Tig weld with miller portable

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HI everyoneI have a 225g miller welder/generator.  I have never TIG welded.  I have alot of experience in MIG and SMAW.  What equipment do I need to get started with TIG?  I have an argon tank and regulator (for spool gun aluminum).  Can I just buy a TIG torch and go? or do I need an arc atabilizer and foot pedal?Thanks for your help.Cornfeed
Reply:If your machines weld output is AC only, you will need a High frequency stabalizer unit and a Tig torch.  If it is capable of DC, all you need is a Tig torch with a gas valve on the torch to control Argon Flow.  If the machine is DC only you not be able to weld aluminum, if it is AC, you will be able to weld aluminum with the high freq. unit setup mentioned above.  You dont need a foot pedal, but it makes things easier.  Which Miller machine are you using?A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Thank you for your quick reply.The machine is a miller bobcat 225g cc/cv AD/DC 8000 watt generator.  It is powered by a onan 16 Hp 2cylinder gas motor.  I got the unit new in 1996.  I also have a wire feed attatchment for it.I guess I will go ahead and buy a torch then.  If the pedal makes things easier I will buy that also.  Is straight argon the best choice for shielding gas?  I currently have 100% argon,  75%argon 25%co2, and 100% Co2.  Do you have any sugestions for a torch, or a torch/foot pedal package?  Are there good deals on ebay?  This will mainly be used for light welding and learning the process.Thank you for the helpCornfeed
Reply:Im sorry cornfeed, your machine will tig weld with ac or dc, dc is easy needs only the torch wiht gas valve on torch.  AC needs a HF unit and secondary contactor.  However, bobcats dont have the 14pin needed for remote use.  In other words, we have to dial in on the panel and no foot pedal for bobcats.  I have one too...well the NT and am in the same boat.  But its not soo bad.  Good luck CHRIS
Reply:There a great wee welder, and lovely to TIG with. With the tig torch keep the argon flow to 7-10 lpm unless your using a ceramic with a larger opening, then you can bump it up to around 15 lpm.Stephen
Reply:In your opinion would it be hard to learn TIG without the foot pedal?  Where would be a good place to purchase a torch?Thank you for all of your help so far.Cornfeed
Reply:i like the miller diamondbacks personally,  there purtie    welding supply house, ask the sales rep what his deals are, consider price of parts.  most suppliers are pro miller or lincoln, rarely both.  they can offer prices on their choice with better service and better parts availibility.   hope this helpschris
Reply:Best to learn tig without the pedal, it's makes for a better welder as you learn how to weld properly. You also learn how to set any welder up so you can use it and lay good welds down. IMO unless your doing ali, remote amp controls make for a lasy welder because you need to learn proper technique before you need any pedals etcStephenEDIT TO ADD: Out of all the welders I know (maybe 30) on carbon I don't know one that uses any extra amp controllers, they all "set and forget"Last edited by wirehunt; 07-11-2005 at 06:22 AM.Reason: add