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-   -   Buying a welder (https://www.miataturbo.net/fabulous-fabrication-96/buying-welder-72401/)

Seefo 06-16-2015 10:52 AM


Originally Posted by Roda (Post 1240850)
I'm using Thoriated and Lanthanated as noted above, in 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8, depending on the thickness of the material.

You'll also want a gas lens kit, probably stubby, for better maneuverability...

Stubby Gas Lens Kit , Metal Welding, Welder Supplies, Accessories for Welding | USAWeld.com

hmm, I don't think so. Pretty sure it comes as part of the "consumable kit". That's what I understood from ebay listings/sales and the manual. Is there something missing from Everlast's kit that is in this kit?

Roda 06-16-2015 01:27 PM

Nope, according to your manual it looks like it comes with a standard 17 torch, and a few ceramic collets in std length.

Above kit comes with gas lenses for the 4 std tungsten sizes, and short ceramic collets. With the shorter ceramic collets you can get in tighter areas with the torch. The gas lens is to better distribute the shielding gas around the arc.

Seefo 06-16-2015 01:47 PM


Originally Posted by Roda (Post 1240935)
Nope, according to your manual it looks like it comes with a standard 17 torch, and a few ceramic collets in std length.

Above kit comes with gas lenses for the 4 std tungsten sizes, and short ceramic collets. With the shorter ceramic collets you can get in tighter areas with the torch. The gas lens is to better distribute the shielding gas around the arc.

Ok gotcha. the shorter cup and the short back cap help with the tight spaces. Gas lense directs the argon flow.

Thanks.

Do you guys have suggestions on clamps/tools to hold pieces together? the only experience have had before is a mig with an automatic feed, so I could tack weld the two pieces together pretty easily before the weld. I am assuming generic stuff should work just fine, but before I do something stupid...

shuiend 06-16-2015 01:58 PM


Originally Posted by Seefo (Post 1240948)
Ok gotcha. the shorter cup and the short back cap help with the tight spaces. Gas lense directs the argon flow.

Thanks.

Do you guys have suggestions on clamps/tools to hold pieces together? the only experience have had before is a mig with an automatic feed, so I could tack weld the two pieces together pretty easily before the weld. I am assuming generic stuff should work just fine, but before I do something stupid...

I honestly just bought a shit ton of different clamps and such from HF. Tack welding things together can be the hardest most annoying thing with TIG. I have almost broke down and bought a MIG welder just to tack things together under a car.

Leafy 06-17-2015 07:41 PM

I just use 3/32 thoriated for everything and vary my grind based on what I'm doing. Welding steel under 80amps? Make a very pointy tip. Doing the same for aluminum? Cut a trapezoid at the tip. Buy that stubby gas lens though, best fucking thing ever.

aidandj 06-25-2015 01:00 PM

<p>Ok so after the good reviews I think I've settled on this one:</p><p> </p><p>I need the dual voltage because I'm renting houses for a while. How much will I be spending on all of the gas, bottles, tungste etc? I've tig welded before (built my own manifold) but it was on a friends machine so I'm a newb to all the setup.</p>

aidandj 06-25-2015 01:02 PM

<p>Are there any &quot;gotchas&quot; about that one that spending another 2-300 bucks would fix? I really don't want to have purchase regret in a year when it doesn't do what I want.</p>

aidandj 06-25-2015 01:05 PM

<p>Also, what is the difference between these 2:</p><p> </p><p>Nvm answered my own question. So an extra 80 dollars gets me the 2015 version.</p><p>How is the duty cycle on these? 50%? Have any of you run into issues with that?</p>

leboeuf 06-25-2015 01:11 PM

I have the first AHP you linked and its been great in AC and DC welding.
I didn't shop around at all: 40cf tank was $250, gas is $55 per fill. I think 2% thoriated and 2% lanth 3/32 10 packs were like $30 a piece on amazon prime?

aidandj 06-25-2015 01:13 PM

<p>Hmmm, maybe I'll wait for it to be on prime.</p>

Roda 06-25-2015 01:51 PM

Any incidentals/consumables are going to cost about the same regardless of which welder you buy. I think I spent $180 on a large gas cylinder, ~$50 on a gas lens/stubby torch kit, plus tungstens. I also spent $150 on an HF welder cart, but you could do without. I needed to be able to move it around due to space limitations, and the storage is handy for the foot pedal, and all the incidentals.

I have not had any issues running out of duty cycle, but I've only been working on smaller projects so far.

aidandj 06-25-2015 01:52 PM

<p>I figured that. Looks like the AHP comes with a lot of good stuff.&nbsp;</p><p>What does this part mean: &quot;seperate tig control switch is supplied for those who wish to add the trigger switch to the torch&quot; in the description.</p>

Roda 06-25-2015 02:10 PM

Mine came with a switch you can use on the torch to toggle the arc on/off. I've been using the foot pedal, as with the torch switch, you can't vary the power as you go. It's just on/off...

aidandj 06-25-2015 02:12 PM

<p>Ok, I guess the wording just confused me.</p>

ThePass 07-08-2015 03:04 AM

I just bought this AHP TIG for the home garage. Should be here in a couple days (thank you Prime) Looking forward to not having to transport TIG projects to another location to finish them up. The specs look good. I'll admit I'm just hoping that the Miller Dynasty hasn't spoiled me to a point of disliking this more affordable unit..

-Ryan

aidandj 07-08-2015 03:05 AM

If it was prime I don't think it was the 2015 model. But holy shit. Its on sale for 700 shipped. Buying it right now :)

Roda 07-08-2015 10:20 AM

Smokin' deal!

IIRC mine shipped from the Bay area in CA, and I got it in 3 days, without Prime.

aidandj 07-08-2015 10:21 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Attachment 237704
<br />Much excite

ThePass 07-08-2015 11:46 AM

I opted for the $750 one on Prime (listed as 2015 model), of which it was listed as only one left in stock. A little bit more, but I didn't want to wait a month to get it, got some projects coming up soon. Amazon charged sales tax for CA, so I came in at $810. Still seems like a great deal, $710 is a steal.

-Ryan

aidandj 07-08-2015 11:48 AM

Interesting. I never saw the 2015 on prime. But if the description said so awesome.
<br />I'm in no rush to get mine. Its the middle of track season. No time for fab.


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