TIG welders - Lateral-g Forums

Joel145 · #1 04-28-2009, 10:45 AM

I need some advice. I'm looking to buy my first TIG welder. I need some recomendations. Also, what's the difference between DC and AC outputs (i know the difference between direct and alternating current) but how does it relate to welding? Any input here will be helpful.

Joel

Reckley · #2 04-30-2009, 06:02 AM

AC allows you to weld aluminum.

dhutton · #3 04-30-2009, 09:25 AM

How much are you looking to spend? Miller has the Diversion TIG which is targeted to home shops. It uses the default settings of their higher cost welder.

Don

Joel145 · #4 05-01-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhutton

How much are you looking to spend? Miller has the Diversion TIG which is targeted to home shops. It uses the default settings of their higher cost welder.

Don

Thanks Don, that Diversion TIG looks like its right up my alley. Now if uncle sam stops holding on to my refund, i'd be good to go.

**GregWeld** · #5 05-15-2009, 05:52 PM

I own a Miller Dynasty DX... and love it. It's expensive but still very affordable -- and like most "machines" you buy - if you don't buy one that will do everything you're going to want to do "in the future" you usually end up kicking yourself. Some days I wish I'd have bought one capable of doing thicker aluminum... The SS and sheet metal is never a problem - but aluminum can use some serious amperage if you get into the 1/4" and above.

**GregWeld** · #6 05-15-2009, 06:02 PM

Remember too -- these TIG machines are INVERTER machines -- DO NOT BALL THE END OF THE TUNGSTEN when welding aluminum.... that is "old skool"... sharpen the tungsten to a point - square off the end just a touch - and weld away... I'm using 2% Ceriated or Thoriated on all my stuff - now I don't even switch "type" when going from SS to Alum... I do use a fresh tungsten - but I no longer use the pure (green end) to do aluminum.

Just my 2 cents (sense? LOL) worth