RedRocket1647545505 Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 No, I'm not looking for someone to weld for me. What I'm looking for is a pretty good TIG welder to put in an upcoming detached garage/shop build. I've never tig welded in my life, but I'd like to learn/practice. I figured I'd need a welder at some time in the future, so I might as well go ahead and get a TIG/stick first, and then pick up a decent MIG later on down the line. Since I'm basically ignorant about TIG welders, I figured I'd ask you guys. I won't be doing anything real major with it. The biggest project that I can think of that I'd use it for, is to build an aluminum tilt-bed carhauler in the distant future. I would think that the aluminum would be 3/8" - 5/16" thick, max. for this project. I figured I'd probably need something a little bigger than the typical 'hobbiest' welder, but nothing to heavy duty. So far, this one seems to be a good 'middle of the road' TIG. What do you guys think? Overkill for my needs? Not big enough? Better recommendation? http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/custom/Syncro250DXPkg.jpg "The Syncrowave® 250 DX delivers excellent welding performance, control and versatility. The basic machine includes all the essential features you need for high-precision AC/DC TIG welding, plus the flexibility to handle a wide variety of metals. The Syncrowave 250 DX offers an effective solution in any light industrial situation that requires constant current Squarewave technology. Efficient and adaptable, the single-phase Syncrowave 250 DX is a great choice for fabrication shops as well as vocational training facilities. Its low-profile case fits neatly into any industrial location, while its rugged construction ensures reliable operation under constant use. A spectrum of available options allow you to start simple and add features as you need them. This high-performance machine pays off with extraordinary value. " Price - $2,300. Link = http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p001796.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McGraw Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 For what it's worth, I learned on MIG welding. Not hard, just takes some practice. I also learned with .030 line on .022 metal... And get a auto-dimmer mask. They rock. Just from the description that seems like it would be more than enough for what you need, and it's always nice to have extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted February 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Yea, Planned on getting an auto darkening helmet. Also, I can already MIG and stick weld pretty good, IMO. I do that all the time at work. I've just never TIGed before, and it's something I'd like to learn, for personal use/satisfaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rl Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 If you want to use it to build an aluminum tilt bed car hauler you would be better off with a spool gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 If you want to use it to build an aluminum tilt bed car hauler you would be better off with a spool gun. Shhhh you. It would take him years. hahah Thats not a bad machiene, we have one of those here at school. I would say to just pick up tig and learn it, with out instruction or gudience is not our best bet. I would get some schooling done before just going at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted February 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Shhhh you. It would take him years. hahah Thats not a bad machiene, we have one of those here at school. I would say to just pick up tig and learn it, with out instruction or gudience is not our best bet. I would get some schooling done before just going at it. Yea, I've seen those spool guns. I'm not exactly sure as to their use. I'm assuming its just a constant feed of wire for TIGing? As for schooling, my stepfather was trained in his younger years in Welding, so I'm hoping I could pick up some pointers from him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The spool gun is used for when welding aluminum, becasue you have to use aluminum wire. The problem is, with aluminum wire, it is extremely soft, and bends and and what not, damaging the wire, and damged wire=no good for welding. The spool gun elimantes this. I have a Precision 185 from lincoln, and love it, but I can't TIG at all. SO if you find a place that can teach, let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted February 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The spool gun is used for when welding aluminum, becasue you have to use aluminum wire. The problem is, with aluminum wire, it is extremely soft, and bends and and what not, damaging the wire, and damged wire=no good for welding. The spool gun elimantes this. I have a Precision 185 from lincoln, and love it, but I can't TIG at all. SO if you find a place that can teach, let me know. Why would you use a spool gun over just a normal aluminum filler rod? Any particular reason? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 What do you mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gergwheel1647545492 Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 you use a spool gun when using a MIG, not a TIG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Ya, I thought that is what he was asking, but wasn't sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted February 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Ah, whoops. I was under the impression that the spool gun replaced the 'tig torch' in some way. I couldn't figure out how though. Ok, next question. Besides being quicker, why would you use MIG over TIG to weld aluminum? Also, what would be the reason behind the spool gun for a MIG? Couldn't you just replace the internal spool with an aluminum spool and get the same result? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bgbdbn Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 You should weld aluminum using high frequency T.I.G.. Best way to weld aluminum. The syncrowave 250 is a really nice welding machine I have used them for years. It has the aluminum welding capability also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
still2hi Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Also, what would be the reason behind the spool gun for a MIG? Couldn't you just replace the internal spool with an aluminum spool and get the same result? QUOTE] Someone posted the reason before, but its because the wire for aluminum is to soft. If the aluminum wire was feed through the cables like a normal mig weld it would bent up inside and it would be the most frustrating thing in the world. If you ever get a chance, watch someone who is good weld aluminum. It is crazy how fast it goes. There are quite a few welders on here, but I have only talked to Tinman. He gave me all the information I needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboTank Posted February 11, 2006 Report Share Posted February 11, 2006 i run the syncrowave 250 at the shop. its hot!!!.. miller leads the industry in tig welders imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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