Subject: TIG questions

From: [email-masked] (Eleebad)
Date: 25 Jul 1996 07:18:47 -0400

I am considering the purchase of a TIG unit to hook to my 230/140 AC/DC
welder and have some basic questions.Can I weld dissimilar materials such
as cast iron and mild steel, or cast iron and stainless with this set-up.
Also re: aluminum, mag, copper - is this a functional set up or must I
also have a high frequency unit. Thanks.

---

From: [email-masked] (Garfield)
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 16:33:01 GMT

>also have a high frequency unit. Thanks.

Although some make inexpensive TIG units (Miller EconoTig) that use high
voltage spikes at crossover instead of High Frequency, I think the consensus
is that you're much better off with HF, more arc stability throughout. I
know you asked about TIG add-on to your present equip, but Lincoln has just
come out with a decent self-contained (Square-Wave 175) that has
auto-balance and continous HF when in AC (Aluminum) mode. I just bought one
based on these features, and it seems to work great. My pro buddy
recommended it over the EconoTig's although those truly have a good rep,
too. Just that I wanted to major in alum, so I wanted HF & the
auto-balancing really does seem to give good cleaning action regardless of
amps (goes all the way down to 12!)

Another tip is to get Miller's really good "Gas Tungsten Arc Welding" book
>from  any Miller dealer (shame on you Lincoln for not having such a good
freebee!) They have an even better "Gas Metal Arc Welding" book for anyone
wanting to get started in MIG. Both these books are filled with good stuff
and almost no commercial reference to their own equipment. For example, in
their Gas Tungsten book they extol HF, even though their EconoTig doesn't
use it. Don't confuse these books with flyers, the TIG book is 90 pages 8x11
and the MIG is 150 pgs.

Garfield

P.S. Let me know if you find a good reference on your dissimilar metals
question. Haven't seen much on that meself.

---

From: [email-masked] (William Martin (Temp))
Date: 25 Jul 1996 23:32:35 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] (Garfield) writes:
|> 
|> Although some make inexpensive TIG units (Miller EconoTig) that use high
|> voltage spikes at crossover instead of High Frequency, I think the consensus
|> is that you're much better off with HF, more arc stability throughout. I
|> know you asked about TIG add-on to your present equip, but Lincoln has just
|> come out with a decent self-contained (Square-Wave 175) that has
|> auto-balance and continous HF when in AC (Aluminum) mode. I just bought one
|> based on these features, and it seems to work great. My pro buddy
|> recommended it over the EconoTig's although those truly have a good rep,
|> too. Just that I wanted to major in alum, so I wanted HF & the
|> auto-balancing really does seem to give good cleaning action regardless of
|> amps (goes all the way down to 12!)
|> 
|> Garfield

Whats the price tag on that "hot-rod Lincoln" :)

bill

---

From: [email-masked] (Garfield)
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 06:47:49 GMT

On 25 Jul 1996 23:32:35 GMT, [email-masked] (William Martin (Temp))
wrote:

>|> Lincoln has just
>|> auto-balance and continous HF when in AC (Aluminum) mode.
>
Well, this one won't drive you to drinkin' 8) :  I paid $1250 at the shop
where I have always gone for good advice and service (South Bay
Welding/Hayward...smaller Fremont store has a good guy there too-Dave). When
I bought my MIG and then later my plasma cutter, they always had the best
price in the area. I actually got a glossy on the Lincoln to study up from
another store that wanted $1199, but the sales guy was a manipulative little
shit, so I did the right thing, heh, and bought from ole reliable. Funny
thing was that SoBay loaded me up with a couple pounds of 3 kinds of filler
rod, a couple more collets & collet bodies, and several tungsten varieties
for stainless, alum, & steel. Guess I did the right thing after all ! I know
that other turkey wouldn't have given me anything. Live and learn.

Garfield