finally got a tig

[IJ.]

William: Mines a 9000 xf or something can't remember the exact model but it's one down from the respirator equipped one and I LOVE it!

It's a case of how much welding you're going to be doing V's how much you value your eyes!

The lower level SG's would be fine and functional but it's a one time purchase and you'll have it for many years to come so if you can swing the $ it's worth getting the best!
(I only replaced mine after it was dropped like 20 times and wouldn't switch on reliably but I got it when they were first released so it's many years old)

 

[NDBoost]

I Really want a starter mig welder that i can get cheap but i have no clue how to properly set it up for my garage etc. Ill have to research it..

 

[group a supra]

my little cebora 100 is a good starter tig works well welds nice just no high freq so scratch start which is a pain in the ass and ian it still trashes the tv on scratch

 

[MDCmotorsports]

I have the same machine here.

Works like a champ, and will weld up to 1/2" aluminum if the electrical pannel circuit doesn't pop.

My only complaint on mine is its large, bulky and isn't really accurate enough in the lower amperage dept for welding thing stainless parts.

The newer lincolns and millers will weld all the way down to like 5 amps. The pedals on the new machines are very very touchy, where as the pedal on my machine is slow.

 

[williamb82]

yeah, i dont really like how big and bulky it is but it works and was the right price so who cares how big it is, i got room for it. lol. anyway, just got a brand new speedglas 9002v helmet off ebay for $200 shipped. only about $70 more then the base model so why not.

http://www.hornell.com/hsi/9v.html

 

[williamb82]

well, my speedglas finally arrived. this thing is sweet. adjusts from 9-13 has 5 sensitivity settings, 4 delay settings, etc.. and is light as a feather compared to some of the helmets my dad has. i cant wait to start using this thing. anyhow have a recomendation on what darkness i should start it at so i dont see spots or flash my eyes when welding aluminum?

 

[IJ.]

I pretty well use 9>10 for Tig Will depending on current.

 

[Jeff Lange]

Wow that thing looks old, haha. I'm not a welder, so my experience is somewhat limited, but man... old... heh.

Oh well, as long as it works! I really like my brother's new Miller Tig though... it's all new and stuff. . They've got 2 Tigs and a Mig at his shop though... I'm glad he has a tig now though, so he can do the bodywork on my Corolla!

Enjoy the welder William!

 

[jetjock]

I have a Thermal Arc 300GTSW square wave inverter. 30 pounds, fully programable, pulser, sloper, adjustable frequency, wave balance, automatic pre and post flow, you name it. A wonderful machine. It's for sale if anyone is interested. Not gonna be cheap though.

I'm not a fan of auto darkening helmets. They're ok is you weld all day long but otherwise I prefer a standard helmet with gold glass. One word William: practice. You might also look into a good book on GTAW. Miller puts out an excellent one. Better still is to take some classes. Did I mention practice?

 

[miggles]

set it to 13 and look at the sun.I used to watch solar eclipses when they were happening through my speedglass9000x.(before it died)
Saw venus pass infront of the sun too many yrs back too.
Worst bit is when it keeps goin dark when a forklift with the strobe light drives around and u see light/dark/light/dark.

 

[thesandymancan]

i love my speedglass... i just have the basic one and it works great. the only problem is when i watch someone else tig. sometimes it doesnt auto darken. i dont know why but i remedy it by just taping a shade 5 lens to the inside. it not the best plan but i do love having an aproximate shade 15 when im welding. hope to get a better one soon. anyway congrats on the new welder!

 

[SD2JZA70]

I have a Thermal Arc 300GTSW square wave inverter. 30 pounds, fully programable, pulser, sloper, adjustable frequency, wave balance, automatic pre and post flow, you name it. A wonderful machine. It's for sale if anyone is interested. Not gonna be cheap though.

I'm not a fan of auto darkening helmets. They're ok is you weld all day long but otherwise I prefer a standard helmet with gold glass. One word William: practice. You might also look into a good book on GTAW. Miller puts out an excellent one. Better still is to take some classes. Did I mention practice?

I have a thermal arc also. its a great machine thats loaded with features and its nice how small and compact they are.

 

[williamb82]

well, i wont have hte probs of a forklift. i dont work at a shop so itll be at my house. lol. anyway, yeah, i plan to practice alot. also, my dad has been a welded for over 30 years so he will give me the lessons i need plus i already planned ot buy a book. just havent had a chance. still havent gotten to hook it up yet. we arnt done rewiring the house so once thats done and the house has been inspected, then we are gonna run the outlet for the tig and bring it out of storage to my house. then i can get crackin. lol.