Picking up a TIG

[HotRod68Camaro]

This is the helmet i already have: Elite Series is #8 low enough?

Thanks for the recommendation on the torch and lens. Any body else have input on torches and lens?

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by HotRod68Camaro

This is the helmet i already have: Elite Series is #8 low enough?

Thanks for the recommendation on the torch and lens. Any body else have input on torches and lens?

Yeah 8 will work... I'm old and blind -- so low is good for me. Mine jumps from 8 down to 5 for grinding - but most of my low amp TIG is at 8 so you should be fine.

[Revved]

I have several projects going right now where I'm fabricating intercooler and intake tubing and had never TIG'd before so I would tack it with a spool gun and have a welder I know finish it out for me which got old quick. So a few months back I jumped at the chance to buy my brother's Miller Diversion 165 220V... He bought it for a project about two years ago to learn; used it twice and gave up!

I had only MIGd before so there was a definate learning curve to the TIG especially since everything I'm doing is thin wall aluminum or welding brackets on expensive radiators but it definately teaches you control.

I've been using it now for about two months and I love it! I'm not stacking dimes yet but i'm getting close. I'm (hopefully) past the point of blowing through and melting things down and quickly learned how to backfill when I did!

I definately agree with Greg on the foot pedal... I couldn't imagine trying to do it with the finger knob- especially when you are first learning!