TIG Machines

admin

okay, so i've been learning some TIG at work and have found that i really enjoy it more than MIG. it's cleaner, easier to control, and i can specify the exact amount of filler that is required, rather than a constant speed.now, i've got a question. i am nowhere near rich enough for a TIG machine yet, but i figured it's be a good time to start looking at options, in order to find out exactly what i want. i knwo there are MILLIONS (or at least a few options) of add-ons and accesories that you can get for a TIG, but what do i really need/want. obviously, the more i can get, the better (who ever says they just want the base model, when they can get the leather seats?), but is there anything that i can buy that will help out more than the standards options? like i said, i am not able to get one for a while, but i just want to see what is reasonable and what is required. i figure that 1/2" would be the thickest i will ever do (without buying a HUGE MIG machine), but i may be doing some thinner stuff, such as 22/24 gauge sheet. i also want infinate amperage/voltage control (my LE 100 HD only has pre-determined voltage settings and i find it to be very limiting in weld quality). shoudl i be looking at water or gas cooled? what would be a reasonable maximum amperage/voltage? i'm guessing that a 200 Amp machine woudl work fine, but i'm not sure. what about high frequency? sine vs. square wave? see? i really don;t know what to look for. hehehehe. i know it has a lot to do with what exactly i will be doing with it, but to be honest, i am not sure what all work i will be doing. i'd like to have a well-rounded machine. also, foot control or finger?thanks for your help.Later,AndyP.S. i also do not have a brand preferance. as long as it will weld what i need it to, when i need it to, and how i need it to, then i'm happy. if the color bothers me, i can always re-paint it in orderto better suit my needs.Last edited by aczeller; 11-12-2007 at 03:49 PM.
Reply:Andy, what kind of machines do you have, now.   JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:At work, we have an old Miller machine. i'm not sure of the exact model, but it is OLD. it's been here since before the guys (who are teaching me) have been here (about 12 - 15 years ago), but it still works great. the dial for amps says (i think...) about 10A on the low setting, and (once again, im not sure...) about 180-220A for the highest. it has HF on it, but we never use it (i don't know if it works or not... i've never tried it). it's an air-cooled torch. there's a knob on the side of the torch (hand controls maybe?) but i've never messed with it. it's pretty big too. we have it hooked up to a 460V outlet (not sure of input amps). as far as MIG, we have MM 251's. at home i just have an LE 100HD from Home Depot. self-shielded flux core with no gas (yet). Thanks,later,AndyLast edited by aczeller; 11-12-2007 at 05:09 PM.
Reply:Andy, I would suggest a plane AC/DC 200 to start with for stick and Tig Steel and Stainless.  Get a HF unit when you are ready for Alum.... That will save you a lot of$$$$'s.   John G.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :