looking for right choice for AL Tig

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Ok guys, not sure where to post this question so here goes. I am wanting to learn to TIG alumnium better. I have a Miller 330ABP that I picked up for a steal at an auction but is without remote and tig torch. Stick welds like a dream. Ive been reading about the newer technology in regards to mainly ac balance/frequency controls and I was looking for opinions on what you guys think of the benefits of new tech for a semi-beginner. I can tig carbon and stainless fairly well with a scratch torch and have done a little hf tig on aluminum but not much. Thanks in advance.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over
Reply:There's honestly not much you can't learn as a beginner with that rig if you add the pedal and torch as far as alum is concerned. Most of the advanced bells and whistles just make it harder for most people. Too many settings to play with and screw up, and none will really help you learn to weld alum.If you learn the basics with that machine and get really good, then maybe moving up to a better machine might help. The syncrowave 250's at the tech school really aren't used any differently than what you have to work with as far as teaching students the basics..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Well that's what I was leaning toward as well. Only have $100 in the machine so far, so hopefully setting the rest of it up fairly cost effectively. Thanks for the reply.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over
Reply:Hook it up and see if it works. If it don't work it don't matter. Southpaw has one. He could guide you in setting it up.Here is the owner's manual. http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o340p_mil.pdfWeld 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:I believe SSC sells a pedal that will work on your machine.http://www.ssccontrols.com/homepage-...ngcontrols.htmYou can go with either an aircooled or water cooled tig torch. The air cooled units are a bit on the bulky side, and if you want to do alum, the standard 17 series aircooled torch is "borderline" as far as amps. They get hot really quick at 150 + amps. If I was going to get an aircooled torch for alum, I'd look at these.http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma..._907_1415_1028Water cooled is the way to go. Your machine should be set up to run municipal water, but a cooler with antifreeze is a better choice for most, especially since you live where it freezes. If I was going to get a water cooled torch, I'd be looking at these.http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma..._908_1566_1034Note the consumable parts are different between the two, so if you buy parts for one, they will not work on the other if you choose to say go water cooled later.Someone posted up a decent price on an HTP flow meter eariler today in another thread I believe. You'd need that also.All told, I'd guess you could get completely set up with new gear for say $400 ish less the cylinder. Used you'd have to shop a bit to see if you could get any of the prices down..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:As far as the newer Inverter machines go....I just bought a Dynasty 350 after welding with the transformer machines for many years and actually got pretty good with Aluminum.  Now that I have the inverter I can appreciate the difference....BUTuntil you really get your feet wet with AC  you would be throwing your money away  buying an inverter machine now. Unless you are wealthy and have 8 grand to burn...  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Well I'm definately out on the 8 grand to burn. Thanks for the links, I'll be doing some more checking in the near future.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over
Reply:If I'm thinking correctly the face of his welder is the same as my Airco.I believe that means he needs the old style foot control RFC-23A like sitting on top of mine.Dave J. Attached ImagesLast edited by MinnesotaDave; 03-04-2013 at 09:38 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Yeah but it's sure nice having a new style machine to turn on after using the same one for 18 years..........  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:And it does make some neat welds........  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by gmitchellOk guys, not sure where to post this question so here goes. I am wanting to learn to TIG alumnium better. I have a Miller 330ABP that I picked up for a steal at an auction but is without remote and tig torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterSend a P/M to member 7A749..He probably has the pedal you need and a torch can be gotten from your local welding supply store BUT you will need a watercooled torch and on that machine you can run street water with no problems..I have the same machine and they are very nice for a old beast......zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CAnd it does make some neat welds........
Reply:Thanks for the info guys. My lws says he might havea remote laying around and has some torches. Hopefully we'll find the parts and have her up and going soon. I hope I can get to the point to make welds that look even close to as good as those.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over