Basic TIG Questions

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This weekend I cam across a great deal on a HF251 HF TIG box and torch and wound up picking them up along with a 280 CF argon bottle for pretty cheap... I'm going to be running these off my Big 40 once I get finished cleaning out the flue tank. Got a few TIG questions though:For a bit of background, I've done small job fab work and hobby welding for a number of year, stick, oxy/acetylene and MIG but never done any TIG work. Right now I'd just be looking at hobby / ranch work, mostly lighter steel and some aluminum.1) The torch is a Union Carbide HW-17. I'm guessing it's a type 17, right? What other make/model torches use the same parts? How generic are caps, collets and tungstens for these? 2) What do you suggest I get for a basic consumables kit for this? I'd like to be able to do ~18 ga to 1/4 metal, steel and AL if possible, though most of my work would be around the 1/8" thickness. I'd like to get some assortment of parts instead of just getting a couple tungstens and then constantly having to get a different one for a new project. 3) Part of the deal was a full argon cylinder. From what I can tell, this is a pretty generic gas, is there anything I can't use it on?4) The hose off the back of the HF box looks like some sort of small quick disconnect fitting (see picture below) is this a common fitting? Where can I get a mate? The regulator I've got has what looks like a 3/16" barb fitting. Do I need argon specific fittings and hose? 5) What type of gloves do you need to wear? This torch has a finger amp control and I don't see any way you could move it wearing welding gloves.6) The torch lead has a flat terminal on it, (see picture) what do you connect to it? Or do you just clamp the stinger to that terminal? Thanks,    ~John
Reply:Originally Posted by sdmuleman5) What type of gloves do you need to wear? This torch has a finger amp control and I don't see any way you could move it wearing welding gloves.
Reply:Picture??? Oops... Thanks. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by sdmulemanThis weekend I cam across a great deal on a HF251 HF TIG box and torch and wound up picking them up along with a 280 CF argon bottle for pretty cheap... I'm going to be running these off my Big 40 once I get finished cleaning out the flue tank. Got a few TIG questions though:
Reply:If you don't have anyone close by to help you out then you really need a class for tig!Post your location and ask if someone is close to you that would be willing to help out.AEAD 200LE, Lincoln precision tig 185, Millermatic 251, Spectrum 625 extreme, Victor torch , Smithy 1220LTD. and  Do all C-4 band saw ,  Always adding.
Reply:double postLast edited by Fred s; 01-19-2012 at 04:15 PM.
Reply:That black QD sure looks llike half of an oxygen QD set from Koike,  the brass adapter fitting and hose fitting looks like O2 as well.  I might get some dedicated green hose with the proper CGA connections.  That power lug should have the CGA 032 female built in.  If you get a reg that is set up right, is should have the same 032 female.  LWS should have a standard inert service hose with the proper 032 male fittings already made up.  You can usually change out the barb for the correct fitting.  Most folks like a flowmeter for gas control, but you could squeak by with a pressure regulator if you have to.
Reply:I had a 251hd box.  Look at the diagram inside he cover.  Iirc, there's a way you have to hook up the ground/work lead or you can damage  the unit.  The brass adapter on he end of your torch goes over the output stud and is bolted down.  You need a 1 ft argon line to go between the brass adapter and the gas solenooid.   Then from the solenoid to your regulator with another line.  I've been using regular pneumatic disconnects on my argon after the regulator without any leaks.  Leave your system pressurized with gas and turn off the bottle valve.  Look at the pressures and note them.  Come back a few days later and see where you're at.  If it doesn't drop much in a few days, any leak will be too small to make a difference, just remember to turn your bottle off everyday.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum