for back purging use a twin meter/outlet argon regulator. no need for 2nd tank. Thanks. Second tank will be for more volume of argon. Easier for me to transport two 80cf tanks than one 125cf. Also, I can use the 2nd tank for 75/25 if I use the MIG. I have a 2nd regulator setup that came with the MIG.

tweake wrote: ↑Mon Nov 15, 2021 12:02 am its either a non-weldable aluminium or requires very special procedures.

There are beautiful welds all over it.

I hear what you're saying, though. I'll be very careful.

Poland308 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 14, 2021 11:31 pm Buy a bigger bench top shark.

Are you referring to a bench top grinder?

A 3" bench grinder with a diamond wheel could be much cheaper than a Sharpie, but not sure the quality of electrode grinding is comparable.

Been reading about tungsten electrodes and tip grinders. If my ultimate goal is masterclass-looking welds on thin metals, sounds like tungsten grinding is important. It's painful to spend so much, but I think a Sharpie DX grinder is an investment I should make. I could save a little on the corded ve...

for a small table, i have the strong hand small fold up but there is cheap copies which frankly is just as good. First problem I have is NO free space in the garage. 6 motorcycles in the garage, 2 in the house. I really like the DeWalt Folding Welding Table. The size is perfect for a motorcycle fra...

7 series alloy is often not weldable. leave that to the aerospace guys. One of the welding projects I have is a swingarm made from 7020 aluminum. Need to patch it, probably with 6061. Thinking about 5356 filler rod. Depending on my welding progress (and my cancer progress), I may only do the tack u...

Poland308 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:22 pm I have run over 200 amps through a 17. It just gets hot fast. You will shorten the life but there disposable anyway.

Got it. I'll just go with the #17 for now.

If the torch gets too hot, I'll move up to a larger size.

Really would like to prevent stuff from melting when I don't want it to.

Thanks, tweake.

Okay, so I don't need to use that much voltage to practice beads on the thicker steel.

Will I need to go beyond 150 amps? Should I use a larger torch? How much amperage can I run through the #17?

Now looking for a folding welding/work table.

Thickest steel on the OEM reference is 1/4". Amps are 250 for all types of welds.

Says in the owner's manual: output = 5-230 amps

Does this mean this TIG is only for thinner base metal?

Thanks for the tip on 2% lanthanated tungsten. I'll go with that for now.

learn on thick coupons, ie 3/8 or bigger. 1/16" is well down the track. thin stuff is the hardest I'm sitting waiting at the doctor's office, so I don't have my reference. Pretty sure settings were high for 3/8, maybe 240 amps. Definitely over the 150 amp rating of my #17 torch. Guessing I nee...

BugHunter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 10:30 am Cyberweld has cylinders as well. Grab one of these. Full of argon preferably.
https://store.cyberweld.com/cyltecingasc.html
That's a 60cf. For another $27, they have an 80cf.

Thanks! The 80cf tank is $19 cheaper than I've seen it.

Sorry if I'm going slow. I'm trying to search and choose the right stuff myself, instead of just asking what to buy. That way, I can learn about what's out there and what things cost. Saw that beginners should start beads on steel because it's easier than aluminum. Also have some steel projects, so ...

Haven't started looking at torch parts yet, but getting there. Should get a decent helmet. Doubt I need anything fancy. Is a Lincoln 3350 an okay choice? https://i.postimg.cc/SsRFGj3v/th-70.jpg When I was in Jr High School metal shop, I was trying to stick weld. Couldn't see jack through the helmet....

Thanks for the replies. With regard to leasing a tank/delivery - I'll get specifics, but pretty sure it will cost way more than I want to spend. Prices are crazy, here in SoCal. Definitely a seller's market. Also, not many choices in my area. The welding shops/supply are mostly located in industrial...

Just learned the welding term "coupons".

2 of my welding projects could use .125" aluminum, or slightly thinner.

Weldmetalsonline.com has 2x4" coupons for $1.00 ea or 2x8" for $2 ea. Ready to get maybe $40 worth.

Reasonable?

Already posted in the Introduction Forum. Have a new Lincoln Precision 225 TIG. Almost zero welding experience. Time limited by terminal cancer. Ready to get going and melt some metal. Could use some advice on where to spend my money, and how to make beautiful welds. Need an Argon tank. Weldfabulous...

Didn't really say much about myself. Former Roller Derby star. For real. Played on the U.S.A. National Championship Team against the All Japan Team in the Tokyo Dome on live Jap TV for a week-long series. "Bad Attitude" team member in the TV series "Rock 'N' Rollergames". More li...

Gdarc21 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 04, 2021 8:02 pm Hi mate what torch came with the welder or do you have one that fits it?

The torch that comes with the TIG is a Lincoln PTA-17 12.5' Ultra-Flex Torch (K1782-12).
Includes:
3/32 2%Th Tungsten
3/32 Collet (10N24)
3/32 Collet Body (10N32)
#7 Alumina Nozzle (10N47)

Nice to meet you guys.

Got the MIG out and cleaned up. Stacked it on the TIG. Probably don't need straps, but they weren't being used.
Cut a thin wood sheet to protect the TIG, but need to check if it blocks any vents. Might make some rubber feet/spacers instead.

Hi, guys! Glad to be a new member of the forum. Been lurking a few days. Can hardly wait to read and learn more. I'm not a welder, but years ago I borrowed TIG to try a few tacks and running some beads. Didn't get very far, but I enjoyed it. Now I have terminal cancer, haven't worked since 2017, and...