is it possible?

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i have a miller 250 thunderbolt and i was wondering if i can turn it into a make shift scratch start tig machine?
Reply:Since this is an AC unit, you will need a high frequency unit to supply hf for arc starting and continuous hf during welding.  New these are close to $1000, see the Miller site. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...ies/frequency/
Reply:howdy howdy!  the high frequency units go for about 200-250$ on ebay for the good ones.  There are sopme internal parts, (replaceable) that are succeptible to damage through misuse particularly on high freq units.  So, buyer be ware, but chances are thats the place to get one. Alot of the high end units eithier have one built in, or are so suffisticated they don't nead one.  So there are quite a few used units out there now.  Without the Hi Frequency unit, your arc will have the tendency to "stall" 60 times per second, while the sine wave is at 0 and their is momentarily no current flow.  DC is direct current, so this is not a problem with that type of power source.  High Frequency units (some adjustable) increase the frequency by several hundreds of times, so their is very very little time (electrically speeking)  for the arc to go out.  This is good technology for alluminum, thought better does exist but not for the price range of equipment your talking about.  Good Luck!  if your really brave, you can fish around the different welding forums, and learn how to make one from an old microwave.  i'm not gonna touch that with a 10 foot pole though, it's up to you :P  Brian Lee  Sparkeee27
Reply:my welder has ac and dc capabilities.......would that make a difference?
Reply:then yes you can you will need to get a torch with a gas shutoff on itChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Howdy Howdy! Keep in mind, this setup would be best used for steel applications, or stainless steel.  Not good for alluminum or other easily contaminated metals.  Later, if you get a tig unit, you can still use your torch for that too  Brian Lee  Sparkeee27
Reply:Right on.............i new this old girl would have another day in the sun...........thanks guys.........and gals.........seeing that i have one in my course...........(girl that is)