ac dc tigs

[skidmark]

looking at ac tigs, looking to spend around $1500.
Have been looking on trade me, could get either a new inverter type or some old miller transformer type ones go for about the same..

Im a little bit hesitant about buying alot of the chinese stuff..want it for welding ali for intercooler pipes etc. mainly just thin ali up to prob around 3mm.

any one have experieace with something like http://www.arcweld.co.nz/welding/engine ... -2234.html (ignore the listed price have seen in my range) vs the old transformer machines?

cheers Alistair

[Big]

Try Blackwood paykels..as they had/ have a unit that's a mig, tig etc.. and was quite a bit cheaper then $2700.. It was also 200 amp

[skidmark]

yip they have the same one for 2200inc gst.i just used that as a example as it was easy to find on google.Ive got my eye on the same one thats at 1500 at the moment.

[Trundle]

I hve a excel arc ac/dc , use it every day and from my experiance is the best cheap alternative to miller , has a benzol hand piece , slope up and down ,pre and post gas flow adjustments arc force , 2t and 4t etc ,
There is quite a few cheap alternatives around but if you win lotto the miller is the go at a cool 7k lol !!!
( Croutcher and crouder is the agent for the excel arc )

[Clint]

We got a Mitech 200A AC/DC/Pulse/Stick/Plasma last year & it's been great. Only issue has been having to replace the crappy gas regulator.

One thing it doesnt have is high frequency AC capability (not HF start it has that) which is supposedly nice, gives a more focussed arc on alu. Some other machines in the same price range do, eg the Dynamic brand one the Toolshed shops sell. We went for the Mitech for the better duty cycle.

If you are new to welding alu make sure you get one with a foot pedal or handpiece control on the amps, makes it hugely easier.

Cheers
Clint

[skidmark]

We got a Mitech 200A AC/DC/Pulse/Stick/Plasma last year & it's been great. Only issue has been having to replace the crappy gas regulator.

One thing it doesnt have is high frequency AC capability which is supposedly nice. Some other machines in the same price range do, eg the Dynamic brand one the Toolshed shops sell. We went for the Mitech for the better duty cycle.

If you are new to welding alu make sure you get one with a foot pedal or handpiece control on the amps, makes it hugely easier.

Cheers
Clint

thanks ill keep in mind about the amp control.cheers

[catalystracing]

I picked up a good quality Chinese 200amp AC/DC pulse, HF start Tig/MMA (stick) machine from Global Welding Supplies, Lower Hutt.
Keep in mind the Chinese make good quality stuff also, its just that NZ importers mainly bring in the cheap stuff.

Ive welded 0.9 Stainless up to heavy Alloy Castings with it, I love it. My only grumble with it that the read out only displays amps while you use it, not much help with setting it up before you strike up

[skidmark]

cheers for the help, have managed to pick up a cigweld one like in the link above of off trade me at a goodprice.supposdly brandnew in box.just waiting for it to turn up.

[skidmark]

well I got one,

steel and stainless seem to be okay, but ali, will require some practice...

[catalystracing]

The trick wily ally is to be patient..and clean parts with a stainless wire brush before you hit the go button, looks like a great machine, enjoy

[2MEKE]

3mm ali is a good thickness to start on...doesn't suck too much heat yet doesn't fall to pieces too easily.
For me, I weld 3mm at 130a @ 125hz, 2.4mm lanthanated with about 3mm stickout. As noted a footrol makes it much easier to finish nice and clean.

[skidmark]

cheers for the pointers , my 2nd attempt seems to be better.