New Welder

[ccracin]

We have a new addition to the tool family:



It's a Lincoln Precision TIG 225 Square Wave TIG. Guess I have some learning to do. LOL We also got it so that our "Pro" welder can come to our shop rather than me taking everything to his place. Well with the new addition we needed to consolidate space. So, a new welding cart is in order. This is what we quickly came up with.



The other welder is an SP-125 Plus MIG. We have had it since 1996. What an awesome little welder it has been!



Anybody have any recommendations with regard to Tungsten? We have (green) pure tungsten right now. From what I can tell this is good for balling and running AC for Aluminum. Should I get Lanthanated or something else for carbon steel?

Guess I'll be adding to my scrap steel pile! Wish me luck.

[coolwelder62]

I have a precision tig 275 and I use a 2% on mild steel,4130,alum. up to 1/8 w/ sharpened point.And then pure w/ balled end when I weld heavier than 1/8 alum.

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

I have a precision tig 275 and I use a 2% on mild steel,4130,alum. up to 1/8 w/ sharpened point.And then pure w/ balled end when I weld heavier than 1/8 alum.

Thanks very much Scott. Good luck with the sale of the car!

[rwhite692]

2% lanthanated

Jody Collier runs an awesome little site called www.weldingtipsandtricks.com

Jody welds day in, day out and he really knows his stuff...The site could be better structured, but it has lots of great info, explanations, and videos. And Jody always replies to questions sent to him by email, he's a great guy.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/index.html

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by rwhite692

2% lanthanated

Jody Collier runs an awesome little site called www.weldingtipsandtricks.com

Jody welds day in, day out and he really knows his stuff...The site could be better structured, but it has lots of great info, explanations, and videos. And Jody always replies to questions sent to him by email, he's a great guy.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/index.html

That is a very cool site. I have spent many a lunch hour on there. Actually that is where I learned enough to even ask the question.

[GregWeld]

You probably already know this -- but DO NOT ball the tungsten for aluminum.

I run into this all the time with newb TIG welders... and without looking up your model -- IF it's an INVERTER style machine - you don't ball the tungsten when using them. Sharpen and knock the sharp point off...

I use the CERIATED tungsten now with my inverter type TIG not the pure (green end).

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

You probably already know this -- but DO NOT ball the tungsten for aluminum.

I run into this all the time with newb TIG welders... and without looking up your model -- IF it's an INVERTER style machine - you don't ball the tungsten when using them. Sharpen and knock the sharp point off...

I use the CERIATED tungsten now with my inverter type TIG not the pure (green end).

This is not an inverter machine. It is a square wave. The Lincoln guy said I would have to ball the tungsten for Aluminum on this machine. So far the consensus is that if I got Ceriated or Lanthinated, I would be better off. Should have the new Argon bottle in a day or so. We'll see! Thanks as always!

[GregWeld]

Ah ha.... that makes a difference for sure.

I'm a Miller guy... so wasn't familiar with that version and I'm no pro that's for sure.. but it sure is a common "mistake" with these newer style machines.

[ccracin]

Well I fired up the new welder tonight. I think they lied and sold me a plasma cutter instead! LMAO I got better as I played. This is going to take some practice! Woo