For several years now I have had the urge to learn TIG welding.
I have no special projects ahead that require TIG & any welding I need done I can do with my Miller MIG or Oxy/Acetylene.
This is about me just wanting to try this out and learn a new skill set.
First move I made many months back was to start watching Y-Tube videos about every aspect...knowledgeable people comparing various 'CHEAP' - TIG welders using this new technology of inverter type machines, their shortcomings & pluses, how to's, tips & tricks etc.
I learn fastest by watching another and observing all his preparations and how he goes about his tasks. I found lots of video showing the actual welding pool with a proper camera filter, that was really helpful to see as the instructor described whatever he was illustrating.
After several months of '101' Y-Tube University, I started looking into a CHEAP machine that'd suffice for my needs in learning.
This brand I selected had set-up selectable capabilities I thought would be handy, AS IN 'post flow gas & post flow decreasing amperage'. Cheap machines are just that...CHEAP...and I can't expect too very much.
There were other components for the TIG system I had to order separately like regulator/flow meter & Argon bottle, tungsten's, filler rod, foot pedal etc. You have to pay attention learning something new like this or you'll spend a lot longer time acquiring all the necessities before you can get started.
First thing I did was to set up a new cart for this little 'lunchbox sized welder'...I decided to place my Plasma cutter and this TIG on the same cart.
Getting started, I cut a slot to slip an 80 cubit foot Argon bottle inside the cart instead of hanging it off the back end. I mounted my air dryer/regulator assembly for the plasma cutter in the rear also.
See what I mean about 'lunch box' size?
This allows the ground clamp cable and torch rig to wind up on the back post of the cart for storage on each side of the cart for both machines. The old plasma cutter cart to the right was too light duty to hold all this new gear I have here...
The two shelves below should be enough space for all the various tools I keep with these machines...squares, clamps of various sizes & types and the consumables for the torch tip maintenance.
I think this will work out and be handy for adjusting the machines...
Now after a couple hours in setup...it's time to get familiar with the TIG welder and make some 'worms'...keep in mind, I've never even held a MIG torch or watched a friend TIG in person...this is all new ground for this old'Dog!
I started out learning how to do everything, like how to carefully 'dip that tungsten' in the weld pool or how to 'carefully coat that tungsten with the filler rod materal'...this takes a special inborn talent I've had for the last 73 years!
Being OPTIMISTIC...and trying to keep a good attitude, I can say this about today's activities..."I can grind a tungsten!" I had 7 opportunities to learn that much!
Well...I have all summer for this and my Bench Rest shooting. I can do one when I can't do the other.
Last year I built some new benches that ought to come in handy...
This is my portable welding & plasma cutting bench...it has to be portable as I dare not make sparks in a shop where I handload and work with wood.