Choosing the right tungsten for a 140amp list start rig machine.

admin

I have an Everlast Powerarc 140st on the way and plan to play around with Tig welding for the first time.  I hear a lot of talk about choosing the right tungsten and choosing thoriated vs lanthanated.  The powerarc 140st is a 110/220v machine with max amperage of 140A and lift start capabilities.  Will likely be welding mild steel 1/4 or smaller.Should I purchase 3/32 tungsten or go smaller?  Will thoriated or lanthanated work best with this lift arc machine?
Reply:3/32" electrodes would be fine, at 140 amps max you could use 1/16" and would be fine most of the time though. Thoriated/lanthanated/ceriated/tir mix, really anything but pure or zirconiated tungsten for DC welding.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I agree on 3/32" 2% thoriated or lanthanated will work fine.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by blackwaterstoutThe powerarc 140st is a 110/220v machine with max amperage of 140A and lift start capabilities.  Will likely be welding mild steel 1/4 or smaller.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWWith only 140 amps available max, you really won't be able to do good solid welds on much more than 1/8". Rule of thumb is 1 amp per .001". To do 1/4" with tig, you will need a much bigger machine. 140 amps would allow you to stick weld it however.If you are just starting out on  steel, go with thoriated. Only real reason is because it's typically less expensive. You will use a up a fair amount of tungsten grinding at 1st as you constantly foul the tungsten.
Reply:Most of my tungstens are from eBay Welding city and/or HTP.  As a hobbyist, can't really tell much of a difference. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Htp tungsten's are great. can't go wrong with them....
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopHtp tungsten's are great. can't go wrong with them....