Scratch / Lift Start TIG Welding

[monckywrench]

The radiation aspect of TIGing with thorium is trivial, but avoid breathing the DUST from grinding thoriated tungsten.

I do mine outdoors.

 

[dstig1]

Yes the radioactivity of thorium is quite trivial. You have smoke detectors in your house? Those have Americium in them. Radioactivity is often described by half life of the element. The shorter the half life the more radioactive it is. Thorium has a half life of 14 BILLION years. Americium has a half life of ~400 years or so. Plus thorium decays to an alpha particle. A piece of paper stops alpha. As long as you do not inhale or ingest an alpha particle generator, there is essentially zero risk, especially with such a low level material. And furthermore...keep in mind that there is only 2% thorium in the tungsten. It's not exactly like drinking Fukishima reactor water...

And this:
Radiation concerns and 2% Thoriated Tungsten - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

Not definitive, but frankly not something to worry about all that much. Just don't suck in thorium dust.

 

[undercut]

My startup cost was right at 350 bucks for everything. Torch, 125Cuft cylinder full of argon, regulator and the tungstens. Gloves and some TIG rod. I did buy the cylinder, so you could get by with a rental for less up front. Of course I already had the welder the Everlast PA160

James K0UA

Hmmm ... Well, I'm working on the "getting a welder" portion of things so I think I'm a couple of steps behind!

 

[k0ua]

Hmmm ... Well, I'm working on the "getting a welder" portion of things so I think I'm a couple of steps behind!

Ok well the new PA160sth comes with a TIG torch a Regulator and has HF and Lift start. It says it has a built in gas solenoid, and push button on the 17 series torch. The foot pedal is extra though. So all you would need is the cylinder (either buy or rent) and you would be good to go with DC stick and HF or Lift start TIG, with optional foot pedal control.. I can't vouch for it as I don't have one but I would like to have one $489 list, but make Mark an offer , I bet he would take less.

James K0UA

 

[undercut]

Ok well the new PA160sth comes with a TIG torch a Regulator and has HF and Lift start. It says it has a built in gas solenoid, and push button on the 17 series torch. The foot pedal is extra though. So all you would need is the cylinder (either buy or rent) and you would be good to go with DC stick and HF or Lift start TIG, with optional foot pedal control.. I can't vouch for it as I don't have one but I would like to have one $489 list, but make Mark an offer , I bet he would take less.

James K0UA

That's one unit I've been looking at. A bit out of my reach at the moment but I'm seeing how much I can muster up. Also looking at the Longevity Stickweld 140 and the Everlast 140st as they are less expensive models. Thanks for the info!

 

[deereman75]

That's one unit I've been looking at. A bit out of my reach at the moment but I'm seeing how much I can muster up. Also looking at the Longevity Stickweld 140 and the Everlast 140st as they are less expensive models. Thanks for the info!

If the stickweld 140 welds anything like my stickweld 250, it would be a great machine. If you can swing it, one with adjustable arc force is worth it.

 

[dex3361]

i placed my order yesterday for the MIG/Sick Arcmate 205P with Longevity. I wanted a MIG and thought the stick part would be frequently used as well.
I got the monthly 40% off special. I ordered it with a regulator for the MIG part.

 

[undercut]

i placed my order yesterday for the MIG/Sick Arcmate 205P with Longevity. I wanted a MIG and thought the stick part would be frequently used as well.
I got the monthly 40% off special. I ordered it with a regulator for the MIG part.

40% off!?! Wow, how did you swing that? :confused2:

 

[dex3361]

40% off!?! Wow, how did you swing that? :confused2:

That is the monthly special for the first TBN member to post in response to
Longevitys Monthlys Special. I had been watching for it and was the first to respond with a post.:thumbsup:

 

[deereman75]

That is the monthly special for the first TBN member to post in response to Longevitys Monthlys Special. I had been watching for it and was the first to respond with a post.:thumbsup:

I might have to try and get it in a few months, it will make the small mig I need even more affordable. It will go well with my stickweld 250.