Tig welding

[scoutfisher]

So I'm interested in learning how to Tig weld. I currently have a multifunction machine that is capable of lift Tig. It's an off brand machine but I am very happy with it's capabilities. I would need to buy a Tig torch as I do not have one.

So my questions is this. Do people usually have a dedicated Tig machine or do they go thru the hassle of changing gas and such when they want to switch processes?

I don't have. Problem buying a dedicated machine but do I really need one?

Thanks for the input.

Jeff

 

[coshoo]

I'm not a TIG welder, but would like to try it also. I posed the question on this board, and did learn one important thing- if you have a low priced multi function machine, it most likely will only work on DC for TIG welding- which works on steel, but not on aluminum (you need AC for that). Kind of defeats the purpose for me- I can MIG weld steel already, and it was aluminum welding that I was interested in. The cheapest Harbor Freight welder with AC for TIG is over 800 bucks.

 

[scoutfisher]

That's is true and something I've thought about. I haven't had any aluminum projects but maybe I would if I could.

 

[jon f mn]

I have never used a tig for steel and don't really see a need except for very fine or artistic stuff. For strength I use stick and for pretty or fast I use mig. I do use mig for aluminum a lot and like it for that. To do aluminum you not only need ac, but also continuous high frequency which is also not always provided with cheaper machines.

 

[old]

Years ago I worked at Tracker Marine where I learned to tig weld. Got good enough to cut a beer can in half and weld it back together and hold water. It is good for thin stuff but not heavy stuff and is much like doing soldering

 

[DRussell]

I see aluminum stick rod at TSC, and I've never used it, but I've heard you can use it on DCEP. Have you ever heard that?

 

[jon f mn]

I don't go there as we don't have those, but I don't really pay attention to the sticks anyway as I have good tig and mig for aluminum.

 

[Mike Groom]

If you can weld with a oxy-acetelene torch you can weld with a tig welder,basically you're just using a different heat source with a shielding gas,yes you do need A/C current for aluminum,I use tig on steel for a better penetrating weld,you can watch the puddle and burn it in for a stronger weld than mig. All the high grade frames for hot rods and street rods are tig welded just for that reason.I have both and have used them for over 40 years and they both have a place in any shop.