Harbor Freight TIG

[supermanotorious]

Has anyone seen this in their local stores yet? I can not find the TIG torch on HF's site. Nor do I see a users manual under this link which makes me a little skeptical. Could be a super inexpensive way to get a TIG machine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/165-amp-dc-240-volt-inverter-tigstick-welder-61792.html

 

[KartFab]

I saw one at harbor freight a year ago. If you can't get a torch, they sell the copies of the 20 and 17 series online for super cheap.

 

[Badot]

I don't have a lot of experience with TIG stuff, but from my understanding you really want a high frequency start on a DC machine. That, and DC doesn't do great on aluminum.

Foot pedals are very nice to have as well.

 

[KartFab]

Plus, you can MIG aluminum and stainless.

 

[2SlickNick]

I saw this a couple months ago. I don't think the torch is sold a HF. also I don't think this one does aluminium. I want to get into tig too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld0aI8b_CsA

 

[machinist@large]

I saw this a couple months ago. I don't think the torch is sold a HF. also I don't think this one does aluminium. I want to get into tig too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld0aI8b_CsA

DC only, zero high frequency capabilities. Aluminum is out of the question. Save your money and look for a better machine.

 

[mattamd_xp]

Any stick welder can pretty much be turned into a TIG welder with the items listed on the HF website. DC severely limits what you can do, but even an old Lincoln "tombstone" arc welder can be converted to a limited TIG machine.

 

[mckutzy]

Got pure helium(yes pure not balloon gas).... You can dc tig aluminum with a tig rig and a tombstone welder.

 

[supermanotorious]

interesting posts fellas, do you have any links on how to set them up like that?

 

[KartFab]

I've done it before.

Flow meter to hose to brass block, brass block to torch hose/torch. Clamp ground to workpiece, clamp stinger to brass block.

http://images.millerwelds.com/main....ies/Coolant+Systems/TIG+Block+105Z57.jpg.html

You also need to get a manual valve tig torch so u don't waste too much gas. Starting the arc will kind of suck since you gotta strike it like a match.

 

[supermanotorious]

WHOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBiSFjGDApI

 

[supermanotorious]

HF added the same TIG under item # 66787 and includes a manual, I called and the torch assembly is not available

 

[DS13]

I've done it before.

Flow meter to hose to brass block, brass block to torch hose/torch. Clamp ground to workpiece, clamp stinger to brass block.

You also need to get a manual valve tig torch so u don't waste too much gas. Starting the arc will kind of suck since you gotta strike it like a match.

We do this exact thing in school once we are in advanced GTAW. Instead of using a foot pedal to control the amperage you set the amps on the machine and once "scratch" started, the machine puts out all the amperage.