I had today off work, to take delivery of my wifes wedding aniversary pressy. Like most women she likes little surprises.

After I had taken delivery, I set out to buy some of those little extras to go with it. Some tungsten Red Tips, Filler wire, and a big bottle of Argon

I have only ever played with a Tig once before (except in the school playground) at 907's.
Paul is an expert, and has some decent gear, so my try out with that was a success. What's more is I liked the feel and the finish.

Now back to reality.....

My first attempt.... settings and connections all wrong! Only needed an dose of RTFM (Read the Feckin Manual) to improve matters.
As the second photo shows on a test run on a bit of strip.

On some I just melted the steel and didnt add any filler, the results were interesting, especially as one bit was 4mm thick, and I was not using enough power.
At least it penetrated about 1/2 way through.

One of the welds I thought was really quite good, and even penetrated to the other side on a bit of 3mm.

So here come the photos.

Oh... I am a complete beginner at Tig, so whilst I am sort of pleased, its probably not that good!.. Well its my first attempt at this.
settings were a bit wrong!

wrong settings and conections!

A test run using filler rod on a bit of 3mm strip.


A test run with filler rod

Next I did just a melt only. The pidgeon poo is from my Mig. I am only using bits of scrap that were lying about!


melt only - No Filler

Reverse Side.. Not all the way through!


Melt Only - Other side

Now a bit of 4mm C section


4mm C Channel 100Amps

Side view of above only about 1/2 way through and using about 100 Amps.


4mm C Channel Side on

The left hand one was just Melt - No filler,
The right hand one with filler rod was my best looking weld of the afternoon.


Left No Filler, right with filler

All done with this. £185 off Ebay with £12 postage from Germany. Took 3 days to get here. OK its not the Dogs Dangly bits, but it seems to work OK.
I strongly suspect its Chinese, as there is the name of a Chinese town written on the power cord. However for less the £200 all in, I am prepared to take a risk.
Oh.. I paid £225 for my SIP150 Mig about 8 years ago, so though this would be worth a punt.


Rehmann 200Amp Tig

http://www.diytrade.com/directory/global/buy/products/2432983/China_Manufacturers-Inverter_DC_TIG_Welding_Machine_TIG200S.html

Nice one lad

Me a Lad?? I'm an 'ol Fart of 55.
That one isnt the same... Ive got TWO knobs to twiddle

Very similar though. Seems to work OK. even though I am a completed tig Beginner.

Take Care..
Geoff

Who has got a new toy then? See you when I get back from Cyprus.

I'm using grey ceriated tungsten instead of the radioactive red ones.

quote:

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Originally posted by Peteff
I'm using grey ceriated tungsten instead of the radioactive red ones.

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I believe that the problem is inhaling the dust when sharpening them on the grinder.

cof, cof!

Looks like you are taking to it like the preverbial duck Geoff - those later welds look just like real ones

Looks like I need to put one of those gizmos on my Santa list this year then

Just wondering if you have tried it in arc mode,I have just bought a Clarke 110 inverter,I havn't got the tig torch yet so thought I would try Arc welding with it .I have a couple of plates to weld to my chassis for my engine transplant,so I thought I would tack em in place with a view to fully welding the up when my tig bits arrive.I have got to say I am well impressed with the way these inverters work,when the guy handed me the welder I couldnt believe how small it was.It weld really nice and smooth,I was so impressed that I fully welded the plates in instead of waiting.Try it you might like it.

The welders are German, power cords are Chinese If it's the Rehmann I've read about they look decent inverters.

quote:

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Originally posted by wilkingj

quote:

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Originally posted by Peteff
I'm using grey ceriated tungsten instead of the radioactive red ones.

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I am reliably informed that red ones will do all I need.
Red is good for mild and stainless.
As I understand it Grey are for mild and Alluminium, (not sure if OK for S/S).

As long as it welds OK, then there shouldnt be a problem. As far as I can see its only if you want to do ally as well.

Mr 907 is acting as my Guru

Hmm... Will I start to glow in the dark

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quote:

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Originally posted by 907

quote:

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Originally posted by wilkingj
Red is good for mild and stainless.
As I understand it Grey are for mild and Alluminium, (not sure if OK for S/S).

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Geoff mi ol' mate,
Your in a muckin' fuddle.

"Grey OR red will weld mild steel AND stainless."

I also said, "I prefer the red" but that is just my personal preference.
White, Zirconiated, are for aluminium.
Your personal Gnu

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Great machine!
Congratulations!