Need advise on new machines.

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I have recent interest in welding aluminum, and am checking here to see if my welding machines are adequate for my needs.I have a Miller 210 with a spool gun that I reserve for aluminum only. Any steel or stainless steel goes in the box.My other machine is a Miller Econotig which I believe is 150A.As a hobby, I plan to build a small open aluminum skiff (15 to 18 feet)which will be mostly constructed of marine grade 1/8" and 3/16". Something very simple. I will probably start with a precut kit that I can build and sell later and hopefully pay for the materials. The time involved I wont count as I see it as valuble experience.So far I view my mig as more of a hobby machine but hopefully it is adequate for this job.The tig unit seems to perform well for its size, but the damn torch gets so hot I cant hold onto it after a while.I read about all these different machine having options such as pulse, high freq. squarewave technology etc...I guess my question is A) Is my 210 adequate for a small boat build like mine?And B) Are these (New to me) features just hype, or are they  worthy and effective.I see they have water cooled tig torches too, which does not seem like a gimmick, but a necessity for extended work with a tig torch.Maybe some of you can educate me a little.ThanksOzLast edited by DirtyOz; 08-30-2009 at 12:25 AM.Reason: typo
Reply:Your MM210 and spool gun is up to the task.   The Econotig will be working hard, but should be up to the task.Pulse is not needed on anything, but can be nice to have and helpful for some things.  I never use the pulse feature on my tig, but use the pulse on my mig often.  Personal preference there.High Frequency is a feature for starting the tig arc in DC and for starting and maintaining the tig arc in AC.  HF is not necessary to DC tig welding, but can be necessary to AC tig welding, depending on what power source is involved.   Traditionally, HF is required for AC tig welding due to the AC sine wave crossing zero at each half cycle.  As it crosses zero, the arc is extinguished.  The HF keeps the arc going as the wave crosses zero.   Some new inverter machines don't use HF for AC tig, but accomplish the same thing through other electronic method.  As you have found out,  making long hot welds with an air cooled tig torch is not fun.  To use water cooling, you need a cooler and a water cooled torch head and cable assembly.  Much nicer to weld with the water cooled torch.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:why not get some of the metal you plan to use and make some beads with each machine?if you like the beads, you dont need no more machines. i use an aircooled torch but i weld ms , even on thick metal i can deal with it. but al uses more heat...look into a wc torch..or do more stops and starts...
Reply:the econotig would be maxed out on 3/16 al.. whats the duty cycle on that machine at 150 A? torch may stay cool all by itself
Reply:Well, with my experience, or lack thereof, I am not sure if I know a good weld from a bad one. I know what looks pretty to the untrained eye. If a weld is all humped up and not wetted in, then I probably dont have good penetration. I try to look at the back side of my work for signs of burn through.I the the econotig is only 20% @ 160A, which is max on ac high. I have never had it shut down though, the hot torch gets me first Can you add water cooling to this particular unit, or does it have to come built in?
Reply:You can add a water cooler and water cooled torch.  You just need the right connector on the backend of the torch to hook up to the Econotig and the water lines run from there to the cooler.   You'll be able to use the cooler and torch on just about any tig machine, with the right connector or adaptor, so if you decide to upgrade later, you can sell your Econotig and keep the water cooled outfit for the next rig.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op