Need welder advice...

[dntfxr]

That's a good looking weld to my eye. Does helium with DCEN use the same basic equipment as regular argon tig? I guess for the limited times I'd need to weld aluminum I could always just use stick instead...

 

[Shield Arc]

Same basic equipment. Just with helium generally you crank up the cfh. The plus side with DCEN w/ helium you can do the same thing as AC w/ argon with about half the amps. But you don't get the cleaning action with DCEN w/ helium as you do with AC w/ argon. Another down side to DCEN w/ helium is there is a very, very small zone that the arc will start!

 

[yomax4]

The HF modle has high frequency start for tig. Step down on the foot pedal and the arc jumps to the base metal establishing the arc. The bad thing about the Old technology Aluminum tig units is that they had to use pure tungsten that you would create a Ball on the end. This causes a large heat effected zone and erratic arc. The new units use 2% tungsten ground to a point. That makes a small heat effected zone and enables you to weld thicker material with less amps. There is more to it but that is a fair explaination. The Dial Arc will last for ever due to it's heavy transformer make up. If you want to do Aluminum tig and stick on a budget, Look at one of the Everlast units on here. That may be better than a 30 year old Dial Arc.

 

[dntfxr]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to hold off on the old Dialarc for now. I'm sure I can locate a HF one if I decide to go that route. I'm not in any hurry to buy so in the meantime I'll research the everlast units. It looks like they have several that would meet my wants, a couple including plasma cutters which would be nice too. I also may run across a deal on another old transformer that is too good to pass up.

I guess I'm biased toward the big old transformers, I just remember them being so much easier to weld with vs a regular crackerbox. For those with experience with both, how does the arc compare between a good old transformer and a say a new everlast inverter unit, using stick? Using tig?
Thanks so much for the help, I really value the experience and suggestions you guys offer.

 

[Shield Arc]

I guess I'm biased toward the big old inverters, i just remember them being so much easier to weld with vs a regular crackerbox. For those with experience with both, how does the arc compare between a good old transformer and a say a new everlast inverter unit, using stick? Using tig? Thanks so much for the help, I really value the experience and suggestions you guys offer.

I'm old school, didn't believe in inverters. Few years ago one of the members here arranged for some of us to go to Miller's testing facility. We were allowed to play with everything Miller had on the market, even engine drives! I got my hands on a Dynasty 300 and fell in love, if I could have got it on the plane with me I would have brought it home right then. Soon as I got home I ordered one. Last year after reading Mark's, (Everlast) comments he convinced me he is a very knowledgeable weldor, I called him and had a long conversation with him. I took a chance and bought a PowerArc 200 from him, yep another inverter! I'm very impressed with that little machine!
So right about now you're thinking so who are you to judge. Welp I think I have some of the best welders ever built, I have 5 SA-200s, (Shorthoods, Red Faces). A Miller 330A/BP. A Linde VI-206. A Lincoln Invertec v350-Pro with another one on the way, hopefully be here today. And of course the Dynasty 300. Been welding for over 40-years, but mostly with engine drives. I've been around the block enough times to know what I like in a welding machine, and these inverters are very impressive! It's amazing the control they have over the puddle. In my opinion very little welding skill is needed now a days with these inverters, they do it all for you!

 

[deereman75]

I saw one guy on welding web wanting to weld aluminum with a tig rig on an ac tombstone, is there anyway this would work? or is he clueless?

 

[dntfxr]

Thanks again sheild arc, I can tell you have good experience in the field and I appreciate the help.
I need to go back and edit that last post, I meant to say "old transformers" not "old inverters" in that first sentence of the second paragraph. That's what I get for posting before I've had my coffee lol! I think you knew what o meant though.
I guess I could just give up on AC and tig for now and go with the PA200, seems like a good little unit. I wonder how the bigger Everlast tig and multi units are too...

 

[Shield Arc]

I saw one guy on welding web wanting to weld aluminum with a tig rig on an ac tombstone, is there anyway this would work? or is he clueless?

I'm not familiar with the Tombstone at all, I know them by sight, but honestly can't say I've ever run one. My gut says if you ever got it to work, you wouldn't have anything! First thing you need is a high frequency box. Last I heard they were over $700.00 to start with. You have to have high freq to maintain the arc while changing cycles. And a foot pedal is almost a must, aluminum changes so much while making a weld you need some way to control the amps.

Thanks again sheild arc, I can tell you have good experience in the field and I appreciate the help.
I need to go back and edit that last post, I meant to say "old transformers" not "old inverters" in that first sentence of the second paragraph. That's what I get for posting before I've had my coffee lol! I think you knew what o meant though.
I guess I could just give up on AC and tig for now and go with the PA200, seems like a good little unit. I wonder how the bigger Everlast tig and multi units are too...

I knew what you meant:laughing:. I know Mark is a salesman, but I believe he is truly an honest man, and will be straight up with you. But hey, take Mark out of it, join this forum and ask people who own Everlast Tig machines.
Everlast Power Equipment Forum

 

[dstig1]

Same basic equipment. Just with helium generally you crank up the cfh. The plus side with DCEN w/ helium you can do the same thing as AC w/ argon with about half the amps. But you don't get the cleaning action with DCEN w/ helium as you do with AC w/ argon. Another down side to DCEN w/ helium is there is a very, very small zone that the arc will start!

You forgot one little detail for the hobbyist looking to DCEN TIG Alum with He...

"Add a crapload of amps. More than your house probably has."

 

[Shield Arc]

You forgot one little detail for the hobbyist looking to DCEN TIG Alum with He...

"Add a crapload of amps. More than your house probably has."

All my welders and plasma are on 65-amp breakers, haven't thrown a breaker yet. Now the Miller 330A/BP was on a 95-amp breaker, but it was capable of 460-amps output. It has been retired, and setting way in the back of the barn. The Miller Dynasty 300 did that machine in.