Question about Tig machine

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OK guys, I have a question. It will be a long time before the answers really help me but I am preparing my brain for the future.Lets pretend I had some cash, about two grand. If I went to this place http://store.cyberweld.com/miactigwesys.html and bought the Miller TIG Welder - Syncrowave 200 AC/DC TIG/Stick Package. (don't get excited, this will not be happening, just wanting to learn a few things).What, if anything would have to be purchased in addition to this package that the avarage welder would not only have already?I am going to find a way to get a tig and want to know what all I need (besides a tank of gas which is already waiting for the day).Educate me please.Bob
Reply:TungstenFiller RodSpare torch parts; Cups, collets, back caps.If you buy a TigRunner package from Miller it should come with a few spare parts and a "starter" set of tungstens in different diameters.Although it is definitely not necessary, I would recommend buying a water cooled torch setup. I prefer them to air-cooled not only for welding duration but the physical size is much smaller (a #17 air cooled torch compared to a #20 water cooled) and I find them easier to use, especially in out of position welding.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:I picked up the basic Miller sync 200 last year. not the tig runner. Other than the gas and filler it was ready to go with 3/32 tung. and parts.You will need some way to sharpen the tung. bench grinder, belt sander, heck even the 4 1/2" grinder will work in a pinch. Almost all the tig I've done is with 3 /32" tung, but I did pick up the collets and stuff for 1/16" and 1/8" as well as a tungsten in each size just to play with them. I also got the gas lens in 3/32" I highly recommend the gas lenses, they make some things much easier. I haven't had a need for any other cups other than the one for the gas lens or the one for the standard parts so far. Most of all of this can be picked up as needed.If I planned to do a lot of tig continuous I'd agree on the water cooled torch. They are smaller and easier to work with. I don't do enough to get the torch all that hot other than with alum, and I just wait for everything to cool down and then cont.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob WarnerWhat, if anything would have to be purchased in addition to this package that the avarage welder would not only have already?
Reply:wow a #13 lens how is it that you even see the arc?
Reply:Originally Posted by flatbustedbrokewow a #13 lens how is it that you even see the arc?
Reply:Well I don't know if I am the average welder or not. I could create a list of tool as long as your arm.I have a welding table with 1-1/4" thick top.Two 240V outlets a 50 amps and can wire any number of additional circuits whenever I want (I built my shop with my own two paws from the ground up)I have more grinders than anyone I know.I have leather apronsforgesanvilsa few welding helmetsEngine drive welder and MM210 and anything I need to fabricate about anything with them. To me that would be about average.My only thing that I do that I should not is I don't wear gloves. I hate them. I can't feel anything with them on and I can't hold anything because they are not tight.My hands have been called brake pads by others but it works for me. Since I have been forging for years even the heat does not bother me until it gets REALLY hot.I would consider myself an average welder except I do not have a TIG machine or a bunch of customers.
Reply:shoot, I'll buy a grinder off you the next time I'm in the Dallas area Miller Dynasty 200 DXeverything else Harbor Freight
Reply:I don't know Bob, I would suggest you learn to use gloves when using a tig torch?I had such a sun burn on my exposed forearms above my gloves the first time I used my torch that I won't soon forget it. Also as the filler rod gets short it gets pretty hot, especially with aluminium. Stick weld no problem but tig torch... not me.I killed a few cups, one collet body and 3-4 tungstens oh and a back cap (dont ask) in the first tank of argon but other than that it sounds like your pretty much set.Lincoln Squarewave 255Miller Coolmate IIISpeedway 320Lots of melted mess so far
Reply:I recommend a set of Mechanix style gloves.  I got a set from Northern Tool but every store has their own brand. They are tight and are thin enough that you can still pick up short pieces of filler rod with them.
Reply:Yes make sure the gloves are not PVC but thin leather.
Reply:why not go with the dynasty 200you can run it off your new trailblazer
Reply:Ed Mac is right, the Dynasty is a nice little fairly compact machine that can do AC/DC. We use them at my work for field welding but I really wouldnt mind having one in my garage for myself.As far as tools. I sharpen my tungsten with a normal everyday grinder with a 120grit sanding pad. No need for a special bench grinder with a nice wheel. People say it will contaminate your tungsten...I have yet to run into that problem. 3/32 and 1/8 is also all you'll really need. I use 2% thoriated (red tip) for steel, brass, stainless, pretty much anything DC. And for aluminum I use 2% Ceriated (orange or yellow tip). I used to use pure (green) tungsten for aluminum until I found that the ceriated doesn't get as big of a ball on the end of your tungsten when using higher amps when welding aluminum. At work when we weld aluminum we use a 75% Helium, 25% Argon mix. It really helps with penetration with less amps. Im in the process of saving for another bottle so I can run this stuff at home when I weld aluminum. But for now one bottle of pure Argon will do you just fine.So in review. Just buy a few cups.(Gas lenses are my favorite, but not for aluminum!) Some 3/32 2% thoriated (like DSW said, it's all you'll really need), and some 1/8 and 3/32 ceriated tung if you plan on doing some aluminum. A bottle of pure argon for now. And if you find yourself welding lots of aluminum get a second bottle of 75/25 mix. Other than that, be sure to knock the mill scale off the steel before you TIG it and have fun.Oh and if you can go water cooled, DO IT! When you learn to TIG the smaller torch will be much easier for you to use. I also run no less than a number 12 when welding TIG regardless of amps, mostly 13 though but I have sensitive eyes.Last edited by JDWeld; 05-30-2009 at 12:02 PM.
Reply:i just bought my first tig machine a month ago... here goes:I bought a syncrowave 180SD with water torch and it came with everything i need to make ONE 1" weld (argon tank almost empty, so regulator is included).here's what i picked up at the LWS:cups, collet, collet body, back caps, tungsten, filler rods, filled the tank.i imagine you can make your own cart for your tig machine with your equipment and shop, so you wont need to buy that.  you already have 220, so you're set.  just get the welder!!side note.  i also bought a pair of thin deer skin gloves.  I didn't really like it.  I got used to using "oven mits" from gas welding, so for awhile, i was tig welding with those thick gloves.  now i just use light weight leather gardening gloves that are $1 a pair.  saving my $8 thin, deer skin tig welding gloves for "special projects"
Reply:The Dynasty is a great unit but costs a lot compared to other equal units. I bought a Lincoln Precision Tig 225 complete with cart last December. So far it has been a great machine. I was a little surprised at how much money I was spending on getting setup though. I bought gas lenses for 1/16 and 3/32 tungstens and spare cups and collets. I went with the gold tungsten as it will do all metal without any trouble and so far I like it. The filler rods is where I spend the most though. Where I live some rods I could only get in 10lbs boxs  while others I could get by the lb. I make my own rod holders to keep the rods dry in. I have ER70 rods in 1/16 - 1/8, Some 309 and 308 SS rods in 1/16 & 3/32, and Some 5356 and 4043 Alum rods in a couple sizes.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:I know people do it, but I too, would suggest getting a set of gloves especially if you plan on welding any thick aluminum pieces...
Reply:[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDdzTGyoAzg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDdzTGyoAzg[/ame]
Reply:And I got banned and whatever way back when for typing the same thing.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:When your looking into torch parts, I am really into the CK wedge collets in real Weldcraft bodys. I had a heck of a time twisting split collets... I am having good luck with gas lenses also... helps my stainless welding drasticly  Does anyone know where I might find some metal cased cups either for my 20 or 17 torch?  A friend of mine had a few I think Linde made them... I have not been able to find anyone that makes them still...
Reply:How about to get the machine TECHNICAL MANUAL ??(not theowner manual....)Regards !
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat Bastard
Reply:IALMAO! That is some funny $%^& FAT BASTARD!Awsome video! You did make a serious statement though.Serious if you want to get a good Tig/plasma unit!Put your video on home funniest video! Win $10,000.00"LOL" I needed that!THE OLDER I GET! THE  SMARTER MY DAD WAS!Thermal Arc 185 inverter Tig welderABITIG 26  tig torchLotus foot pedalLincoln 225 stick welderClark 185SG Mig spoolgunwelderVictor torch/regulatorsHF36" shear,bender,roller.
Reply:Hello Bob,              As a newish tig welder myself I can understand why you would want one of your own, When ever I want a new tool I try to part finance it by having a really good hard look at my existing gear. All us guys that like working with their hands always have lots of "big boys toys" and over time you realise that some are nice to have,but you just can't remember when you last used some of them.these are the ones I find a new home for and put the cash towards my next useful purchase.Doesn't make the dent in the bank balance quite so bad,  Good luck and best wishes for the future,  Gordon.Lincoln SP-170 MigHypertherm powermax 45Lorch T220 AC/DC TigButters FM 215 synergic MigKemppi 180 adaptive mig RULES ARE FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF FOOLS AND THE  GUIDANCE OF WISE MEN.