Tig 102

[Sieg]

This project has been the best practice I've had to date. Besides the additional material prep and cleaning my speed has improved and so have the beads.....go figure.

Today I was installing .5" x .5" shelving stringers that required fabbing a fitment jig and due to the bow in the 2x4 lower frame tubing I had gaps at the top of the .5" tubing that required using a lay-wire technique with 3/32" filler.

It's also forced numerous ambidextrous torch and foot control situations.



Yes, I could have run and gunned the thing with the MIG and it would have been solid............but I plan on having this thing the rest of my life and the TIG welds look so much better that to me they're worth the extra effort......and this type of practice is invaluable.

If I could afford the welding table and fixturing that shares my last name this stuff would be easy : http://www.stronghandtools.com/siegmundtables/index.php

[GregWeld]

I totally agree - but I'm going to give you crap regardless.



Personally - I'd give my MIG machine away... it's just way more fun and looks way mo' betta with TIG. Plus - it requires SKILLZ.....

[Sieg]

Practice, practice, practice.........



Why do I want a larger welding table?

[DRJDVM's '69]

Well it looks like I'm finally going to pull the trigger on getting a TIG..

I've been debating it for a good year now.....95% of the metal work on my car is done, so in reality I really don't need one at this point...yes GW, the car has made a lot of progress, I just haven't posted about it and no, its not done yet......but the funds are available right now, so its the best time if I'm ever going to get one

Can't justify the $$ or size to go above the Miller Diversion 180....not for the needs I have and the space in my garage...

Of course, I haven't even ordered it yet, and I'm already thinking of things to "tweak" on it.....gas lenses, flexible torch, etc..any suggestions on the best small things to add that make a big difference? the 180 comes with the Weldcraft WP17 torch...

Best all around tungsten to start with....filler rod to start with etc....

I'm sure I will add different tungsten and filler as time goes by, but I don't want to load up on tons of supplies right off the bat...

My first project is going to be building a cart for the TIG and my plasma...that should help manage a little more space too...good practice also...

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Hi Ned,

You should be fine with the 180 but I would recommend more if you are going to get into alot of Aluminum work.

The Millers are so compact and makes it a great choice for home builders.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I buy alot from these guys. Fast free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILLER-DIVER...item5af96c5f28

[DRJDVM's '69]

I looked at the Syncrowave too, but the additional $700 and the size of the machine is too much of a downside for a machine that won't get used a ton...

If I had a bigger space I would get the bigger machine...

I do plan on some aluminum but mostly thin stuff... Brackets, tabs, pipe, nothing very thick or structural etc

I'm looking at stuff on cyberweld.com....

[BBC71Nova]

For you guys looking at the Diversion 180, today (Fat Tuesday) ZoroTools is offering 20% off and they carry that machine. Their normal price is a good bit higher but after the 20% you'll save some vs other online retailers.

Also, be sure and take advantage of the Miller Build with Blue rebate program. The way that works is you spend $150 on Miller accessories at the time you purchase the welder. So if you do the Zoro Tools deal you actually get 20% off of those as well so be sure and spend more than 150 so the after discount amount is > $150. Then submit the rebate. Miller will send you check for 10% of TOTAL purchase.

Zoro was running a similar 30% off deal around the holidays and the way it all worked out you could get the Div 180 and misc other accessories totaling over $200 out the door for about $1495 after you get the rebate from Miller. That was really good deal but this 20% active now isn't too shabby either.

BTW they appear to run these deals every few months so signing up for their email is worthwhile.

[96z28ss]

Originally Posted by DRJDVM's '69

95% of the metal work on my car is done, so in reality I really don't need one at this point...yes GW, the car has made a lot of progress, I just haven't posted about it and no, its not done yet........

We are going to need updated progress pics we aren't taking no for an answer.

[GregWeld]

Ned --- Good for you buddy!



You'll be hooked on TIG just like Sieg! It takes a lot of effort to be any good but it's so much fun!



Make sure you know the specs of the machine you settle on... and mostly - as Vince pointed out -- it's the ALUMINUM that can eat amps.. So just be sure you're set on your gauges.


Now -- Start watching Welding Tips and Tricks dot com.... There's a million of them on YouTube - and he's very helpful and gets right to it. Some other sites spend way too much time just babbling.