Originally Posted by DareBee itsme
A TIG torch set is really quite inexpensive. I can go to my local welding supply and buy 1 for $100.
You will need tungsten, filler and gas to get started. Plug the torch set into your DC welder and way you go.
If you do this you may want to try a piece of aluminum as your strike plate as aluminum wont contaminate your tungsten the way that steel will. |
It just seems to me that a TIG setup is more than just the torch. Don't you need the power controller (pedal)? I like to use mine with my TIG welder. How do you get the gas plugged into just any old welder too? The aluminum strike plate is an interesting way around the frequency box I guess. Aren't most welders constant voltage and TIG needs constant current or something like that? Was a while ago when I paid attention to things like that but I sort of recall something along those lines. Oh in case anyone is wondering my Miller "EconoTIG" was like $1400 it's about as cheap as I think anyone can get into TIG welding. It lays a pretty bead but it's slow and is crap for inside corners (arc flame wavers).
Now MIG welders can come cheap, and they'll do thin stock OK. I think for hobbiest use MIG welders are the best single all around type. Out of flat position I'll pick the MIG over the TIG (and the MIG rocks inside corners). Well I don't have one of them laser welders yet, next one I get, but I have all the other common types MIG/TIG/Stick/Oxy-Acetylene. You get a MIG you can probably sell your buzz box welder to someone else who doesn't know any better. If you want to weld big stock just throw a fan behind your MIG and have at it! You can do like 1/4 thick with them cheap 110V MIGs (the fan is the secret).