New Tig welder

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I will be getting my new TIG welder next week. It is a chinese inverter based welder. It is basically the same as the Super160 but it will have 200A capability instead of 160A. This is my first welder. I figure this was a cheaper way of learning to TIG weld, as opposed to buying a Miller/Lincoln level welder. I will obviously be buying tungsten sticks. I know that the Thoriated sticks are most common. Should I get another type like Zirconated, Lanthanated, or Ceriated sticks as well? For the time being I want to just get some scrap material and learn to do both Steel and Aluminum. As for gas, should I get 100% argon, 75/25 Ar/CO2, or 75/25 Ar/He. I have read that the helium mix is somewhat tough to find and more expensive. I'm sure I will have more questions in the future. Thanks in advance
Reply:I'd stick with the red end tungestion..For steel/stainless you want straight argon..For aluminum you can use straight argon but a mix is better..depends on your budget.....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:Eventually I have in my head to make an intake manifold for my Small Block Chevy. From the pictures i've seen and intakes I've seen with my own eyes it looks like the thickest material I will use is about 3/8". Will a 200A welder be able to do this? Also, does the amperage need to be adjusted to the thickest material or the thinnest material in the weld? Red tipped Tungsten at what diameter? I am thinking 3/32
Reply:I can do 1/2" aluminum with 200 amps no problem..But thats with a watercooled torch..Air cooled torches will not put up with that much heat..... ...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:Ok so I will be looking for a water cooled torch in the future. I am just wanting to learn right now. So would the 3/32 tungsten be OK for learning? Thanks for the info.
Reply:Originally Posted by SteveMc79Ok so I will be looking for a water cooled torch in the future. I am just wanting to learn right now. So would the 3/32 tungsten be OK for learning? Thanks for the info.
Reply:How about 99% Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning? Or does the alcohol release free oxygen too easily? Anywhere in particular you get your supplies from?
Reply:I just use acetone..Available at any hardware store..But its getting expensive.. ...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:I can get the alcohol from work. If acetone is better I will just buy that. What size abd type of filler rods should I get. I have been reading some stuff on here. I am thinking 2lbs. S2 2 lbs S6 and 2 lbs 4043 to start. Are these right and should I get more than 2 lbs? Thanks.
Reply:From what you listed..I'd add some 5356 to the list..You need it for aluminum castings..Get the 1/16 dia. size..But in the end you'll find that you will go thru 2 lbs pretty quick..To Myself..2 lbs is'nt that much..Have fun!...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:Once your machine arrives please post back with results, quality, and your opinion. I've wanted to pick up the same machine for over a year now. I know too little about it to bite the bullet just yet.
Reply:For tungsten info, see Diamond Ground Products:http://www.diamondground.com
Reply:Originally Posted by SteveMc79... As for gas, should I get 100% argon, 75/25 Ar/CO2, or 75/25 Ar/He. I have read that the helium mix is somewhat tough to find and more expensive.
Reply:OK, So if I get a bottle of 100% argon I should be ok for pretty much anything I am going to do? Nothing thick probably 1/4" steel max for right now. And maybe 1/4" Alum. but more than likely 1/8".
Reply:Originally Posted by SteveMc79OK, So if I get a bottle of 100% argon I should be ok for pretty much anything I am going to do? Nothing thick probably 1/4" steel max for right now. And maybe 1/4" Alum. but more than likely 1/8".