finally got a tig

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I just purchased a 4 year old precision tig 225 fromaguy in St.Louis Mo. that p.m.ed me here last week.The machine is in mint cond. but with one tiny scratchon the side from a ratchet strap during moving.All papers ,extra rods,cups,tungs... no tank, but workedon price because of that. He said it has less than on itand from the way it looks its gotta be true.I've been looking for over a year now and I did it.Price was $1,300 smackaroos, not bad I think afterseeing prices of all the other machines.Now I have to figure out how to use it???Hooked a bottle up yesterday and started on some1/8" steel forming and moving a puddle. Did somelap welds today all with 3/32 rods and 1/8 tung.10-15 cfm argon. Starting to look like something.Practice a lot and watch more welding tips,tricks.com.You guys are probably sick of hearing this but anyhelp and advice would be greatly appreciated .Will get pics.as soon as I learn how to post them on here.         Thanks,                                  James
Reply:Hey James!That's good news. I know you have been looking for a long time. I looked for over a year before I found my deal. Takes a lot of practice, at least it is for me. I'm not there yet but much improved.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Thanks Burt , all you can do is practice to be better.Thinkin about taking classes so I can learn the right waybefore I create bad habits that I think are right but arereally wrong ( just cuz it looks good don't mean it's right).Maybe I can find someone close that can give me a littlehelp to start off on the right track.
Reply:Classes are a great idea, especially if you have a community college near you with a good welding program. If not, at least try to find an experienced TIG welder who can help you get started.You will find plenty of good info by searching threads here, there are a mind-numbing amount of beginner-TIG threads already. For anything more specific, we'll need to see pics. JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:That machine is an excellent stick welder as well. Burns 6010 and 7018 very nice.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedClasses are a great idea, especially if you have a community college near you with a good welding program. If not, at least try to find an experienced TIG welder who can help you get started.You will find plenty of good info by searching threads here, there are a mind-numbing amount of beginner-TIG threads already. For anything more specific, we'll need to see pics. John
Reply:I took a one year (2 semester) class at a local community college in 1994. It was only $30 a semester and had classroom work with written tests as well as hands-on welding. I already knew how to do gas and stick fairly well although I learned some new positions.  We also did MIG in Flux Core and aluminum. In the second semester, the instructor let me concentrate on TIG. I don't think that there was a requirement for a college degree or any prior training since the class was mainly for beginners. There was a separate one year class for people who wanted to be certified and go into welding as a career. If you can't get a similar community college class, then you might try a private welding school. With just a few weeks training in proper TIG methods, then you could practice on your own. Good luck.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I just talked to CKsupply they have courses that are from 8am.   to 4 pm.  $275.00 per day.   I can't do that!!!Find some one that likes beer and food that's what I need.