TIG welding

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

Clogs,

You are probably right saying a stupid question as there is not enough information, the bit missing is material thickness, thicker material needs more current.

As rough guide 1/16 aluminium needs about 55 to 75 amps, 1/4 up to 220amps and 1/2 close to 300amps. Copper has a big power requirement and for 1/8 probably needs 250amps. If you need a guide try here **LINK**

To get a reasonable AC/DC machine under a bag of sand and a foot pedal you may need to look at second user with all the pit falls that brings, save your pennies and brownie points and buy new.

Do not forget the consumables, gas is not cheap and needs to be factored in. Also when looking at machines take it to account the % at a particular power e.g. 250amp AC TIG Output @ 60% duty cycle.

Bob

[Oompa LumpaParticipant @oompalumpa34302]

That frame IS a work of art. I see stuff like this and wonder why I bother sometimes, but then it gives me something to aspire to.

Not that I will ever as I just don't get the "practice" in that someone doing it every day does. Very impressive.

graham.

[Carl Wilson 4Participant @carlwilson4]

Hello Clogs,

There is no such thing as a stupid question and do not listen to those who tell you that there is.

For your application and on a budget I'd look at the units made by Thermal Arc. Go for a 200 amp model, something like this:-

http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=W1003803&zl=3

This unit has most of the features you'd need, HF start is a good one as is controllable down slope.

It is possible to weld 1/4 inch aluminium on a lot less than 220A, and 1/2 on less than 300A. I've regularly done this in my job. 1/4 would be about 120-150A.

I think Sealey still do a fairly decent AC/DC tig unit, about 160A. I had one and it compared reasonably well with a Kemppi one I also used.

I think you'll end up paying in the region of £500 at very least. The thing is, there are applications where nothing else will do. I suppose it is a case of deciding if you fall into that category.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

I fully endorse what Carl says above.

[Carl Wilson 4Participant @carlwilson4]

Blimey John, I'm going to print that one out and frame it!

[OuBallieParticipant @ouballie]

Update.

Photos say it all.

This is the limit for my machine, set to its maximum amperage, and thankfully I won't be welding 1/4" every day.

This is the vice stand, photo to follow.

I will now only use MMA for quick and dirty welding as I spoke far too soon at my improving.

Well I did improve welding flat joins, but a real dogs breakfast on the type of corner weld I've 'succeeded' with using TIG.

Still need to do a lot more practice, but oh my word, what control you have.

Can see why people rave about using TIG.

Geoff – TIG for me from now on.

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