From Gas to Tig

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I have never Tig welded any thing. But have a bit of experience with a Gas torch. How hard is to to start Tig welding if one is fairly proficient with gas?Second question: What kind of money will I spend on a Tig machine that will do 3/16" aluminum?... I have looked at the manufacturers sights but they dont tell me everything. I guess if I knew what amp machine was needed that would help out.I am really wanting to build my own boat & be able to make my own repairsLast edited by RIVERRAT; 02-07-2007 at 01:43 PM.
Reply:I can't tell you how many amps, I have heard it written here up to 1/4 with an air cooled torch and less than 200 amps.I can tell you the heat control is awesome compared to a oxy torch.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Rule of thumb on A/C (alum) is 1 amp per .001" Thus 3/16 = .1875 which will require a starting point of 187 to 190amps or so. Again this is a starting point but the formula works pretty good for me. T.J.
Reply:A 185A or higher would do (really overkill, but you never know when youll need a little more oomph).  They're all around 2 grand.  Ebay has some sleepers everyonce in a while, just gotta make sure Its ac capable for the aluminum.Its gonna be a piece of cake after o/a welding, just gotta learn to use your foot to control the heat instead of pulling the torch away, and you dont need to use alot of motion.  Thermal Arc, Lincoln and miller seem to be the favorite machine's around here.  They all have the strengths and weaknesses.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:To do what you want...A 250-300 amp A.C. D.C. machine with a watercooled torch is the "hot" set-up..Tigging is somewhat like O/A welding but way more refined..takes both hands and your foot..Its the "same but diffrent"...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:THANX, fellas !! Going to go look at some prices on the 250-300amp Tigs
Reply:Originally Posted by RIVERRATTHANX, fellas !! Going to go look at some prices on the 250-300amp Tigs
Reply:Thanx Zap, I will be checking it out.
Reply:I found the angle difference to be the killer when changing from OXY to TIG.  Once I started concentrating on holding the torch at the correct angle, it all started coming together..
Reply:"Second question: What kind of money will I spend on a Tig machine that will do 3/16" aluminum?... I have looked at the manufacturers sights but they dont tell me everything. I guess if I knew what amp machine was needed that would help out."Ive got a PT 185 415VIt will do 3/16 but 1/4 is border line with straight argon.Would think a 250 or so would be more appropriate,then again budget will tell you.At the end of the day buy the biggest you can afford , trying to stick with the well known brands.Just my thoughts.good luck  Brett
Reply:Be sure to check if you have a place to plug it in.  These 200-300A units require more power than most residential properties have available w/o costly upgrades.Check this thread that disucsses it further.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=8697Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick MoranBe sure to check if you have a place to plug it in.  These 200-300A units require more power than most residential properties have available w/o costly upgrades.Check this thread that disucsses it further.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=8697
Reply:Very true TJS.  But in our area, garages don't even have a 60A service, 30A at best for a dryer hookup. I had to install a new subpanel and wire to power all of my toys so I wouldn't have to work off of extension cords or from the house main.  Just something to consider and everyone may not realize.  Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:The power in my garage is something I am going to have to deal with.