noob needs hep on stick to tig conv.

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Ok guys, like the title says im a yearling. I understand how to convert my handy-dandy Linc. AC/DC 225/125 buzzbox to TIG. My questions stem from some of the "kits" on the market.( http://www.tigdepot.net/products_det...?productid=234 )Why is there an adapter to take the machine from 220v to 110v? It also states that aluminum welding is possible using the adapter and welding in DC+. Is this a typ-o? I was under the impression that DCEN is the "preffered" way to TIG aluminum in DC current, Can any one enlighten me? Thanks.
Reply:Can you get a kit to convert your DC CC machine to tig... Yes. Can you do stainless, and mild steel with it using scratch start... Yes. Can you do DC alum tig... In reality NO. The only way this might work is if you really know what you are doing, and then only as a last resort. DC alum tig is an advanced technique. Don't expect to buy this kit and do alum. There's probably no more than a handful of guys here who could make it work, and they know there are better ways like AC tig. To do AC tig, you'd need a HF kit as well. Those will run you close to what a dedicated AC/DC tig machine would cost, and you'd still have at best a second rate machine.I'm not sure what the 110v part does. That makes no sense. You don't need  110v for a scratch strat tig with DC.Last edited by DSW; 11-03-2010 at 05:50 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Kinda what i figured on the aliumnum. Still stumped as to why these kits have an adapted to step down from 220v to 110v. will the machine even work?
Reply:Not sure.  Wish you could enlarge that image.What you need to find to do aluminum is an add-on high frequency box.  They come up on ebay from time to time.  Or you can build one like I did.
Reply:Yea im not sure on that plug in the pic either. All you need is a 2 piece tig torch with a gas valve, argon and a regulator and you are set. Cheaper then that kit. Look on ebay for tig torches. You would need a Hf box to weld alu with that unit.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:220v to 110v plug ??????????????? i zoomed in on the pic and i dont get itLincoln Power Arc 4000 Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 iThermal arc 186Thermal Arc 26 tigTweeko 200 amp spool gunHobart AirForce 400WP-17V-12R
Reply:Originally Posted by assassin_works220v to 110v plug ??????????????? i zoomed in on the pic and i dont get it
Reply:OK this is some sort of classified information that I/we are not privy to. Here is another marketed kit with the mystery 220v to 110v adapter!!!!http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ges/tigkit.php
Reply:ok ok I know im the noob here but let me take a shot in the dark (preparing for flamage). So lets just say that a 220v machine will operate plugged into a 110 outlet ( have no clue if it will) would that lower the overall amperage out put of the unit enought for a highly skilled welder to weld thin aluminum in DC current? Not trying to will these kits to weld ali, just trying to come up with some purpose for this plug.
Reply:Found a related thread by searching...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=2506According to the last post in that thread, the extension/adapter cord just reduces the power, for welding thin metal.Aluminum can be welded in DCEP mode, but since ~70% of the heating power goes where the electrons are flowing, only ~30% of the heating power will get to heating the work, and the remainder will just be heating up the tungsten.  Therefore, a very large tungsten electrode will be required (to prevent it from overheating), and the process will be limited only to thin material.  Furthermore, expect heat on the workpiece to be spread out wide, and penetration to be shallow.  Sometimes you want this (build-up work), but usually (metal joining) you don't.Last edited by jakeru; 11-04-2010 at 02:16 AM.