Tig welder

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by Tomo

Maybe I should consider a multiprocess welder like:
Miller Multimatic 200 or Lincoln MP 210
Both are mig tig and arc

Both are DC only so aluminum won't be possible but I can live with that.

Anyone have a multiprocess welder?

I don't have a multi process but I believe most don't have high frequency start. For me personally that is a deal breaker.

You can weld aluminum with DC and helium but it doesn't come out as pretty and the cost for helium makes it not worthwhile for most of the stuff we are doing.

I bought the AHP Alphatig. Had a bit of a hiccup at first (bad torch) but ultimately replaced it with a CK9 and have been happy as a clam since. I tig my body panels (and pretty much everything I weld in my garage).

Here is my bedside I shortened:

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

I don't have a multi process but I believe most don't have high frequency start. For me personally that is a deal breaker.

You can weld aluminum with DC and helium but it doesn't come out as pretty and the cost for helium makes it not worthwhile for most of the stuff we are doing.

I bought the AHP Alphatig. Had a bit of a hiccup at first (bad torch) but ultimately replaced it with a CK9 and have been happy as a clam since. I tig my body panels (and pretty much everything I weld in my garage).

Here is my bedside I shortened:

Good reviews on that alphatig and its less than what I planned on spending - leaves room for upgrades - I might give it a try.

[A1971Blazer]

What's your process on tig welding the panels...........it looks like you stitch in what ? about 1" increments?

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by Tomo

Good reviews on that alphatig and its less than what I planned on spending - leaves room for upgrades - I might give it a try.

Its got quite a few features. I ordered it through Amazon that way if I had troubles I could return it. The peddle and torch it comes with leave a lot to be desired. I flipped the peddle around and use it backwards and it works fine.

Ive got 3-4 80cf bottles through it. Used all the features. No issues yet.

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

What's your process on tig welding the panels...........it looks like you stitch in what ? about 1" increments?

I tack every 6inches or so if it is a straight with no body lines. I tack each body line. I weld about an inch or so and stop if the panels start to overlap. Then planish and move to another area that is cool.

Nice thing about the tig is if your gap is too big you can usually use a thicker rod that fits in the gap and freehand weave it in. I put most of the heat into the rod to avoid warping and let it wash over the sides.

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Its got quite a few features. I ordered it through Amazon that way if I had troubles I could return it. The peddle and torch it comes with leave a lot to be desired. I flipped the peddle around and use it backwards and it works fine.

Ive got 3-4 80cf bottles through it. Used all the features. No issues yet.



I tack every 6inches or so if it is a straight with no body lines. I tack each body line. I weld about an inch or so and stop if the panels start to overlap. Then planish and move to another area that is cool.

Nice thing about the tig is if your gap is too big you can usually use a thicker rod that fits in the gap and freehand weave it in. I put most of the heat into the rod to avoid warping and let it wash over the sides.

Hey David - I just ordered my alphatig. Do you have an auto darkening helmet that works well with tig welding? Their are endless options would great if you could share what's works for you - from what I read not all helmets can pick up low amp tig arc.