SKOL me on tig welders

[rockwerks]

basics of the units

what amperage welds what thicknesses

inverter?

many also have arc/plasma cutter/tig configurations any good?

110/220? many have dual electric applicatinos?

[RCP Phx]

I bought the Lincoln 185,it will weld up to 3/16" steel.It does also serve as a "stick" welder.
http://content.lincolnelectric.com/graphics/products/catalog/00003388.jpg

[OT]

Here (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari100stsdcs.html) is the ultimate in budget TIG welding.

Believe it or not, this little bugger is hot.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/cyberweld_1862_1750023

[rockwerks]

I bought the Lincoln 185,it will weld up to 3/16" steel.It does also serve as a "stick" welder.
http://content.lincolnelectric.com/graphics/products/catalog/00003388.jpg

not quite big enough, Im probably looking for a 220v unit that needs to be able to do 1/2" at least

this one would be closer Id think (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari200stldcs.html)

[OT]

this one would be closer Id think (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari200stldcs.html)
Good call!!

[BrettM]

not quite big enough, Im probably looking for a 220v unit that needs to be able to do 1/2" at least

this one would be closer Id think (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari200stldcs.html)
Please note: the I 200 STL is a DC inverter and is not suitable for AC TIG welding of aluminum

I wouldn't get a TIG that couldn't do Al

[rockwerks]

I wouldn't get a TIG that couldn't do Al

I can still do 3/16 alum with my mig clarke en 130

[RCP Phx]

not quite big enough, Im probably looking for a 220v unit that needs to be able to do 1/2" at least

this one would be closer Id think (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari200stldcs.html)
TIG welds of that thickness will be "multi-pass" welds.

[RCP Phx]

Here (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari100stsdcs.html) is the ultimate in budget TIG welding.

Believe it or not, this little bugger is hot.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/cyberweld_1862_1750023
It doesnt indicate any control (foot/hand) over the amperage,thats part of the "key" element of good TIG welds.

[OT]

It doesnt indicate any control (foot/hand) over the amperage,thats part of the "key" element of good TIG welds.
Because there is no "on the fly" adjustment.

But, like I said, it's an awsome budget TIG welder.

[Captain Ron]

Here (http://store.cyberweld.com/ari100stsdcs.html) is the ultimate in budget TIG welding.

Believe it or not, this little bugger is hot.

Hot is right. With out liquid cooling, don't expect the stinger cables to last very long at higher duty cycles.

I have one of the multi voltage Miller units we use for some off site stuff. They are great portable units. I have to run a chiller...

Lift Arc can be pretty cool, or a pain in the ass. My eyes prefer having HF. :D

I wouldn't get a TIG that couldn't do Al.

Niether would I, but my requirements are different than a hobbyist.

It's worth noting that I used to commonly weld Al with DC postitive, and un-balanced HF in alot of situations. It very common in aerospace work, and primarily used when features are running close to minimums for the proper bead on thicker material. Arc, puddle and shrinkage control is excellent. Re-flowing inside corners is another great application.

--ron

[tweekedknee]

All i know is we have two miller syncrowaves at work, one from the 70's thats hooked up to the chiller (this one gets used the most) and one thats like 5 years old that hardly ever gets used syncrowave 350 that we just hook up to a garden hose and run the water line out a window or door. Both of them can push 350 amps on i want to say something crazy like 95% duty cycle. To weld 1/2 inch your going to need some serious amperage, i would say atleast 200 for good penetration and with that kind of power a water cooled torch will be your best friend. The strange sounding thing is, if you plan on welding aluminum your actually going to need MORE power because it acts like a heat sink especially on bigger pieces.