Anything welding

When I'm doing a carbon tig root, I use a loose 1/8 gap and sometimes a touch wider (if it tightens as you come up, just open it with a grinder). I usually turn the heat up a bit (or you can use a remote/foot pedal) and feed the rod from the backside of the root opening. Always make sure your tungsten is sharp. If you accidentally dip it in the puddle, change it with a sharpened one.



I prefer to free-hand the root, but some people like to walk the cup on it. If you're not familiar with walking the cup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKaPIpxIneE Skip to 5:10

The ceramic cup rests in the groove and you walk it almost like you would with a barrel or drum. There is a lot more movement when walking the cup, but it will also make a very attractive cap if you ever tig all the way out.

 

Nice vid

 

subd

 

I found that video on youtube pretty quickly when I typed in "walk the cup tig root". There are lots of other video's for different types of joints, but this is a good video for someone learning to tig pipe.

 

Looking better, how come you dont have a couple pieces of FB on there to start working on your filet welds?

 

Any thoughts on the Lincoln 180C? Thinking about picking one up or a Hobart 140. I'd really like the 220v, but I only have one spot to use it at my place (back of the garage). Otherwise the Hobart would be easy to use anywhere and can be used outside (I live in a small place).

 

I recently picked up a Eastwood 135 MIG which is similar to the Hobart 140 and it works great. I had my buddy that's been welding professionally for 15+ years play with it and he wants one to have in his arsenal. (He's got a plethora of only Miller Welding and Snap-On tools) They are good units when power is limited to 110V. If you have the 220V power supply go with the larger unit. It will pay off in the long run. Good luck!

 

Extention cords...

 

I hear you on going bigger if I can. The Lincoln though is $200 more and would use up all of the money I have. Hmm decisions.

Hahahaha, knew that was coming but I was also thinking of using it in the backyard as well when I needed the room.

 

Just don't forget you need a good, heavy cord that's as short as possible

 

If you want something with versatility get a dual voltage machine.

 

That would be ideal, but my budget is a bit limited right now. I think the 110 will work fine for now and for the price I could make my money back down the line.

 

What are you planning on using it for?

 

Various projects on my 4runner like skids, bumpers, links and the such. That's the plan, but I will also probably get into some craft stuff for the Mrs. Plenty of the 4runner guys use the Hobart 140 and are fine with the 3/16 as long as they go slow and make multiple passes when necessary.


Do you guys think this is a wise buy? http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOBART-HANDLER-175-/151207919972?ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:3160 It's a pretty good price, but I'm hesitant because who knows if it will work properly when it arrives.

 

Yeah a 140 should be fine for 3/16. I know you have heard it before but it really is true, buy the biggest machine you can afford, you will want it at some point.

I can't really comment on the welder specifically as I've only used a hobart tig. As for buying a used on online I probably wouldn't but he seems to have good reviews, only bad ones aren't really that negative. But he doesn't accept returns...

 

Well I'm going with the Hobart 140. I think I can get it for 300 and it's brand new. That will give me some extra cash to pick up a cart and the various tools I'll need (grinder, clamps, mig pliars and some grinding/cutting disks). I'll be happy with the 140 and it will allow me to use it in more places that the 220 can't go (parents house, friends house).


So, on that note, I have an old oxy acetylene set up that got from my neighbor. It isn't working right now, but could I use one of the bottles with my Hobart if I get the right regulator? Or do I need a different bottle? I'd love to get them filled with some 75/25, so I don't have to use flux core all the time.

 

As long as the bottles are up to date most places will swap them for whatever you want in the same size.

 

Oxygen and Argon valves are not the same. Oxygen cylinder's are high pressure and use a high pressure double seat valves. The 75/25 Argon/CO2 bottle uses a different valve, even from 100% CO2 valve. You can get a bottle off of Craigslist for reasonably cheap.

 

Most places will do a cylinder for cylinder swap.

 

I'll check the praxair near me about a cylinder swap. Thanks for the help guys.