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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 12 2008 : 11:09:48 AM
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I finally took the plunge and purchased a TIG welder. Realistically I've needed one for several years but could always get some time on someone else's machine (or rent one) when necessary. Now that's less of an option and with several projects coming up in which I will need to weld a lot of aluminum I figured it's now or never.
From Sure Arc Welding Supply I ordered a Miller Econotig. It's an AC/DC power supply capable of up to 150A in GTAW (TIG) or SMAW (stick). I had originally been looking at the Syncrowave line from Millar but the price went up dramatically with the only advantage being pulse capability. Since the Econotig came complete with a pedal, torch, electrode holder (for stick), gas regulator and hose it's a great starting point when the buyer doesn't have a previous setup.
At the same time I picked up the Econotig I also purchased a small tank (bottle) of argon, a pack of spare tungsten's and a few pounds of aluminum and stainless filler rods. In addition I had to grab a 50 ft 8 gauge extension cord (this cord is a beast and weighs damn near 30 LBs) so I could run the unit in the garage. As the only convenient 50A 240V outlet I have is for the oven, I also made an oven to equipment plug adapter cord, seen at the far left.
The sad thing is that right now I don't have anything to weld so I've only spent a few minutes on the machine so far. I made a few trial welds on both clean and dirty steel and aluminum with nice results. The arc is generally easy to start and very controllable. One issue is that went I went full throttle for the full 166A in AC, it took about half a 2nd to blow the fuses on both legs of the oven circuit. If I intend to do thick material (specifically aluminum) I'll need to wire in a dedicated circuit. |
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wasssup1990
Nobel Prize Winner
A Land Down Under
2261 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2008 : 6:31:21 PM
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| Hot! What project do you have coming up? |
When one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity.
When many people suffer from a delusion it is called religion. |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2008 : 10:40:31 AM
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A number of them. My own RX-7 will get a complete dry sump oil system as well as a new stainless (or aluminum) fuel tank with a sump. I am planning on producing turbo kits for the NA RX-7, as well as a few other products. And of course, now everyone I know needs stuff welding.
(Random funny, but the Google Ad below this post is advertising an Econotig at Shopzilla. The price is about what I paid retail). |
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cyclopsitis
Nobel Prize Winner
Canada
732 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 10:18:20 PM
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| Very cool! I should buy one one of these days! |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2008 : 09:50:06 AM
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| Yesterday I started working on an aluminum rear strut bar for the RX-7. It's taking a little longer then I thought to shape the flanges but I expect it will get welded later this week. |
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sergiosparks
Apprentice
Philippines
132 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2008 : 09:31:55 AM
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| Wow ! |
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Bought Me a Welder
