k0ua
Epic Contributor
Well, I've got a torch coming from ebay. Gave $5.44 plus $15 shipping. Probably take a few months to get a set going. This one I ordered has the dinse connections, which my machine doesn't have. I will need to get a regulator or flow meter (what's the difference and or what's better) and a tank of gas. I'm doing this on some odd stray money and will be trying to find steal of a deals. Also wife's due to have our 3rd kid here in like 8 days; so hobby time/money will be in short supply.
What you want is the regulator/flow meter I posted a link to in post 160. It is both regulator for the high pressure (over 2000psi when the tank is new) and flow meter to set the of the argon flowing thru the torch. Set it for about 15 cubic foot an hour to start. This will work for most things. Look at the little suspended steel ball in the vertical column. The gauge shows you how much pressure is left in the tank. the fitting on the right is to fit the tank the CGA 580 connection your argon tank will have.. USE NOTHING to try to seal it.. just attach and screw on the collar so so tight with a small wrench.. Then depending on what fitting your torch hose has , barb fitting or screw on, attach it to the lower connection. I hope your torch came with a valve. like the one in the link I posted.
Start with a #4 or 5 cup, and an 1/16 tungsten, and maybe 40 amps. Stickout the tungsten about 3/8 of an inch from the cup, make sure the collet is tight, put your POSITIVE ground (very important) work clamp on the work piece. Then your NEGATIVE torch lead in the negative terminal of your welder. turn on the valve (very important) first, hear the gas flowing at about 15 CFH, flip your hood, or better yet have a good auto helmet, and hold your tungsten near the workpiece and strike your arc (momentarly touch the work at an angle), and then hold the tungsten about 1/8 inch above the work to form the puddle. You will see what looks like an umbrella of the arc, form your puddle, and move the tungsten to move the puddle and dip and add filler rod. Coordinate the movement off the tungsten and the dipping of the filler rod as you move along the seam of the joint.
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