HTP Invertig 221 Questions on verge of buying

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Hi all, I am on the verge of placing an order for the Invertig 221 to get me into TIG.Relatively new at TIG.  Was thinking about 220V version air cooled for now.  I would like to get the water cooled, but can wait to upgrade at a later date Questions for you, what else should I buy ?  I was going to buy more of the blue tip tungsten, not sure which consumables kit for the torch I should buy.  Of course I'll buy an assortment of filler rod as well.I'm thinking also of going with the longer leads --- should I (both for gnd and torch?)  I don't plan on moving the machine around, and want to work on snowmobiles and what not in the garage.  Don't really need the stinger lead, but thought it would be fun trying my hand at stick.The big question is should I get the tungsten grinder ?  I have one main grinder I use for everything, and did not want to swap wheels all the time. Torch wise, is the flex head a good idea ?  Anything else I should order ?Oh and for the HTP guys, does it come with a plug ?  Wasn't sure as the description didn't really say.I'm planning mainly for hobby use, AL.  I have a few other mig machines and a Miller 350P with a 30A I can hit thicker AL with.Thanks in advanceMiller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:Make sure you add in the "male parallel plug", since it does not come with one.  It is the standard NEMA 6-50 male plug (assuming you have the female receptacle, if not you'll need one of those too).The 2%La tungstens are fine.  As long as your grinding wheel isn't too crud'ed up with oil/grease/aluminum, it will be fine so long as it is a fine grit.Flex head for hobby use is fine, but the standard 17-series torch will get HOT with aluminum even if it just hobby use.  Just practicing will get it hot, let alone actual welding.  If you're serious about focusing on aluminum, I'd recommend the 26- torch if they can upgrade you, along with a 17/26 stubby gas lens kit---worlds better than standard collet bodies/ alumina cups.Get the cover for the machine.  Fits real nice.Last edited by Oscar; 06-26-2014 at 02:54 PM. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:As for Tungsten sharpening, check this video:http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...lectrodes.html"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarMake sure you add in the "male parallel plug", since it does not come with one.  It is the standard NEMA 6-50 male plug (assuming you have the female receptacle, if not you'll need one of those too).The 2%La tungstens are fine.  As long as your grinding wheel isn't too crud'ed up with oil/grease/aluminum, it will be fine so long as it is a fine grit.Flex head for hobby use is fine, but the standard 17-series torch will get HOT with aluminum even if it just hobby use.  Just practicing will get it hot, let alone actual welding.  If you're serious about focusing on aluminum, I'd recommend the 26- torch if they can upgrade you, along with a 17/26 stubby gas lens kit---worlds better than standard collet bodies/ alumina cups.Get the cover for the machine.  Fits real nice.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeNice thing about the HTP stubby kit is that it is CK Worldwide, and not import junk.
Reply:Oh they most certainly do.  Now all they need to do is carry the WeldTec stuff.  Then they'll carry the best stuff, hands down. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:You definitely should get the 25' torch.  You'd be suprised how much it will come in handy.  Even if you make a cart, it so much easier to walk around the project with the torch and pedal than the whole welder.  Like Oscar said, the 17 is not gonna work well with Aluminum for long.  I'd personally step up to the watercooled 20 from the get go.  You'll save money in the long run and be happier.  Unfortunately, people don't realize how much better watercooled torches are to use until they try one.  I certainly didn't.
Reply:Unfortunately, people don't realize how much better watercooled torches are to use until they try one. I certainly didn't.
Reply:Ok tomorrow I'll be placing an order hopefully I'll have it for the long 4th weekend I'll prob get the air cooled until Christmas and upgrade to the cooler and torchGonna save some cash since I'll go water cooled and not get the longer torch.Unless something pops up in Craigslist in MN in the next 24 hours htp it isThanks for the help guysMiller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:You'll love it I'm tell you.    Since you're relatively new to TIG, forget about all the advanced settings.  They will only distract you.  The ONLY setting I would possibly advise you to change is the low-end start amps.  Depending on your helmet, it might not be able to sense the low 4A start in DC mode.  If your helmet can sense it and auto-darken, great, no need to mess with anything.  If it can't and you get arc flash right when it attempts to start at 4A, then you might benefit from raising the start amps up to 10-12A or so, just high enough to make sure your helmet darkens.  Assuming you're using an auto-darkening helmet. If using fixed-shade, then omit all of this.   1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:I got mine back in march and went air cooled to begin with.  I'll add the water cooler later on.  i'm just working with steel now and I'll move onto aluminum later.  I grind my tungsten with a dremel and some diamond cutoff wheels from ebay, works great.
Reply:Ok, I just did the deed.  Ordered mine up this morning.  I'm curious how do you grind it with a dremel ?  Do you place it in a vise or something (Dremel) Any links for diamond wheels from ebay ?  Would love to see your set upThanks,Miller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:Originally Posted by kerfI got mine back in march and went air cooled to begin with.  I'll add the water cooler later on.  i'm just working with steel now and I'll move onto aluminum later.  I grind my tungsten with a dremel and some diamond cutoff wheels from ebay, works great.
Reply:Thanks just ordered some I assume get the ones with out holes .  Hopefully this will hold me over until I can get a tungsten grinder , heck if it works well no need to upgrade.Miller 350PMiller 30AHobart trekHTP Invertig 221
Reply:you can do the smaller diameter tungsten with the dremel in your hand.  1/8" takes a minute or two though, so its easier holding the dremel on the vise.  the paper bag is only there because there was grease all over the jaws and sorry about the mess on my work area .
Reply:I think I'm just gonna get one of these and slap it on the 6" bench grinder.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Grin...item339147cb86 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:really interested to see how you like this. I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade the dialarcHF to the HTP221dv (will probably take a decent $$$ mobile alumn. job).'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems