Using mig wire to tig

[Reverser]

It is. But like learning to drive a sports car, you may crash and burn at first.

I'm sure I'd do plenty of that. I'm so shaky any more that I would probably be all over the place.

Tig reminds me of the old time O/A welding and twin carbon arc welding I learned in high school, back in the middle ages. Only much more detailed and refined.

 

[muddstopper]

I remember when I first got my machine, a buddy said, Now I have someone to send all my aluminum welding to. Uh, I dont think so, and one look at my chicken doo and the customers would be running toward the door anyway. LOL

I'm sure I'd do plenty of that. I'm so shaky any more that I would probably be all over the place.

Tig reminds me of the old time O/A welding and twin carbon arc welding I learned in high school, back in the middle ages. Only much more detailed and refined.

I am another candidate for the shaky club. I am fine for the first couple of min. but If I try and push it I cant keep the arc on the line or the stick in the puddle. I have to stop and regroup. The more i try to do, the less I am able to do.

 

[Reverser]

Maybe not fun exactly, but certainly interesting and useful

After the first 100 hours of practice it gets a lot easier.
Not cheap to learn when figuring filler and scrap for stainless, aluminum, and steel - plus argon - but it pays for itself pretty quickly when work comes in that you previously couldn't do.

Dave, I would never get as good as you pro's. :thumbsup:
But for me it would be a challenge to an old man that doesn't have anything better to do.

 

[Furu]

I am fine for the first couple of min. but If I try and push it I cant keep the arc on the line or the stick in the puddle. I have to stop and regroup. The more i try to do, the less I am able to do.

Not knowing your age but presbyopia creeps up on all of us. Some earlier than others but nearly all get it. First it takes more light to read then glasses, then stronger readers etc.

My point is if you are having trouble keeping the arc on the line is it shaky hands or eyesight?
I found the 1.25 diopters that I was using for reading and for stick welding were woefully inadequate with Tig. Because of the closeness to the weld with Tig (at least the way I was taught) I am in much closer and I had problems with the weaker lens. I switched to 2.00 diopters and WOW I could see again. I still use 1.25's for stick but change over to 2.00's for Tig.
Something to consider. Go to the local store and try the cheaters at reading distance/stick distance then try them at Tig distance. Then try a higher lens the same way.

 

[muddstopper]

I actually use 1.75 cheaters in my hood and have considered stepping up to 2.00. The 1.75 is the same as my prescription eyeglasses and was what my eye doctor recommended. I can usually see the line or crack, its the dancing all around it I cant control. I usually use 2 hands for stick welding. When mig welding, I almost have to rest my hand or arm on something. For tigging, I have to rest my fingers on the weld piece and slide along as I weld, and we know how hot that can get in a short time. I am going to order a couple of tig fingers to help with the sliding and getting to hot.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Dave, I would never get as good as you pro's. :thumbsup:
But for me it would be a challenge to an old man that doesn't have anything better to do.

I think you'll find it an interesting diversion - my son said he would dream about watching the arc while sleeping after practicing tig aluminum

 

[Big Barn]

I think you'll find it an interesting diversion - my son said he would dream about watching the arc while sleeping after practicing tig aluminum

Terry

 

[WM75Guy]

Not knowing your age but presbyopia creeps up on all of us. Some earlier than others but nearly all get it. First it takes more light to read then glasses, then stronger readers etc.

My point is if you are having trouble keeping the arc on the line is it shaky hands or eyesight?
I found the 1.25 diopters that I was using for reading and for stick welding were woefully inadequate with Tig. Because of the closeness to the weld with Tig (at least the way I was taught) I am in much closer and I had problems with the weaker lens. I switched to 2.00 diopters and WOW I could see again. I still use 1.25's for stick but change over to 2.00's for Tig.
Something to consider. Go to the local store and try the cheaters at reading distance/stick distance then try them at Tig distance. Then try a higher lens the same way.

Prescription reading glasses are measured at 14" from your eyes. The further away the lower the number you need. I measure 2.50 at 14" but use 2.00 for computer work at about 18".

 

[dragoneggs]

I like to use left over mig wire twisted together, feeds through my hand really nicely

That is smart! This is why I read so much here I guess... for gems like this.

 

[dragoneggs]

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Terry

Good one!