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In Reply to: RE: Anyone used a TIG Welder? posted by Triode_Kingdom on November 21, 2014 at 07:06:39
First, thanks to everyone for the great advice. The specific techniques I'm using right now rule out everything except aluminum and stainless steel. All my metalwork is either lathe turned or brushed, then clear anodized. Steel and brass can't be placed in the anodizing bath, which is roughly 50% sulphuric acid, and I wouldn't trust epoxy after this exposure either. Essentially, only stainless steel and aluminum can be immersed in the tank. I think this really means that a TIG welder is the only secure means to assemble a chassis when I don't want to use threaded hardware.
My question is this... If I find a used TIG welder for sale, does anyone here have the experience to tell me whether it's worth buying? I'm not talking about Chinese junk, but only something originally made by a reputable manufacturer here in the States, maybe a few years old. I'm so new at this, I can't tell the good ones from the bad. I really could use some guidance to keep me out of trouble.
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Buy Chinese. Bury freedom.
Follow Ups:
Adhesives could still work if you used them After the anodizing was done.
Depending on the thickness of materials, the heat involved in a weld could
warp or twist something, enough to not sit flat or fit on something, so keep this in mind, you may have to make a fixture to force it to cool straight, or cold set it afterwards, or machine it afterwards.
Go to a welding supply house( one that deals with local industry in the area) and ask these questions. As suggested previously a MIG welder would be your best option IMHO with a grinder and file your best friends. A little theory and skill you can make welds well enough to be able to dress it up.
I would stick to Miller or Lincoln If I were looking, with Miller having the edge based on what I see with friends still in the trade. You can get a single phase wire fed machine that would suit your needs. Just change the spool and gas you can do either aluminum or stainless steel.
I was, in a past life, a very skilled weldor. I was able to weld aluminum process pipe on air reduction plants, something many skilled ferrous metal weldors have a hard time with. From experience I know there is a fine line between making a weld and having the metal vaporize. It becomes more difficult when the the thickness is less, no heat sink. That is why MIG is more forgiving.
Edits: 11/22/14
TK, I have used oxy/acet, arc and mig welders. At one time or another
I was fairly proficient with each discipline. Considering the thickness
of the metal you are using I would suggest a mig welder, with an
aluminum attachment. Much cheaper to buy and from what I was taught,
much easier to use.
If you really want to pursue the TIG thing (I have always wanted one
too, could never afford one) try a local collage for a night coarse on welding.
Cal
use the edit option before you get spanked.
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