple of different tungsten sizes and makeup, Please let the group know what your EXPERIENCE LEVEL IS SO you can get the help you need without wasting time, both yours and the Pro's on the board,(how do I know this) been there done that)Best of success to you!TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Originally Posted by geebee509What's this all about? Am I the only one who thinks this is stealing?
Reply:Sparky1,Right you are, and the key is to "ask", not assume because you work their it is "partly yours" as a lot of folks seem to do, (including myself) until I owned my own business and started being responsible for the "costs".TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:I ask before i take anything.  We have a big scrap bin of stainless steel that they gave me full access too, as far as consumables, i have permission.  I don't take anything that is new anyway, the place I work at replaces things on a regular basis whether it is needed or not, and anything that sits around too long they toss.  I just happen to be the place they toss it.  Also, for things such as tig wire and such, i have a bin of pieces that are used that would normally throw out, Then i sort out the ones that are long enough to use for practice or projects around the house.Also, I just started tig welding at work, and have never had to set up a tig welder, I'm slowly learning, but I was hoping to get some answers on here.  I have tried to go to our local weld shop, but i work till late, and I have to take care of 3 babies until my wife gets home on saturdays but they are closed by the time i can get there.  And of course they are closed on sunday.And i never listen to anybody working at the big box stores.  I have worked at places like that and know for a fact that they have no training.  I always try to talk to an expert or research it myself.  I usually don't even ask employees where things are in stores because it's usually a waste of time.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Also, i have a Miller Elite Helmet Lucky's Speed Shop design that work got me for welding, and I was told that it was my helmet so I was allowed to take it home, so I just keep it in my car.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Originally Posted by gjgarre I usually don't even ask employees where things are in stores because it's usually a waste of time.
Reply:Donald Branscom,IF you've been tig welding "nearly your entire life" you'd know better than to recommend pure tungsten for welding aluminum with an inverter.  Miller Electric even cautions against using pure in their inverter welders.Pure tungsten is crap, even in a transformer based machine.For his inverter, I'd recommend 2% Lantanated, if it has AC capability.You seem to make a habit of putting out "really bad" information.  More bad than good, in fact.Gigarre,Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that welder DC only.  I'm familar with the Arcmaster 300 AC/DC and thought that was the only 300A AC/DC welder Thermal Arc made.If you bought a DC only tig welder, I suspect you didn't intend to weld aluminum.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIYou seem to make a habit of putting out "really bad" information.  More bad than good, in fact.
Reply:Certainly makes a "Newbie" nervous about asking questions???  As for me I have thick skin and I am used to being bullied.  I learned in the sixth grade that it was better to ask a question than hold back and guess.  There are a lot of very humble proffessionals on this and other welding sites and without them it would be a looooooooooooong learning curve.Thanks to all,TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Go back and read some of the guy's 600+ posts and if you know anything about welding, you'll better understand where I'm coming from.I rest my case.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Sundowner,No doubt some of us (all) fail to do as much research as we "could" prior to asking questions.  The challenge is how much skill do we have at researching a topic, versus how much time do we have to do we want to put into the process?As for me I am learning I get more "technical" advice, comprehensive answers to my questions based on how I ask the question and backed up by how well I can demonstrate the effort "I" have put into the challenge (prior to asking of the time of others that are contributors on the forum.I know that I personally learn very quickly from responses to my questions and then I try to imediately go "Put the suggestions" to practice!I am as well working on a way to document the "Q and A" I receive on a topic so I dont't ask the same questions over and over!Thanks for your contribution to the forum!  (personally I am learning as much about people as I am learning about welding on this forum)  I enjoy both equally!!Have a great Weekend!--TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Ultrachop,Still trying to figure out if that was another poke or not.If you'll reread my posting, I did not "attack" the OP.  I asked a question (valid I think) and gave a couple of recommendations.My pointed comment was directed at an "old timer" with over 600 posts.  I guess I just get a little tired of the posts claiming to be "an expert", "tigged about all my life", etc. and then puts out bad information.  This is far from the first time I've see the same thing happen.  As with any internet board, some newbie's take nearly everything they hear as gospel (don't have a background to determine the difference from right and wrong).  To some, post count relates to experience and wisdom.  WRONG.The poster my comments were directed to would have you believe he is "old school" and has all the answers.  Read some of his comments regarding the Sync 250.  I've been welding with Syncrowave machines for over 25 years.  The old Sync 250's were great machines in their day.  I just sold a '96 model and replaced it with a new 250 Tigrunner.  The new machine is far superior to the older model.  This poster has an adversion to solid state.  Kinda makes you wonder what kind of vehicle he drives.  I guarantee there are more solid state components in the Envoy in the driveway, than there are in the Sync 250 Tigrunner in the shop.To recommend the OP get a pack of pure tungstens for use on an inverter (DC Only I may add) for welding aluminum was a bad post.  Just one more in a never ending stream.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Sundowner,No dig intended,  I appreciate all that are willing to contribute.  Liken to yourself I can sometimes come across brash and at times arogant.  It is my intention to learn all I can from all contributors to the board. As for me I have learned a tremendous amount from the experience of others.  I hope that my 40+ years in the trades will offer some benifit to others as well.  I in no way consider myself to be an accomplished Tig welder but I for one am committed to be one in as short of period of time as possible as I am on a mission to learn this process well.I must say when I read the first couple posts of the OP it took me as (at best poorly worded).  I am not very educated especially in writing!  I taught myself to type because I never learned to write legibly!  I only have a High school ejumacation that took me 15 years to get, however I have accomplished enought to "retire", raise 3 wonderful children two of which have finished 4 year degrees and are doing well in their own lives.  I Credit my Faith in God, my Loving wife and my bulldog determination for all that I have done so far.I refuse to get stressed over what I hear and read, as it slows me down.Please continue to enjoy what you do and post what you have experienced and we will let the readers sort out for themselves fact from fiction.To Blessed to be Stressed,TimPS:  I know the topic of using Sharpened tungsten apposed to balled pure tungsten has been discussed on my occasions.  As a newbie I have never "balled a tungsten" and as an owner of a Dynasty 200dx inverter, (the manual doesn't even mention using it) I am still not clear as to why or why not to do as was most commonly done in the old days of transformer machines?  I think I recall you and others stating that you can and do weld with the transformer machines like a Syncrowave 250 on AC/HF using  as sharpened/dulled thorated, or Lathanated tungsten?Last edited by Ultrachop; 01-11-2009 at 12:09 AM.Reason: POSTED BEFORE FININISHEDA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Here I have a red 3/32" tungsten. You can tell that it's been welding aluminum by its rounded point. This was not an intentional process, it happend within the first few inches of welding alum with a 3/32" red (2% thoriated) tungsten. I start with a taper between a crayon and a pencil, and then ground the truncated flat across the tip. Attached ImagesLast edited by Craig in Denver; 01-11-2009 at 04:05 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Dang Craig,Reckon it's time for a new cup?  Those things do go for bout a buck apiece.Just kidding of course.Ultrachop:I'll try to give a brief explanation regarding the selection of tungsten.In the old days, we had basically two tungstens from which to choose.  Thoriated and pure.  Thoriated was generally accepted as the best electrode for welding steel, SS, etc., whereas pure was used for aluminum.  This was due to the fact that thoriated had a reputation for splitting and leaving deposits in the weld bead (contamination).   From what I've read, this was as much do to the continuous HF as it was to do with the heat.  To avoid this splitting, pure was selected.  There were even those who advocated "balling" the tungsten (by using DCEP) prior to welding aluminum.Move forward several years and we had the squarewave machines developed. (Sync by Miller).  These machines made the transition from EP to EN (AC welding) much faster, but still required HF to stabilize the arc.  Still the choice was between thoriated and pure.Then, we all got helped out.  Manufactures introduced a whole new family of tungstens from which to choose.  Zirconiated is a very viable replacement for pure.  Better start up, balls well, more current carrying capacity than pure, and high resistance to contamination.Lanthanated (which I use for AC welding in a Sync 250) is better for AC and DC welding than either pure or thoriated (personal opinion-some will disagree).  Very good arc starts, virtually no splitting. and handles heat well.Ceriated, which is an excellent replacement for thoriated, especially for low amp applications.  Takes less current to start and has a very stable arc.Bottom line.  Pure tungsten is quite simply junk.  There are "much" better choices available for virtually every application.  Only thing it has going for it is the fact that it's the cheapest of all tungstens.  I've probably got 3-4 boxes of pure tungsten left over in the shop.  I'll gladly mail them to anyone who's willing to pay the postage.With today's inverter machines (which the OP referred to (Arcmaster 300s)), the last thing I would stick in a collet is a pure tungsten.  Too many much better choices available.For a more detailed explanation of the different tungstens available, you may want to go to Arc-Zone.com.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.Originally Posted by SundownIIIDang Craig,Reckon it's time for a new cup?  Those things do go for bout a buck apiece.Just kidding of course.
Reply:Sundowner and Craig,Ditto!  I was indeed confused as I was lead to believe it was a transformer versus inverter thing?  It is my understanding that the when a transformer machine is used as a powersource (like any traditional DC Welder then a HF generator has to be added to weld AC (and take advantage of the cleaning aspect of the time of which the sine wave is +, where the Syncowave machines had the HF built in (amoung the other controls used for the specifics of the GTAW process for different Alloys?  With the development of Inverter "Power supplies" it became possible to generate both AC and DC output and to be able to nearly infininetly control the make up and design of the wave form.  (hence HF switching of the AC sine wave was only necessary for starting the arc  (am I on the right track here)???I don't find the cost of tungstens all that expensive compared to the cost of the material we are welding and I certainly won't be making my choice of tungsten by the cost, (my choice will be made by its performance and my experience developed in the proper use.It seems (not surprisingly) that the progressive development of the welding industry is sure to confuse all of us to some degree (especially those of us that are not all that educated technically)  That is part of the beauty of these boards!!I am just like a kid in a candy store (it all looks good in the bins)  some really taste like #$%t and we sometimes never know till we get home and try all the pieces!!!! Thanks for some more great knowledge!!TimA rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Mega Ditto to both of you guys on the subject of pure tungsten use.  Is there really anything I should be overly concerned with about under most circumstances)?  I am using a dremel tool diamond wheel horizontally held in a dremel drill press to grind. (I am not sticking my face in the path of the grinding)  I got a "I had never heard of that" response from the instructor of the "Advanced" mig/tig class at our local CC (that I did not pursue)  when I mentioned the use of Thoriated and or Lanthanated tungsten ground to a flattened point.   I appears like any other trade or profession that many of the older guys that are not "active in the hunt on a regular basis" may or may not be up to speed on the improvements made to the power sources and or accessories/consumables.   (another reason) that the internet adds considerable value to anyone willing to embrace it!!Thanks,TimPS,  my thoriated tungsten (3/32) seems to get little tiny balls on the end after running in AC mode?  Is there something I should do to get a "smooth" rounded tip on the grind.  or is there a procedure you use to do this using the machine settings (on a M Dynasty inverter)??A rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)
Reply:Ultrachop,Just for clarification.AC/DC tig machines have always had the capability to weld in either AC or DC mode.  The early welders were all transformers.  A prime example of this was the Miller 330 A/BP which was a transformer tig machine with built in HF.  This was a sine wave tig, which preceeded the Syncrowaves.The Syncrowaves (Square Wave) were introduced about 30 years ago.  They were still transformer machines and had HF installed, but "chopped" the sine wave allowing it to move from EP to EN much faster.  HF was still used continuously to maintain the arc through the zero current phase and to stabilize the arc.  All the transformer machines operate (in the US) on 60HZ.  This includes the pre squarewave as well as the squarewave machines.Enter the inverter based machines.  These machines make the transition from EP to EN so rapidly that HF is not needed continuously to maintain an arc.  Therefore, HF is generally used for starting the arc only on these machines.To me, the biggest difference between a transformer and inverter (other than power consumption) is the fact that the transformers are limited to operation at 60HZ which is provided by the power company (passes from EP to EN and back 60 times per second).  The inverters can vary the frequency settings and thereby change the arc characteristics.  Higher frequency yields a tighter, more focused arc.  Lower freqency yields a broader, softer arc.I'd seriously recommend downloading, from the Miller website, a copy of their Tig Handbooks (about 90 pages).  Excellent tig reference.  You can also order it in hard copy.  If you do this, I'd recommend ordering their student reference.  It includes the Tig Handbook, GMAW Handbook, and pocket guides for GTAW and GMAW.  Well worth the $25 which includes shipping.  Believe it or not, that reference would answer 95% of the questions asked on this board.  But then, some of our newbie's would actually have to read rather than being "spoon fed".Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Sundowner111,Thanks for the clarifications/explanations.  I purchased my Dynasty inverter mainly for the fact that it used considerable less juice and for its smaller footprint.No doubt I could have picked up a good ole Syncro with a cooler/torch for the amount I forked out for the 200dx.  I have printed out a good part of the Miller tig handbook and plan on ordering hard copies as soon as I get "bailed out in the new deal" starting Jan 20th (LOL).  ILast edited by Ultrachop; 01-11-2009 at 10:13 PM.Reason: pushed the wrong dern button!A rich man is not the one who has the most but instead one who needs theleast. Retired IUEC local 19AK Bush pilot,  Chaplain  CMA Chapt 26victor torchesMiller110v migDynasty 200dx (new in Dec 08)Hypertherm PM-45MM-252 (new 2/09)