TIG, MIG or both? - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Redemption · 10-15-2012, 10:52 PM

One thing that no one mentioned....

Buy the BEST machine you can afford. I made the mistake when I bought my first MIG to not go with the 220 machine (I only had 1 plug at the time, and my wife wasnt gonna gonna let me unplug the drier to do some welding!!)

But now that I have proper power supply, I am kicking myself for going with a cheaper, 110 volt machine. Its fine for little projects, but not for the bigger stuff.

I havent learned TIG yet, so I cant really speak to your question.

J

hapisok · 10-16-2012, 02:48 AM

tracy,

what are some of your recommendations for a home DIY'er? there seem to be a lot of options out there ranging anywhere from $300 to well over $1000+.

thanks

CFD · 10-16-2012, 05:34 AM

I don't think you will find many tig welders for under $1000.00 and any you do find will most likely be underpowered. If you are welding steel I would recomend a minimum of 180 amp for up to about 3/16-1/4" thick materials. Personally I would not purchase a tig machine under 250 amp but would preffer a 300 amp machine. When welding aluminum, especially thicher materials a 180 amp machine is marginal.

If it is something you are serious about and don't mind spending the money I would look into Miller welders, I've had a couple and was very happy with them. If you want to get serious look into the the newer technology inverter welders. I currently have a 300 amp thermo dynamics inverter welder. It can weld anything from beer cans to aluminum engine case sections with ease. They also will weld thicker aluminum without the need for pre-heating. Because of their technology welding thinner metals is also easier with much more control .

I'm not sure if there are any in your area but Middelsex gasses, a welding supply co, usually have free instructional classes for tig welding. It is a basic introductory class but may be beneficial in showing the basics as well as machine capabilities.

SC2150 · 10-16-2012, 09:48 AM

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/

Excelent welders for low prices...get 220V, and with enough capabilities. These weld every bit as good as the miller unit I have had for years, only complaint is the foot pedal is not as smooth as a top brand, but it only takes a few minutes to get used to it.

Unreal adjustments and I use one of these daily production with excelent results.

Jason@JacFab · 10-16-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC2150

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/

Excelent welders for low prices...get 220V, and with enough capabilities. These weld every bit as good as the miller unit I have had for years, only complaint is the foot pedal is not as smooth as a top brand, but it only takes a few minutes to get used to it.

Unreal adjustments and I use one of these daily production with excelent results.

Funny you should mention that brand, both a friend and myself are looking at purchasing a new TIG from them. Which one do you have? I've seen some good reviews, and I've seen a couple bad ones...

The worst one I've seen is here: http://ls1tech.com/forums/tools-fabr...er-review.html

hapisok, keep in mind if you do get one of these welders, if you get into the bigger range you will need the water cooler system for the torch also... The PowerTig 200DX comes with an air cooled torch, so no need for the water cooler, and can be had for $999 w/ free shipping from Amazon.com... The only thing I don't like about the smller units is that they have a 20amp start for AC (aluminum welding), which may suck on extremely thin aluminum projects...

I'm eyeballing the PowerTig 250ex (which has a 5amp start) to replace my fading 1972 Miller Dialarc HF, but I'm on the fence and would hate to get a piece of crap and have to send it back...

NDC123 · 10-16-2012, 11:16 AM

Go with Miller or Lincoln ...IMO (and a lot of others) Hobart sucks.

JasonK · 10-16-2012, 12:24 PM

I have a little 110 Lincoln Flux core welder that I have since converted to a MIG welder. I could not image not having it. Use is often.

Jason@JacFab · 10-16-2012, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDC123

Go with Miller or Lincoln ...IMO (and a lot of others) Hobart sucks.

Both Hobart and Miller are owned by the came company and share a lot of the same technology... I've used Hobart stuff before and haven't had a problem with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonK

I have a little 110 Lincoln Flux core welder that I have since converted to a MIG welder. I could not image not having it. Use is often.

I also have one of these for the times that need a welder outside the shop... Comes in pretty handy... And I believe at least with mine there is an aluminum welding option that I can get for it. Of course it's not tig, but still handy to have.

SC2150 · 10-16-2012, 05:16 PM

I have the 250EX and the water cooling is easy (comes all set up for it, just add a tank and a small pump).

This gets used daily, and some days near non stop. Zero issues, cant say enough and it replaced my $5k Miller.

Only thing I dont like is the foot pedal, but got used to it in no time.

CFD · 10-16-2012, 05:37 PM

If you are planning on welding a bit of thicker aluminum a water cooler is a must, the air cooled torches are not sufficient. Also some welders can use a contactor/amp control switch mounted to the torch, this is very useful when doing a lot of off bench welding. I build motrcycle chassis and find that using a foot switch can be quite problematic at times although when I can I preffer the foot switch.

Jason@JacFab · 10-16-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC2150

I have the 250EX and the water cooling is easy (comes all set up for it, just add a tank and a small pump).

This gets used daily, and some days near non stop. Zero issues, cant say enough and it replaced my $5k Miller.

Only thing I dont like is the foot pedal, but got used to it in no time.

Huh, thanks for the info... I bet I could use the current water cooler of the old Miller?

I spoke with the local Industrial Source welder's supply rep today when he came by and asked him about the Everlast stuff. Said he had never heard of it. He recommended a Lincoln tig, over a Miller, and the problem one might have with the Everlast even if it was a good unit was that a guy might have a hard time getting consumables, or repair parts for it.

It's starting to look like a better and better deal though.

How long have you had your 250ex?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFD

If you are planning on welding a bit of thicker aluminum a water cooler is a must, the air cooled torches are not sufficient. Also some welders can use a contactor/amp control switch mounted to the torch, this is very useful when doing a lot of off bench welding. I build motrcycle chassis and find that using a foot switch can be quite problematic at times although when I can I preffer the foot switch.

Even if welding thin aluminum, if you expect to be welding for a long period of time the water cooler is a must... I melted the water lines in the whip while welding a fuel cell because the other welder in the shop had turned off the water cooler (If left on it will turn on/off with the welder, but it can be turned off separately) and I didn't realize it... OOPS!

I've gotten pretty good operating the foot pedal in various ways if the foot can't always operate it... If I'm not sitting on a chair or stool I'm usually crouched down, or sitting on my A$$. With practice you can run the pedal with your knee when kneeling down, or the back of your leg if sitting... I hate the hand operated amp control on the torch... I'll figure a way to run the foot pedal with some part of my body

CFD · 10-16-2012, 05:59 PM

I was a contortionist for years when I had my Miller dialarc HFP using the foot switch in every conceivable position. When I got the inverter welder that utilizes the hand switch life became much easier. At 57 my body isn't as flexible as it used to be LOL

SC2150 · 10-16-2012, 06:48 PM

Were the same age CFD!!!! Yes, the finger switch is so easy.....but I still use the foot pedal at the bench.

Remeber when tig was called "heli-ark"? I certified in 1976 pipe welding...cast iron my strongest.

CFD · 10-16-2012, 06:59 PM

I also use the foot pedal whenever practical, much more control but I do use the hand switch quite often. I do quite a bit of steel and stainless but where as I build custom bikes as well as restorations on Harleys I also do a ton of aluminum, often thick castings that have been broken for years and full of contamination.

10-15-2012, 10:52 PM	#15
Redemption Just Because! Drives: 2010 SIM 2SSRS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 6,909	One thing that no one mentioned.... Buy the BEST machine you can afford. I made the mistake when I bought my first MIG to not go with the 220 machine (I only had 1 plug at the time, and my wife wasnt gonna gonna let me unplug the drier to do some welding!!) But now that I have proper power supply, I am kicking myself for going with a cheaper, 110 volt machine. Its fine for little projects, but not for the bigger stuff. I havent learned TIG yet, so I cant really speak to your question. J __________________ My Build Thread

10-16-2012, 02:48 AM	#16
hapisok crazier than a coconut Drives: 2010 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: virginia Posts: 1,547	tracy, what are some of your recommendations for a home DIY'er? there seem to be a lot of options out there ranging anywhere from $300 to well over $1000+. thanks __________________

10-16-2012, 11:16 AM	#20
NDC123 The Machinist Drives: 2012 2SS/RS LS3 IBM silver rally Join Date: May 2012 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 402	Go with Miller or Lincoln ...IMO (and a lot of others) Hobart sucks. __________________ American Racing Headers w/high-flow cats and x-pipe, Flowmaster American Thunder Axle-back mufflers, VMAX ported throttle body, CAI intake, ADM race scoop, RX Catch Can, PEDDERS Street Z package-ZL1 sways-XA Coilovers, PFADT trailing arms-toe rods, RPM 3:91 gears, RPM Stage V Trans, ADM diff bushings, tune by ADM, and still bustin' knuckles!

10-16-2012, 05:34 AM	#17
CFD Drives: 2SS/RS L99 BLACK Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Franklin , MA Posts: 6,696	I don't think you will find many tig welders for under $1000.00 and any you do find will most likely be underpowered. If you are welding steel I would recomend a minimum of 180 amp for up to about 3/16-1/4" thick materials. Personally I would not purchase a tig machine under 250 amp but would preffer a 300 amp machine. When welding aluminum, especially thicher materials a 180 amp machine is marginal. If it is something you are serious about and don't mind spending the money I would look into Miller welders, I've had a couple and was very happy with them. If you want to get serious look into the the newer technology inverter welders. I currently have a 300 amp thermo dynamics inverter welder. It can weld anything from beer cans to aluminum engine case sections with ease. They also will weld thicker aluminum without the need for pre-heating. Because of their technology welding thinner metals is also easier with much more control . I'm not sure if there are any in your area but Middelsex gasses, a welding supply co, usually have free instructional classes for tig welding. It is a basic introductory class but may be beneficial in showing the basics as well as machine capabilities.

10-16-2012, 09:48 AM	#18
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 6,063	http://www.everlastgenerators.com/ Excelent welders for low prices...get 220V, and with enough capabilities. These weld every bit as good as the miller unit I have had for years, only complaint is the foot pedal is not as smooth as a top brand, but it only takes a few minutes to get used to it. Unreal adjustments and I use one of these daily production with excelent results.

10-16-2012, 12:24 PM	#21
JasonK Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Topeka, Kansas Posts: 713 View My Garage	I have a little 110 Lincoln Flux core welder that I have since converted to a MIG welder. I could not image not having it. Use is often.

10-16-2012, 05:16 PM	#23
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 6,063	I have the 250EX and the water cooling is easy (comes all set up for it, just add a tank and a small pump). This gets used daily, and some days near non stop. Zero issues, cant say enough and it replaced my $5k Miller. Only thing I dont like is the foot pedal, but got used to it in no time.

10-16-2012, 05:37 PM	#24
CFD Drives: 2SS/RS L99 BLACK Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Franklin , MA Posts: 6,696	If you are planning on welding a bit of thicker aluminum a water cooler is a must, the air cooled torches are not sufficient. Also some welders can use a contactor/amp control switch mounted to the torch, this is very useful when doing a lot of off bench welding. I build motrcycle chassis and find that using a foot switch can be quite problematic at times although when I can I preffer the foot switch.

10-16-2012, 05:59 PM	#26
CFD Drives: 2SS/RS L99 BLACK Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Franklin , MA Posts: 6,696	I was a contortionist for years when I had my Miller dialarc HFP using the foot switch in every conceivable position. When I got the inverter welder that utilizes the hand switch life became much easier. At 57 my body isn't as flexible as it used to be LOL

10-16-2012, 06:48 PM	#27
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 6,063	Were the same age CFD!!!! Yes, the finger switch is so easy.....but I still use the foot pedal at the bench. Remeber when tig was called "heli-ark"? I certified in 1976 pipe welding...cast iron my strongest.

10-16-2012, 06:59 PM	#28
CFD Drives: 2SS/RS L99 BLACK Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Franklin , MA Posts: 6,696	I also use the foot pedal whenever practical, much more control but I do use the hand switch quite often. I do quite a bit of steel and stainless but where as I build custom bikes as well as restorations on Harleys I also do a ton of aluminum, often thick castings that have been broken for years and full of contamination.