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I just need something for welding bolt handles and perhaps some bottom metal surgery or welding up screw holes etc.. Only need it for welding steel with minimal heat transfer into the workpiece. I was considering something like this. https://weldercritic.com/amico...igbt-welding-review/ GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | ||
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My advise for what its worth, get the biggest top name brand you can afford, Lincoln, Miller or such. After you start welding you will find that you will want to do more with it than previously planed. I planned on doing small jobs mostly sheet metal and gun work but its so handy I don't hardly use a mig or stick welder anymore. Never rode a bull, but have shot some. NRA life member NRA LEO firearms instructor (retired) NRA Golden Eagles member | |||
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I appreciate the advice but I'm 68 years old and don't intend on doing this as much more than a hobby. I can't justify investing more than about $300. GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | |||
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It many not be worth the effort to learn to weld so late in life, especially as the eyes and hands go and it sounds like you are going to do it so infrequently. Even Lincoln discontinues replacement parts after a few years. Off brands would be worse. | |||
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I know how to weld with arc MIG and acetylene. I don't think it would take me long to pick up on TIG. GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | |||
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I don't like the lift arc technology on some of the newer tig machines. But I am old school. God Bless, Louis | |||
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I like units with a high frequency start instead of scratch start for detail work. | |||
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Thanks, that's the kind of input I need. I can see the benefits of HF start. Do I need a foot pedal control? I am pretty good at acetylene welding and it would seem that TIG would be similar albeit with more precise heat control and less heat transfer to the work. I have welded bolt handles on with acetylene using a heat sink and heat stop paste. I want to further avoid the heat transfer. I'm thinking about this model. Can't find a definitive answer as to foot pedal compatibility. https://www.homedepot.com/p/AM...ng-TIG-205/304254610 GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | |||
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I found this review of the HF start version of the TIG welder linked in my last post on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...S2WfTjWxDHDIbvlF-JAA GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | |||
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I've got one of these https://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc.html It's OK but it ain't great. "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". | |||
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I'm a 31 year precision TiG welder Whatever you get it is not required but a variable foot control is leaps and bounds ahead of a foot on/off switch Also.....get a magnifier for your welding hood   ________________________________________________ Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper Proudly made in the USA Acepting all forms of payment | |||
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Welding on a handle is only half the battle. For someone intending to only weld a few handles, it is more economical to farm it out.  Aut vincere aut mori | |||
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As usual nothing constructive to offer. GOOGLE HOTLINK FIX FOR BLOCKED PHOTOBUCKET IMAGES https://chrome.google.com/webs...inkfix=1516144253810 | |||
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Wildcat Since I am a graduate of utube I taught myself to tig weld. There is no one it the area that I could go to to learn welding so I spent a while researching and jumped into it. Its really easy, at least for me, if you can gas weld the transition is not that great. Just have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time,the foot pedal is a must in my opinion. I bought a used Lincoln 175 Precision which came available close to me. And I have 10 years on you. Just need magnifiers in the helmet to see the puddle. There are a number of welding forums that really help. Never rode a bull, but have shot some. NRA life member NRA LEO firearms instructor (retired) NRA Golden Eagles member | |||
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I would sure like to see the personal attacks stop. There is really no reason for it. And you are entitled to your opinion but I would agree with z1r's post. The cost to have a bolt handle done seems excessive if you have never done one. Once you have done one(or many) the cost seems downright cheap. I'm not saying the OP should or shouldn't invest in a TIG for his purposes(many of us find great satisfaction doing things on our own). That is up to him. Jason "You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core." _______________________ Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt. Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure. -Jason Brown | |||
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I bought this unit five or so years ago: https://www.harborfreight.com/...l-readout-62486.html I've welded hundreds of bolt handles with it and filled around the same number of screw holes. It has its limitations but for these types of jobs it's sufficient. Would I like a much nicer welder? You bet! But it's what I could afford at the time. I'll upgrade eventually. | |||
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Wildcat, Tig is great. If you can O/A gas weld, you'll pick up tig quickly. You should do it for sure. I had a Thermal Arc machine and I was going to pick up a DC only Tig setup on it (with a foot pedal). But I picked up a used Miller Dynasty with a hand control. A hand control is okay, but I'd prefer the foot control. The Thermal Arc machines (now ESAB Rebel series) were inexpensive for what you got and may still be available (NOS) at some welding stores at a reasonable price. | |||
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Id definitely get the foot pedal control. They are SSOOO nice when you get used to it. God Bless, Louis | |||
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there is a bit more to it yet make sure you study a bit about shielding gases and filler alloys metallurgy is quite a science | |||
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Wildcat, I welded with a large big name unit for 30 years then bought one of the 250 amp Chinese inverters off the Bay for part time use at another location. I got HF and just strapped a finger control to the hand piece. Completely quit using the big unit and probably do a better job with "suitcase". | |||
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