Probably a new. but repeated very often question about TIG's

[Chain Bender]

I enjoy welding. Always tinkering with scrap pieces. I got my hands on a truck load of 1.5X1.5X.125 angle about 3' long, come3-4' shallow channel and some 1X3 box with stiffeners running up both 3" sides. I have a Handler 140. 5 years ago I made what I thought was a really decent looking aluminum ladder stand. I'm 240 and I wasn't worried the least bit about a weld cranking and then my head cracking.

I tried all day yesterday to get my groove back but never did find it. Way to many burn-backs and birds nest. I don't know whether to invest in a spool gun for the 140 or buy the 190 with a spool gun included OR buy a TIG for less than $500 and see if I can learn that skill also. 1/8" and 3/16" would probably be the thickest stock I'd weld. I've got 4 welders out in the shop. 2 arcs, 90 amp and 230 amp and 2 wire guns 140 Hobart and a little chigaco electric wired 110/230 that really does a pretty good job on 1/4" stuff.

I'm really wanting to buy a cheap tig, but I'd like to have the foot pedal and pulse with it. Will you guys either talk me into it or out of it????????????????

Thanks in advance,
Chain Bender

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Where can you get an aluminum capable (AC) TIG welder for less than $500?
This is about the lowest price I've seen unless you are doing an ebay direct from China thing. Make an offer and you might get close. Comes w/ foot pedal and stick welds 6010? ooh, I'm starting to like this thing myself. Wonder how long it is out of stock?
TIGWELD 160 SX - Tig Welding | Longevity Global Inc

 

[Pit Man]

Finding a cheap TIG unit for aluminum might be a tough find. Try craigslist/ebay for a used one. Miller's Econotig will do the job, and they are about the most affordable. I believe the Hobart handler will also do the trick, for a similar price. Both are in the 1200-1600 range, ready to go.
For many years, people with limited $'s have used an AC cracker box, HF unit and a HW17 (air) to do their work. Cost < $500 > about as simple as it comes.

 

[Chain Bender]

Where can you get an aluminum capable (AC) TIG welder for less than $500?
This is about the lowest price I've seen unless you are doing an ebay direct from China thing. Make an offer and you might get close. Comes w/ foot pedal and stick welds 6010? ooh, I'm starting to like this thing myself. Wonder how long it is out of stock?
TIGWELD 160 SX - Tig Welding | Longevity Global Inc

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It is either Harbor Freight or Northern Tools. I know it is cheap stuff from China. Do they wear out easily or just nickel and dime you to death before you throw it away. I doubt I would ever wear it out. I think the price on it was $297.00 and seems like it was 190 amps too.

 

[/pine]

I enjoy welding. Always tinkering with scrap pieces. I got my hands on a truck load of 1.5X1.5X.125 angle about 3' long, come3-4' shallow channel and some 1X3 box with stiffeners running up both 3" sides. I have a Handler 140. 5 years ago I made what I thought was a really decent looking aluminum ladder stand. I'm 240 and I wasn't worried the least bit about a weld cranking and then my head cracking.

I tried all day yesterday to get my groove back but never did find it. Way to many burn-backs and birds nest. I don't know whether to invest in a spool gun for the 140 or buy the 190 with a spool gun included OR buy a TIG for less than $500 and see if I can learn that skill also. 1/8" and 3/16" would probably be the thickest stock I'd weld. I've got 4 welders out in the shop. 2 arcs, 90 amp and 230 amp and 2 wire guns 140 Hobart and a little chigaco electric wired 110/230 that really does a pretty good job on 1/4" stuff.

I'm really wanting to buy a cheap tig, but I'd like to have the foot pedal and pulse with it. Will you guys either talk me into it or out of it????????????????

Thanks in advance,
Chain Bender

Were you using 100% argon?

 

[radioman]

bird nesting with hobart mig? I think the liner could be dirty or kinked. Or roller feed is too tight. maybe the wire is rusty. I had both kinked liner and rusty wire and its the PITA. I find that you can get replacement liner from ebay cheaper then TSC or local welding store.

 

[Chain Bender]

Yes I was using 100% argon.

Liner is fairly new............I was pushing aluminum instead of solid core.

Would a Teflon liner help with the aluminum bird's nest or am I going to have to break down and buy a spool gun.

 

[Arc weld]

Aluminum is always a pain to feed. A teflon liner is supposed to help but it's still a crap shoot. That's why they make spool guns and push pull guns. If you can't afford a decent TIG welder, don't waste your money on a machine that costs about the same as just a foot pedal on a decent machine.

 

[Chain Bender]

Aluminum is always a pain to feed. A teflon liner is supposed to help but it's still a crap shoot. That's why they make spool guns and push pull guns. If you can't afford a decent TIG welder, don't waste your money on a machine that costs about the same as just a foot pedal on a decent machine.

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sound advice.
tks
CB

 

[bandaidmd]

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sound advice.
tks
CB

pretty sure those tig units your talking about don't have the High frequency start thats needed for tig'n alum.