Doug the TIG

[terranosaurusdoug]

There is a TIG welder at work that hasn't been used for about six years, so I've wheeled it out, dusted it off and given it a check for obvious faults and defects.
I'm going to teach myself to TIG weld :D:thumbs
I'm starting on mild steel DC and will move onto stainless steel and AC aluminium!!
I will post some pics up of machine tmoro.

[Banshee]

You can do it Dougger

[Wallace]

Do you have Argon? I'm struggling with BOC at the moment as most places local to me for cylinder exchange are closed and delivery is too expensive. Tig is a lot more expensive than Mig!

[terranosaurusdoug]

Do you have Argon? I'm struggling with BOC at the moment as most places local to me for cylinder exchange are closed and delivery is too expensive. Tig is a lot more expensive than Mig!

Yeh there is an empty one and a full one here, I don't have to pay for gas etc. so not a problem.

[Wallace]

I tracked down a supplier today 75 mile round trip and he doesn't keep the Y size bottles I have only smaller or slightly bigger. Harrumph. :(

[terranosaurusdoug]

I tracked down a supplier today 75 mile round trip and he doesn't keep the Y size bottles I have only smaller or slightly bigger. Harrumph. :(

I feel your pain mate!!

[terranosaurusdoug]

11198

[terranosaurusdoug]

I got these t'other day and changed the gas bottle today :thumb2:D
11199

[terranosaurusdoug]

Without filler, apparently too high and not enough gas.11200

[terranosaurusdoug]

A few with and without filler, not a bad start I suppose :D11201

[elty001]

Could never get on with tig when i was younger.
Now I've got more patience i might give one of the sets at work a go.

[Wallace]

11198

Ooh, Thermal Arc. And a water cooler. I'm not jealous.:bow

A few with and without filler, not a bad start I suppose :D11201

Try giving the sheet a clean, Tig needs clean and grease free material. Are the consumables for Tig? BOC gave me gas rods instead of tig when I started, you can use Mig wire.

[kitchenman]

A welding supply co near me sells all gasses BUT no rental charge, I only use my Mig once or twice a year and rentals over £100 a year was too much now I am not working and claiming it back, this firm AIR charged just over £100 for the bottle and contents, when empty just pay for a full one and return the empty. I think it is a nationwide company,
https://hobbyweld.co.uk/find-an-agent/

[terranosaurusdoug]

Ooh, Thermal Arc. And a water cooler. I'm not jealous.:bow



Try giving the sheet a clean, Tig needs clean and grease free material. Are the consumables for Tig? BOC gave me gas rods instead of tig when I started, you can use Mig wire.

Hi mate, thanks for advice. Yeh I will be giving the next one a good clean with a flap disc :thumb2

As far as o know the wire is for tig, but now you have said I will be checking.
11203

[terranosaurusdoug]

A welding supply co near me sells all gasses BUT no rental charge, I only use my Mig once or twice a year and rentals over £100 a year was too much now I am not working and claiming it back, this firm AIR charged just over £100 for the bottle and contents, when empty just pay for a full one and return the empty. I think it is a nationwide company,
https://hobbyweld.co.uk/find-an-agent/

I use this gas from the same company, but I go to Goole for mine :thumbs
11204

[terranosaurusdoug]

Ooh, Thermal Arc. And a water cooler. I'm not jealous.:bow

Yeh I know, it's a proper bit of kit, the button on the gun is rubbish though, keeping it pressed means I lose a lot of control, I'm going to see if I can make it on/off.
11205

[Wallace]

Yeh I know, it's a proper bit of kit, the button on the gun is rubbish though, keeping it pressed means I lose a lot of control, I'm going to see if I can make it on/off.
11205

There should be a setting on the machine for 2T/4T latching control over the switch. Downloadable manual here (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1018096/Thermal-Arc-Arcmaster-300s.html?page=24#manual). That really is a top end piece of kit. :thumb2

[Fez_uk]

There should be a setting on the machine for 2T/4T control over the switch.

Or a foot pedal switch

[terranosaurusdoug]

There should be a setting on the machine for 2T/4T latching control over the switch. Downloadable manual here (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1018096/Thermal-Arc-Arcmaster-300s.html?page=24#manual). That really is a top end piece of kit. :thumb2

Yeh it's a proper beast, can't believe it's been sat in the corner for about 6 years.

I can't figure out how to switch between 2t and 4t, looks like I will have to use the slope mode to be able to use 4t.

[Wallace]

I had a quick look but I think you need to be sat in front of the machine hands on to understand it easier. Or use the pedal as Fez Says if it has one.

[terranosaurusdoug]

I had a quick look but I think you need to be sat in front of the machine hands on to understand it easier. Or use the pedal as Fez Says if it has one.

No pedal unfortunately, but I've taken the bulky surround/holder off and am just holding the switch on the torch with my finger, much better.

[D2206]

We've not long since picked up one of the little Wolf mig sets. Can't wait to get it set up and have a play. Don't think i've got the delicate touch needed for tig though lol

[Wallace]

We've not long since picked up one of the little Wolf mig sets. Can't wait to get it set up and have a play. Don't think i've got the delicate touch needed for tig though lol

Have fun, does it come with the flat packed welding mask and miniature gas bottle? :)

[terranosaurusdoug]

I know a couple of lads with the same welder, I've seen some very impressive results from it, some not so :D

[elty001]

We've not long since picked up one of the little Wolf mig sets. Can't wait to get it set up and have a play. Don't think i've got the delicate touch needed for tig though lol

I got a wolf 140 amp dual mig last xmas.
So far so good:thumb2

[Banshee]

I know a couple of lads with the same welder, I've seen some very impressive results from it, some not so :D

As Doug has kindly hinted at :lol :lol I have had varying results from my welder recently but I seem to be going in the right direction.

The welder is a Wolf MigWeld 140X
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOLF-MIG-140X-Welder-Gas-No-Gas-Combination-Turbo-Smooth-DC-Welder-Accessory-/283693309090

I was handed it to use brand new in the box by a friend from work, I took it home, pulled enough of it out the box for it to weld and then left the rest. I jumped in head first, no videos, no books, just some metal and lots of enthusiasm.

When I started, I made the mistake of trying it on rusty old metal and had no idea what power settings I needed and how much gas etc, the welds I was getting were AWFUL, literally spits and spats of pigeon crap everywhere and no nice lines of weld like I see online so often :(

I lost interest with it after I finally managed to get a spat of weld land on the gas hose and melted through, there was a pinhole melted into the pipe that I couldn't see until I removed all of the external layer for ages, I wondered why a hobby bottle of Argon was lasting minutes :doh

I've been having a play some more since Elty and the boys gave me some tips and tricks and I've got a little better, this was still in gas mode but I didn't have any gas connected as I was still waiting for hose and a new regulator.

https://i.ibb.co/M8sVq08/IMG-20200504-164033495-copy-1024x576.jpg

Still a bit spitty but amazing what cleaner metal and the right power and wire speed can do :thumb2

Pipe and Regulator turned up last night so I'll get to fixing it this week at some point

https://i.ibb.co/FBwrLQx/IMG-20200505-204137831-copy-1024x576.jpg

First things first!!!!! I've got parts to send to TDOUG :cool: :bow

[terranosaurusdoug]

Easy to get disheartened, just keep practicing now and then mate.
Don't force it though 'cos you'll lose interest :thumb2

I had an hour on the tig yesterday, I have improved a little but I'm going to leave it till next week now, I find if I sleep on stuff and give it some space I do better, I'm quite impatient though :lol

[terranosaurusdoug]

Best I have done yet, but like I said I won't have another go till next week. I might make some car ramps tmoro at work but I will be using my trusty mig welder I'm looking forward to it actually :D
11206

[D2206]

Have fun, does it come with the flat packed welding mask and miniature gas bottle? :)

It was purchased second hand so they were both missing. Luckily halfords sell the reg/gas/wire which we picked up. Also have a brand new mask of my dads to use which is a godsend lol.

I know a couple of lads with the same welder, I've seen some very impressive results from it, some not so :D

I was a little apprehensive at first but from seeing some videos it looks quite a handy little set.

I got a wolf 140 amp dual mig last xmas.
So far so good:thumb2

Thats what this one is I believe. Hoping to have a play this weekend :naughty

[Wallace]

Those little hobby bottles and regulators will soon relieve your wallet of mucho casho once you get into it, a bigger bottle and regulator are a must if you are going to do a lot.

[D2206]

Those little hobby bottles and regulators will soon relieve your wallet of mucho casho once you get into it, a bigger bottle and regulator are a must if you are going to do a lot.


I think we will once we tidy the garage out. But there's too much crap in there for the time being lol. I can't see us doing a massive amount but i'd like the ability to do bits on the car here and there. Plus if all goes to plan, when we move into our new premises at work, i've been promised a welder :naughty

[terranosaurusdoug]

Plus if all goes to plan, when we move into our new premises at work, i've been promised a welder :naughty

Nice :thumbs:D:lol

[D2206]

Nice :thumbs:D:lol

Haha, i'd love to ask for a tig but its not something i've ever done before but it would benefit what we do. Looks like i'm doing a welding course!

[Wallace]

Haha, i'd love to ask for a tig but its not something i've ever done before but it would benefit what we do. Looks like i'm doing a welding course!

If work are paying take it on. BIG cost difference in running a Tig and soooo many variables compared to Mig. Very satisfying when it goes right and frustrating beyond belief when it doesn't.

[terranosaurusdoug]

Haha, i'd love to ask for a tig but its not something i've ever done before but it would benefit what we do. Looks like i'm doing a welding course!

MIG is awesome, I'll be using my baby tmoro to make some ramps with :thumbs:thumbs:thumbs

[Wallace]

Best I have done yet, but like I said I won't have another go till next week. I might make some car ramps tmoro at work but I will be using my trusty mig welder I'm looking forward to it actually :D
11206

I find DC Tig quite pleasurable, I'm back up and running today after a 60 mile round trip for a bottle of Argon so I can now get on with a few bits.

[D2206]

If work are paying take it on. BIG cost difference in running a Tig and soooo many variables compared to Mig. Very satisfying when it goes right and frustrating beyond belief when it doesn't.

Work are buying the set as we're starting to do more and more in house. However i've no experience at all with TIG where as MIG is easier to pick up.

[terranosaurusdoug]

I migged a couple of these ramps up today
11210

[terranosaurusdoug]

I ran out of wire in my welder so used works one to finish with, I prefer mine tbh, this is the works welder
11211

[terranosaurusdoug]

This is my awesome baby....
11212

[Blocky10]

Kinell T-Doug, they've got some good gear at your works.
What is it they do pal?

[terranosaurusdoug]

Kinell T-Doug, they've got some good gear at your works.
What is it they do pal?

This is us, I work for the DAF one, main branch.
I use our body repair shop for doing most of my jobs, they don't have a pit though.
We sell, service repair etc.
http://www.pelican-eng.co.uk

[elty001]

I migged a couple of these ramps up today
11210

Proper ramps :thumb2
Made myself a decent set a few years ago now and still going strong.
Getting ready for a re paint now though.

[terranosaurusdoug]

Proper ramps :thumb2
Made myself a decent set a few years ago now and still going strong.
Getting ready for a re paint now though.

Oh yeh paint, that can wait :lol

[Wallace]

That Lincoln is an expensive bit of kit too, your welding supplier must love your place. :D Do you have a spool gun for the R-Tech? I tried aluminium in my old Mig 20 years ago and the bird nesting drove me mad, spool guns were the stuff of dreams for home use back then.

[terranosaurusdoug]

That Lincoln is an expensive bit of kit too, your welding supplier must love your place. :D Do you have a spool gun for the R-Tech? I tried aluminium in my old Mig 20 years ago and the bird nesting drove me mad, spool guns were the stuff of dreams for home use back then.

I don't know whether to get a spool gun for it or not tbh.
A mate gave me some advice, he says with the spoolguns the aluminium wire expands more than normal steel wire so whatever size wire you use fit the next biggest diameter nozzle (or whatever it is called :lol) to give it room to expand without jamming :thumb2

[Flying Torquewrench]

Never tried TIG welding, not sure if I have the patience.

Bit late to the party but back to welding gas.

BOC do a Volkzone deal, £55 refill charge and £56.40 bottle hire a year for a Y size cylinder of Argonshield Light.

There is also a £3.60 surcharge if you don’t pay on Direct Debit.

[elty001]

I managed to source a bottle of pub gas CO2 for 25 quid:thumb2

[terranosaurusdoug]

Never tried TIG welding, not sure if I have the patience.

Bit late to the party but back to welding gas.

BOC do a Volkzone deal, £55 refill charge and £56.40 bottle hire a year for a Y size cylinder of Argonshield Light.

There is also a £3.60 surcharge if you don’t pay on Direct Debit.

That seems pretty good that does :thumb2

[Wallace]

Watch out for the BOC paper bill fee, it's around £5 if you don't go paperless and the collection fee has been reintroduced too on the Volkzone/Hobbyweld deals unfortunately. This has made the rent free options more viable for those who don't use much gas, I am going over to SGS once each cylinder runs out and life has returned to normal.

[Flying Torquewrench]

I changed cylinders with BOC just before lockdown and the prices quoted above are correct. Always been paperless so I have never seen the £5 charge for not being paperless.

On my latest bill there are no collection charges, however there are fixed charges which are £5.99.

BOC is quite close to us and if I use one bottle of gas then it comes to about £120 for the year which is not to bad.

[Wallace]

I collected a Y Argon Friday so once it comes up online I will post the prices, the Argoshield Light rental I have just received is £62.40.