just bought a tig machine and would like to learn. Any recommendations on books?

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well against my better judgement I just pulled the trigger on a everlast 256 tig/plasma comboI don't do a lot of welding so i can't justify the expense of a miller, and I already have a miller 250 mig.  I just wanted something to tig weld stainless auto turbo systems and aluminum...and the plasma was a plus.  Figure if they stand by their warranty, at the price savings it might be worth it just as long as the machine can do its job.  The videos from welding tips and tricks is what pushed me over the edge to actually buy it.Now i've watched all the video's from welding tips and tricks and i feel like i did learn a lot, but I really want to get my skills honed.Any good books out there?  Something that can help select which tungsten and filler rod to use along with how to get proper settings and welding techniques for different materials?I am excited!!  I have been limited so many times on fabricating different components because of the inability to weld thin metal, stainless, and aluminum!
Reply:Weldingtipsandtricks.com and searching/posting this forum is your best friend. I've learned more from that than any book I've seen.Everyone has their opinions on tungsten. From a new guy standpoint red/thoriated or blue/2% lanthanted is all I use. Love them both. Lots of people don't like the red due to radioactive debate but the blue works great too. From what I have gathered. 1/16" tungsten is good for up to 125amps. I've read that 3/32 is good for 180amps but can't speak for certain. I've never gone past 125amps. A gas lens kit helps a lot for beginning. For filler I use 4043 for aluminum (can't anodize it, you need 5356) and I stick with mainly 1/16th filler. I have some 308L for stainless and welding stainless to mild and some regular mild rod in 1/16 and 3/32. Just practice. Proper settings (ideally, take with a grain of salt)1 amp per .001 thicknessso if your piece is 1/8" thick. 1/8" = .125 = 125amps. (ROUGHLY) It's like the settings on the door on the mig welder, it gives you a good starting point but is not 100% perfect. I've also heard this window goes out the window after 1/4" or so. Can't remember exactly, but it was said on weldingtipsandtricks.comTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:If you want to hone your skills, hood time is irreplaceable.  Asking questions here is always good.As Gamble said, 2% Lanthanated works great for everything and up to 200 amps for 3/32". Get a gas lens kit.  You may wanna replace the factory torch as I hear it's a POS.  You may wanna consider going with a 20 series WC torch because they're so much more maneuverable and easy to use.  You can use the poor mans method and just use a garden hose to feed it.I have a homemade 20 series torch adapter a 20' waterline that you can have for free if you pay the shipping which should be less than $10.As for aluminum filler, buy 4340 and 5356.  I like 3/32 the best all around.  Use 5356 for everything except applications where the weld will be subjected to heat.  Alcotec has a great chart showing which alloy filler bonds which alloy parent material.  If I can find it I will repost.eBay is a great place to purchase your consumables.  Good luck.  Please report back your experiences with the machine, good or bad.Report them in this part of the forum and not the Everlast portion.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Here it is:http://alcotec.com/us/en/support/upl...on_Chart-2.pdfCertainly more specific than my recommendations.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:The miller student pack for $25.00 is the best money you can spend on welding of any type. Get it and it contains a lot of info on all types of welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by mwshawThe miller student pack for $25.00 is the best money you can spend on welding of any type. Get it and it contains a lot of info on all types of welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleYou have a link? It was $25 when I bought it, but last time I looked I swear it went up to $80ish.