Almost new to welding

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Hey folks!I did some basic MIG welding 25 years ago on jobs between semesters. Recently I had the need for some aluminum fabrication for my camper conversion and other projects and finally decided to get into proper TIG welding.Since I can't stand cheap / China tools I bought a Fronius 230i. Matching Bluetooth helmet and pedal are on their way.I also ordered a nice Langmuir welding table. Will be picking up a 100% argon cylinder tomorrow.For starters I'll have to learn, and once I got the basics down, I'd like to fabricate some basic mounts from your average aluminum angles etc to be found at Home Depot.I did a bunch of reading and watched a good number of videos on YouTube, but what I'm struggling with are the filler rods.I'd like to buy a set of QUALITY rods that will cover 1/8th and 1/4th aluminum pieces and angles.1.) What is a good online shop to go to?2.) What would be a good assortment to start with?Arrived today. I'm stoked!




Reply:New to tig myself, so can’t give much but wanted to provide a bit of input that I’ve picked up. I’m with you on buying quality parts, and a quick google search on aluminum filler wire. Personally I use McMaster Carr for all parts I want in bulk, they are always high quality and ship quickly + they show every detail and spec of the part you buy. Here is a picture below (hopefully it shows up) of recommended aluminum filler diameter, as for the “type” I only know the ones for mild steel, so you’ll need someone in here with a bit more experience to step in. Happy Welding.

Century FC-90Primeweld TIG 200D
Reply:Have you established a relationship with your LWS yet? Where did you pick up your Fronius?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"

MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:

Originally Posted by GoK4rtFanatic

New to tig myself, so can’t give much but wanted to provide a bit of input that I’ve picked up. I’m with you on buying quality parts, and a quick google search on aluminum filler wire. Personally I use McMaster Carr for all parts I want in bulk, they are always high quality and ship quickly + they show every detail and spec of the part you buy. Here is a picture below (hopefully it shows up) of recommended aluminum filler diameter, as for the “type” I only know the ones for mild steel, so you’ll need someone in here with a bit more experience to step in. Happy Welding.
Reply:

Originally Posted by shovelon

Have you established a relationship with your LWS yet? Where did you pick up your Fronius?
Reply:

Originally Posted by crockett

Almost sounds like the hassle you have to go through when buying a Rolex, by establishing a relationship with your authorized dealer. lolI will call around this morning for that argon bottle and see how that goes with local stores. In almost all cases I don't find what I want locally, especially quality tools and hardware, and have to order online. Same with my 230i. Fronius has an online demo shop where they sell returns and demo units, often for a 30 plus % discount. They may show some slight wear but come with full warranty and support. I asked for the 230i a month ago and they said that they will get in a demo unit but it may take a couple weeks. I almost gave up and then the email popped up saying that they have one demo in stock, so I acted fast.
Reply:No. I won't be doing any long lasting work or large work pieces.
Reply:Nice setup.  Since you are doing aluminum, you will probably want a cooler sooner than later.
Reply:[QUOTE=crockett;8831481]HI did a bunch of reading and watched a good number of videos on YouTube, but what I'm struggling with are the filler rods.I'd like to buy a set of QUALITY rods that will cover 1/8th and 1/4th aluminum pieces and angles.1.) What is a good online shop to go to?2.) What would be a good assortment to start with?i'm pretty basic w/ alum, 4043 and 5356 does everything i ever needed.      like said about cooler, i dont think u'll be doing much over 150-180 amps w/o cooler.   also, w/ car/welder and all, the package is incomplete unless  u have  the miami vice .45 ,   huh?     i got the holster, but no gunLast edited by 123weld; 4 Hours Ago at 11:16 PM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by shovelon

Have you established a relationship with your LWS yet? Where did you pick up your Fronius?
Reply:There really isn't such a thing as a new cylinder.  When you "own" a cylinder in these parts..........you "own title".  Which means you can sell the cylinder to anyone, or have it filled at other than the LWS you bought it from.  "Owner" cylinders are distinguished from lease cylinders mostly by size in a lot of cases.  Owner cylinders are usually smaller than lease cylinders around here.  That may be different in other parts of the country."Filled" is a term of art.  In most cases it's an exchange, not a fill per se.  You simply swap out your empty.  How it looks (rust, crappy paint) doesn't matter.  You just get one out of the row of "fulls".  I own 3 O2 bottles, an Acetylene bottle, and two Chemtane tanks.  The only ones that get a true, while you wait, refill are the two Chemtane tanks that hold Propane.Anyways.........sounds like you're getting geared up for some fun

  Hope you get it all squared away.
Reply:

Originally Posted by crockett

Well, I called around, found one shop that claimed to have new cylinders, I made the 30 mile trip (one way), and that ****bag lied to me. All cylinders rusted and painted over countless times. His selection on rods was a joke too, several sizes sold out. Then he overcharged me on some gloves. Going price online with shipping is 20 bucks, he charged 30.And just like that, I'm done again with local shopping. I literally can't stand dealing with sales people, so I'll be ordering EVERYTHING online, and find another place for recharges only. Relationship with a local store my ***.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 12V71

Attitude like that will get you no where. First... you're buying an exchange cylinder... not a new car, rusty scrapes, flaky paint are common on them. When it runs out, you take it back and get another one. You have title to a cylinder but not any particular one. Odds are they exchange without any hassle. Recharges of your "pet" cylinder are something of a pipe dream anymore, most suppliers have their cylinders filled 100-200 miles away at a central facility, meaning 2 weeks turnaround... If they will fill YOURS.  Can't comment on the gloves but my commercial account gets me 30% off on stuff like that so a box of stick gloves (good ones) is about $9 a pair. And I'm sure they would order any particular rod you asked for. But hey... order it all online and see how that goes.  And yeah, for several years I did thousands in business with my guys every month. 6010 by the pallet, oh, need a new engine drive machine? sign the paper and drive off with it in the back of the truck. That is called cultivating a relationship.
Reply:I'm getting my popcorn.Bloke that has 3k plus to drop on a fronius machine with no TIG experience and get the ****'s about old gas cylinders that's and doesn't seem to get the value of having a local bloke that might be slightly more expensive than online but has the **** he needs when he needs it.I bet there's a good deal going on a Fronius magicwave 230i very soon.