Looking to get an starter TIG...thoughts? - Lateral-g Forums

coolwelder62 · #1 01-12-2011, 11:25 AM

Jay, If you are just starting out a lincoln tig 225 is an awesome machine.You will want the smaller 20p style torch not the style 17p that a miller 185 or lincoln 225 comes with.Also ask for gas defuser lense it will make welding alum. and steel easier.Also ask for a 020ft. long torch not a 12ft.Jay I am full of info even if you don't want it.Scott

Jay Hilliard · #2 01-12-2011, 11:34 AM

Thanks Scott. Why the smaller torch? Whats the benefit? Whats a gas diffuser lense?

lhkustoms · #3 01-12-2011, 11:43 PM

Jay you may also want to take a look at Thermal Arc. I have their 185 Inverter ac/dc tig and it is awesome. I use it almost everyday. I also have a miller maxstar 150 w/ the hifi start. It works great also but its dc only. Go by your local welding store and ask them if they have and demo machines they have for sale. You usually can get them for a lot less and they are barely used.

Jay Hilliard · #4 01-13-2011, 05:41 AM

thanks Luke!

coolwelder62 · #5 01-14-2011, 06:43 PM

Jay,the 20p series torch is smaller and easier to handle than the 17 series torch.The gas defuser lense give the weld zone better coverage of the argon flow. And better bead apearance.You can back the argon flow rate down a little bit and save money in gas useage over a period of time.

Scott

Jay Hilliard · #6 01-14-2011, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the info Scott. I went by a welding supply today and they didnt have a Miller tig in the place. I asked whats the deal and was told, they aren't selling. Economy is killing them. No used peices either.

**GregWeld** · #7 01-14-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

Jay,the 20p series torch is smaller and easier to handle than the 17 series torch.The gas defuser lense give the weld zone better coverage of the argon flow. And better bead apearance.You can back the argon flow rate down a little bit and save money in gas useage over a period of time.

Scott

Good additional info Scott -- I made the switch to the smaller (air cooled) torch --- and gas lens.... FAR SUPERIOR!

Handiest TIG stuff I've bought - ever - a tungsten sharpener. I suck - so am forever contaminating the tungsten.... :>) The sharpener makes getting them all back in shape super easy and puts a perfect point on them. As any TIG welder knows - the shape of the tungsten is important.