bits of tig welding info

grumpyvette

Administrator
Staff member
TIGSetup.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tig-Welder...-FACTORY-PRICE-/283328437019?oid=283247999560
dinse-25-water-cooled.jpg

https://www.plantservices.com/articles/2012/08-simplify-tig-torch-installation/

rangerwelder.jpg


I purchased a Lincoln engine driven generator/ arc welder, fully anticipating adding a TIG adapter kit at some point
https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-...roducttype=gt&detail=K1783-9(LincolnElectric)

https://store.cyberweld.com/watcoolsys.html
https://store.cyberweld.com/watigtopa.html

ligtort.jpg

coolanty.jpg

if you check out the local classified and bargain trader magazines and keep asking friends, constantly youll eventually see or hear of some screaming deals when some local factory or shop goes bankrupt or moves and unloads old welders dirt cheap, the key here is KNOWING what the equipment is your looking at and what ITS WORTH, and being able to identify single phase 230 volt welders.
most guys will snap up the more common welders but you can get incredible deals at times on larger commercial welders., just because a welder might be rated at 350 amps doesn,t necessarily mean it can,t be used at much lower amp levels, I have one friend that found a deal on a 350 amp tig welder with a ton of extras several torches, fluid pumps etc. that cost $15 k new he picked up used for $3700 simply because it had a tag on it at an auction asking $6500 but the guy had no one else even bid, so the guy took my friends bid
before anyone buys any welder , new or used,

you should call and talk too both the manufactures reps, the TECH and sales and repair dept. guys,
and find someone local thats owned and used one for at least several months,
Ideally you'll want to get a local dealer to point out the welders strong vs weak points,
and perhaps let you either try one out or point you to a local shop,
that will be willing to let you try a few welds and show you how too use the welder for a few buck$
slipping some guy $50 -$60 bucks for 20-30 minutes instruction on a similar machine,
before you buy one,

is going to be a great financial investmen
t, and it could save you from making the wrong decision.
if the TIG welder your looking at does not have AC/DC and pulse frequency, options,
and rated at at least 180 amps, its not going to be ideal for welding aluminum.

http://www.mez.co.uk/turbo2.html

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-tungsten-grinder-57555.html

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

http://www.usaweld.com/TIG-WELDER-Invertig-221-Welder-p/70221-12.5-1.htm

http://www.circletrack.com/howto/ctrp_0 ... index.html

http://weldingmag.com/equipment-automat ... lder-0209/

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article ... elder.aspx

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/ar ... lding-farm

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-t ... lding.html

http://www.welding-advisers.com/Tig-welding-tips.html

http://www.weldplus.com/tig-welders.htm

http://reviews.ebay.com/Selecting-Tungs ... 0000845055

http://www.wcwelding.com/aluminum-tig-welding.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/te ... _weld.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/te ... /TIG_tips/

http://tractors.ucdavis.edu/TOMBELLTIGTIPS1.pdf

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

http://www.welding-advisers.com/Tig-welding-tips.html

http://www.metalshapers.org/101/draczuk/shoptip9.shtml

http://www.carmenelectrode.com/category ... ding-tips/

http://www.wcwelding.com/tig-welding.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/swf/flv/flas ... &h=250&v=8
 
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TIG torches on most cheap machines are air cooled, this can and frequently does limit the duration between cool down periods required at higher amp levels
a liquid cooled torch requires an additional coolant pump and reservoir of coolant (generally radiator fluid) generally a separate 110 volt pump in reservoir of coolant, and requires a TIG TORCH designed to be fluid cooled, most commercial coolant pumps run on a 110 volt pump with about a 2 gallon fluid capacity and generally are designed to sit on a welding car next too or under or over the TIG WELDER
BTW the idiot in the video says you need to strictly limit coolant flow, thats basically WRONG, you want to limit PRESSURE but increases in volume at reasonable pressure helps increase cooling efficiency

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tig-Welder...-FACTORY-PRICE-/283328437019?oid=283247999560


simplify-TIG-torch-installation2.jpg

Figure 1. This diagram shows the proper connection of a water-cooled GTAW torch from the water cooler to the power source.


https://www.thefabricator.com/thewelder/article/arcwelding/tips-for-tig-torches

tips-for-tig-torches-gtaw-water-cooled-torches.jpg

Figure 1Water-cooled torches have color-coded hoses to ease installation.
The output water hose is blue,
the return water hose/power cable is red,

and the gas hose is black.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PowerCool-...h=item2ab58cba1d:g:EiwAAOSwLNpbnFhw:rk:1:pf:0
$_57.JPG

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/arcwelding/tips-for-tig-torches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nPvCwsk06Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_wY0_fzSqE

tungs1.png
 
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https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....cpc&utm_content=3637&utm_campaign=product-ads

its fully possible to weld aluminum with some of the larger amp rated MIG welders, or convert some arc welders to tig


p20565.jpg

but the cost to modify those existing mig or arc welders with the required accessory kits now exceed the cost of a few of the available new tig welders in some cases.
obviously youll want to compare feature amp ratings and work/time

https://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc...MI2fuG1MaH2QIVGbXACh3zAwl5EAQYAyABEgLtUfD_BwE








spoolmatic-30a_002.jpg

https://www.millerwelds.com/accesso...product-options-title=spoolmatic-30-ft-130831

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-252-mig-welder-m00218

both lincoln and miller have kits available to convert the mig welders to either weld aluminum as a mig welder or convert existing arc welders to tig welding


weld212.jpg
[/img]
several of my friends own this miller 212 mig welder and give it rave reviews
https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-212-auto-set-mig-welder-m00456



weld252.jpg
[/img]

I bought this miller 252, mig several years ago,
and so far its performed well on everything I've attempted to use it on,
yes I think we all wish quality welders cost less,but you tend to get what you pay for in tool quality.
and it should be obvious that you'll need too read the manual and practice a bit.
before you get good results and loading the mig welder with quality wire
millfeedw.png

and using the correct shield gas is mandatory, and yes there,s adjustments on the welder wire feed and it helps to experiment a bit,
and it should be obvious that the wire must be maintained rust free so spraying it with a bit of wd 40 might be a good idea ,
and certainly covering the welder and keeping it stored in a well ventilated and dry place when not in use is mandatory.
milcov.png

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-252-mig-welder-m00218
I don,t know anyone whose purchased a better quality lincoln or miller mig welder rated at 200 amps or higher that regrets spending the cash required to do so later on,
but I,ve heard a good many people who bought much less expensive mig welder,
who deeply regret not waiting and spending a bit more on a better welder.
good option if you can afford too do so.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200383272_200383272?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Welding > Engine Drive Welding&utm_campaign=Lincoln Electric&utm_content=164593
164593a.jpg

164593b.jpg


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200622186_200622186

hobartw1a.jpg
 
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http://www.welderbros.com/best-tig-welder-reviews

http://www.thetoolreport.com/best-tig-welders/

http://weldinglist.com/best-tig-welder-reviews/

https://www.cromweld.com/best-tig-welders/



http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-0704-pitstop-fuel-injector-location/
keep an eye out for any place like that welding shop that might be moving or closing you might be able to score a good financial deal,
on a used welder, most places would rather make a few hundred bucks rather than store older equipment as they would generally prefer,
to upgrade the equipment at the new location or when they restart the business.
you might also look for adds in the local craigs list or bargain trader magazines.


https://www.eastwood.com/welders/ti...MIjvmesPeF2QIVXrbACh3r0ARzEAAYASAAEgKgXvD_BwE

https://www.red-d-arc.com/Used-Equi...US&BranchCode=016&Subclass=LK1478&BranchID=63

ebay (look for local adds as the welder would ideally be tested before purchasing it)

I found these links above interesting
I bought a ANCIENT 1980s TIG 330 amp welder used, for a bit less than $1000 with a liquid cooled torch and accessories ,GAUGES , years ago,

it may be old but it TIG welds just fine,
and has paid for itself many time over in that length of time.
many welder shops charge a minimum hourly rate or something like $40 plus $1 an inch for welds,
the cost racks up much more rapidly than you might imagine and makes owning a welder and knowing how to use it well, a damn good investment
a simple job like adding injector bosses to an intake can be done with a properly set up mig or tig welder for under $60 in materials if you own a welder and drill press, but most shops will charge well north of $250 -$330 to do that for you,
obviously at that rate it pays off a welder rapidly





yes I'd upgrade in a 1/2 a heartbeat if I had the finances and pass that welder on to someone else as it still functions perfectly, but its certainly not up-to-date
330ampmiller.jpg


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ng-to-water-cooled-tig-torch.8710/#post-30680

I'm certainly not a professional welder by any stretch ,
but I can,t see how anyone can seriously function in this hobby without access to a decent welder. a decent drill press, floor jack and jack stands, and a hydraulic press
yes I'm admittedly a tool junky , and I like having access to decent quality tools.
I find that most people are more familiar with MIG welders and I see far more MIG welders in my friends shops.





weld212.jpg
[/img]
several of my friends own this miller 212 mig welder and give it rave reviews
https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-212-auto-set-mig-welder-m00456



weld252.jpg
[/img]

I bought this miller 252, mig several years ago,
and so far its performed well on everything I've attempted to use it on,
yes I think we all wish quality welders cost less,but you tend to get what you pay for in tool quality.
and it should be obvious that you'll need too read the manual and practice a bit.
before you get good results and loading the mig welder with quality wire
millfeedw.png

and using the correct shield gas is mandatory, and yes there,s adjustments on the welder wire feed and it helps to experiment a bit,
and it should be obvious that the wire must be maintained rust free so spraying it with a bit of wd 40 might be a good idea ,
and certainly covering the welder and keeping it stored in a well ventilated and dry place when not in use is mandatory.
milcov.png

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-252-mig-welder-m00218
I don,t know anyone whose purchased a better quality lincoln or miller mig welder rated at 200 amps or higher that regrets spending the cash required to do so later on,
but I,ve heard a good many people who bought much less expensive mig welder,
who deeply regret not waiting and spending a bit more on a better welder.
 
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I found this info below,posted else ware,
if you guys would care to add additional info or options by all means do so!
most shops could use a TIG WELDER or a MIG welder, MIG is generally versatile and faster,
TIG, tends in my opinion to produce better quality welds, and has some advantage's on aluminum, but its slower.
my 330 amp MILLER TIG is at least 40 years old it lacks most modern features but it does most welds just fine for a 40 plus year old tech.


Looking at the following:
Everlast Powertig 200
https://www.everlastgenerators.com/p...powertig-200dv

Lincoln Squrare wave 200 (currently on sale for $1300 ish)
https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-u...incolnElectric)

Prime Weld 225. Surprisingly has really good reviews for its price point.
https://www.amazon.com/PRIMEWELD-TIG.../dp/B07BXHRBQ8

Eastwood Tig 200
https://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc....kaAnydEALw_wcB

https://jattus.com/shop/tig-perfect

Ive been trying to find a used Miller syncrowave but if you can find one folks still want $1800-2K for one.
__________________
 
I found this info below,posted else ware,
if you guys would care to add additional info or options by all means do so!
most shops could use a TIG WELDER or a MIG welder, MIG is generally versatile and faster,
TIG, tends in my opinion to produce better quality welds, and has some advantage's on aluminum, but its slower.
my 330 amp MILLER TIG is at least 40 years old it lacks most modern features but it does most welds just fine for a 40 plus year old tech.



__________________

I would settle for a Big 40 year old water cooled TIG.
But the Garage is jammed packed with a rare white car.
Engines.
Pontiac 9.3 diffs.

Remember the Miller TIG Ed has.
Nice.
About $10k all ready to race car Fab.

Brother has a Portable Miller TIG I seen but have not used.
Like those Miller suitcase TIG welders.
Once you actually Race Car fab build you need to weld 8-12 hours non stop.
Need a water cooled TIG or the torch overheats. Production goes down slow.
Welds look bad too.
 
I have everlast 200 amp acdc tig in my garage works great exept chinese torch is big and heavy
So i m using kemppi pipe welder torch
https://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=KemppiTTK250WS&po=627075704
At work im welding with kemppi machines ,very expensive guality machines
Everlast works as goog as kemppi but i dont know how everlast takes shop use or job sites like stell foundry ,paper mills ,mines ,where i do work
https://www.kemppi.com/en-US/offering/equipment/manual-welding/
 
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I have everlast 200 amp acdc tig in my garage works great exept chinese torch is big and heavy
So i m using kemppi pipe welder torch
https://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=KemppiTTK250WS&po=627075704
At work im welding with kemppi machines ,very expensive guality machines
Everlast works as goog as kemppi but i dont know how everlast takes shop use or job sites like stell foundry ,paper mills ,mines ,where i do work
https://www.kemppi.com/en-US/offering/equipment/manual-welding/
Nice Reading about Kemppi.
 
one of the better TIG welding videos showing a few differences between a 110 volt and 220 volt settings,
on a welder that can be run with either voltage feed.
I really wish he would have used a band saw to cut the recently welded area down the center,
to show the depth of the welds penetration on both voltage/amp settings
the difference in depth of the welds,
my experience is far more obvious than the video seemed to indicate.
keep in mind a TIG welder has the advantage over a MIG welder in that you can control the rate of heat separately from the use of the
material, you can constantly go back over an area with a TIG ARC,
without adding material, a mig will be pushing wire along with the arc,
if theres not enough amps for the application it results in a cold weld and a pile of semi melted welding wire,
this is one reason tig has potentially much more precise welds,
a 110 volt Mig is great on thin steel, sheet metal like auto body panels,
not so much on thicker frames etc and
you really benefit from AC/DC on a TIG if welding aluminum.


 
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one of the better TIG welding videos showing a few differences between a 110 volt and 220 volt settings,
on a welder that can be run with either voltage feed.
I really wish he would have used a band saw to cut the recently welded area down the center,
to show the depth of the welds penetration on both voltage/amp settings
the difference in depth of the welds,
my experience is far more obvious than the video seemed to indicate.
keep in mind a TIG welder has the advantage over a MIG welder in that you can control the rate of heat separately from the use of the
material, you can constantly go back over an area with a TIG ARC,
without adding material, a mig will be pushing wire along with the arc,
if theres not enough amps for the application it results in a cold weld and a pile of semi melted welding wire,
this is one reason tig has potentially much more precise welds,
a 110 volt Mig is great on thin steel, sheet metal like auto body panels,
not so much on thicker frames etc and
you really benefit from AC/DC on a TIG if welding aluminum.


I watched Grumpy.
Big difference on 220 VAC.
Thinking the High Frequency RF Circuits are much happier more efficient on 220 VAC line power vs 110 VAC.
 
very true, but just having 220 volt feed is not the only factor in TIG,
A TIG WELDER with the ability to vary current/amps from, AC/DC, polarity ,and wave frequency are all advantages.
I hope we get a few members with more MIG and TIG experience than I have posting here!
I've been welding, with a oxy-acetylene torch,
MIG
,TIG,
and ARC welders
for decades

but that certainly in no way makes me an expert
 
very true, but just having 220 volt feed is not the only factor in TIG,
A TIG WELDER with the ability to vary current/amps from, AC/DC, polarity ,and wave frequency are all advantages.
I hope we get a few members with more MIG and TIG experience than I have posting here!
I've been welding, with a oxy-acetylene torch,
MIG
,TIG,
and ARC welders
for decades

but that certainly in no way makes me an expert
I think guys could would do more if they were able to Finance and pay it off long-term or short term Grumpy.
 
Looking at $5,000+ cash to TIG weld like the Pros do state of the art.
I notice alot of those You Tube welders do art work.
I think to pay for the gear they bought on the credit card.
Drag Racers will not let you touch a car unless you have a Fast Drag Car of your Own.
 
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