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-   -   TIG welder? Anyone? (http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205376)

Ken R 12-25-2015 03:19 PM

TIG welder? Anyone?
 
I sure with I had one of THESEhttp://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-...dc-welder.html: It's on sale and there's a way to get another 10% off. But how much longer will I be able to use something like this?

Over the past few weeks, I've been working on a 2000 Softail for a girl in one of my HOG chapters. The balance assembly chain tensioners wore through (after 135,000 miles), the chain slipped and spun the crankshaft sprocket more than 180 degrees on the shaft.

I pulled the heads, jugs, pistons and then the whole motor out of the frame. Then, split the engine case. I was able to work the sprocket back around to where a new index tooth could be used to align the sprocket with the two balance wheel sprockets; but not sure that it would stay there for another 135,000 miles. Installed about $350 worth of new balancer assembly parts.

Some of the crankshaft service dealers offer TIG welding of the sprocket to the crank. But shipping alone would have cost $100! So I finally found a welder in town that did it for $25.00.

If I'd had this TIG welder, could have done it myself in 1/100th of the time it took to find the local welder that would touch it.

Anyone have any experience with this particular line of lightweight TIG welders?

Ken

Fe Butte 12-25-2015 04:46 PM

Probably too light duty for what you needed to do.

Also one that uses argon or helium gas is much better for a cleaner weld.


Unless there have been great advances since I last used one...

Ken R 12-25-2015 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fe Butte (Post 1466965)
Probably too light duty for what you needed to do.

Also one that uses argon or helium gas is much better for a cleaner weld.


Unless there have been great advances since I last used one...

The instructions specify Argon. I have a MIG welder, but it still causes spatter; doesn't do nearly as clean of welding as TIG. It would probably only be used a dozen times a year. Might even be able to sell my MIG welder as this would do any welding job I might have.

Sounds like I'm talking myself into it. :doh:
Ken

Dinero 12-25-2015 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken R (Post 1466969)
The instructions specify Argon. I have a MIG welder, but it still causes spatter; doesn't do nearly as clean of welding as TIG. It would probably only be used a dozen times a year. Might even be able to sell my MIG welder as this would do any welding job I might have.

Sounds like I'm talking myself into it. :doh:
Ken

If you need some help with the decision, here's a push:

Go for it!

Xkvator 12-28-2015 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fe Butte (Post 1466965)
Probably too light duty for what you needed to do.

Also one that uses argon or helium gas is much better for a cleaner weld.


Unless there have been great advances since I last used one...

that one uses Argon...you have to buy the tank, gauge, and hose extra, I guess...

Ken R 12-28-2015 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xkvator (Post 1467137)
that one uses Argon...you have to buy the tank, gauge, and hose extra, I guess...

The regulator and hose come with the unit. I already have CO2 inert gas welding with my MIG welder. It was my first experience with inert gas shielding. It sounds like a big deal, but it isn't. Just hooked it up and it worked.

I'm looking through Craiglists and elsewhere to see what they go for used. Maybe I'll stumble across a bargain.

Ken

Xkvator 12-28-2015 02:09 PM

I looked at some of the reviews...seemed satisfied...

I never heard of Co2 with TIG...don't think it'll protect the tungsten...

ive used Co2 with Innershield, and I think they make some solid wires for use with Co2...on dirty metal...

Ken R 12-28-2015 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xkvator (Post 1467142)
I looked at some of the reviews...seemed satisfied...

I never heard of Co2 with TIG...don't think it'll protect the tungsten...

ive used Co2 with Innershield, and I think they make some solid wires for use with Co2...on dirty metal...

CO2 is acceptable for MIG welding. (It's in the specs for the welder). Argon is the only gas I've seen in TIG welding specs. Although I saw one welding forum yesterday where some are using Helium.

So you're probably right,
CO2 isn't good for the Tungsten.

Fe Butte 12-28-2015 06:59 PM

When I was TIG welding, we used helium.

Also for those moments of joculairty helium is just what the clown ordered...

Infidel! 12-29-2015 01:12 AM

Buy it already, so I can borrow it!

:DD

Xkvator 12-29-2015 09:30 AM

after reading a bunch of reviews, some people got a good one, and some got a bad one...
some similar problems on the AC side, which is for Alunium...

but for the price, id try it...their warranty and cust svs. are good...

Eastwood opened a store near Cleveland(Parma)...ill have to take a ride up after work some day...

Xkvator 12-29-2015 04:04 PM

and it comes with Thoriated Tungsten...I thought they were going away from the radioactive ones...

don't breath when sharpening them..bad for lungs...

Fe Butte 12-29-2015 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xkvator (Post 1467265)
and it comes with Thoriated Tungsten...I thought they were going away from the radioactive ones...

don't breath when sharpening them..bad for lungs...

Sorta like depleted uranium projectiles?

Ken R 01-15-2016 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infidel! (Post 1467204)
Buy it already, so I can borrow it!

:DD

Alrighty. I bought it . . . . well, not the same one.

The AHP TIG/stick welder was on eBay for $680.00. Spent hours and hours reading all the reviews by independent users. It looks really good.

Well, they were out of stock. Other sources were out of stock, too; but their price was $799 or $800. So I emailed the US distributor and learned that I'd get their new model if I bought now at $680. Delivery was expected in February. No tax and only $30 shipping. So I bought.

Two days later, I get a notice that mine is being shipped. I checked Amazon and they'd raised the price to $800! Mine is coming for $680, direct from the distributor. The $680 hit the CC when shipped.

It arrived 5 days later; everything I expected it to be. Now I'm learning how to TIG. It's really a lot of fun to make clean precise welds with no smoke, fumes, or spatter. It's just like you see on those motorcycle and auto customization shows on TV. Having a ball with it. Haven't tried welding aluminum yet. Want to master steel first. I'm making a lot of rookie mistakes. It's kind of like torch welding, except it's electric. I used to weld motorcycle flat track shoes for my boss at the H.... shop in S. Florida using coat hangers and torch. This is kind of like that without the impurity popping in my face.

AHP TIG Welder

Infidel! 01-16-2016 02:18 AM

Can you weld titanium with that?

Just asking in case I need any work done on my new foot

It's a pirates life for me


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