7 replies to this topic

[Urge]

Hi
I am in the market for an ac dc tig to run of single phase.
Ideally I am after the most amps I can get.
Any advice or links to one selling would be grate.

If a have to go down the new route, I was thinking about the thermal arc 200 ac dc.
Bloody not cheap but cheap jap inverters don't last.

[JamesR]

Have you got 16amps on a wall socket?. I just bought one like that at 200 amps. Seems to work fine at 100 amps. I haven't pushed it. It all depends on the thickness of the material you need to weld how many amp you use.
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3371ca4936

These come through reasonably priced for a basic Chinese effort. There are Chinese rebrands and posh expensive ones.
Miller weld has useful tips on bits and pieces, but you probably know what your after.
Extra costs were tungsten tips of the correct size for the work, decent gloves, filler rods, commando plug and artic cable. The sod is about doing the electrical work yourself. You can't really add things to the consumer box, but you can change a plugsocket. But if you'd need electrical changes, definitely ask a welding electric forum.
People run them under powered.

The argon is pricey as well.

But it is good, though I show little promise and have the aluminium stacked up already.

Edited by JamesR, 13 February 2012 - 11:51 PM.

[spitNL]

James, from what I've read you definitely want an Argon-Helium mix for welding aluminium, not straight Argon.

Edited by spitNL, 14 February 2012 - 10:03 AM.

[Gt6s]

JamesR, on 13 February 2012 - 11:50 PM, said:

Have you got 16amps on a wall socket?. I just bought one like that at 200 amps. Seems to work fine at 100 amps. I haven't pushed it. It all depends on the thickness of the material you need to weld how many amp you use.

For a 200 amp welder you really should be using a 32 amp socket, my 200 amp inverter pulls 22 amps at full power. Having said that I use a 16 amp socket.

Do'nt do as I do, do as I say.

Edited by Gt6s, 15 February 2012 - 12:27 PM.

[JamesR]

Interesting stuff. I was sure it was straight argon, as for the amps, as long as I only weld thin metal and keep it to 100 amps ish, it'll be fine.
I had a word with an electrician, he was ok with it. It is rated at 16 amp though. Sorry for the late replies.

[spitNL]

The mix supposedly gives a nicer weld and lets you use a lower amp setting.
Much harder to get tough, at least here it is.

[JohnD]

BOC offer, for TIG welding
Stainshield: http://www.boconline...nshield_tig.asp allegedly easier to use than pure argon.
Pureshield: http://www.boconline...hield_argon.asp
and
Alushield: http://www.boconline...hield/index.asp

John

[JamesR]

Interesting, the mix is cheaper than pure, that's for sure. I'll have to have a look for the boc stuff. I just don't get any time on my hands.
I may yet make some nice manifolds for dellortos. I'm getting somewhere with casting these days, I hope to be asking about flares or tapers for them and little mounts etc one day.

Edited by JamesR, 29 March 2012 - 09:28 PM.