How hard is TIG to learn

[k0ua]

Tig welding copper takes some real horse power. Copper is a worse heat sink than aluminum.

Big chunks like that, yeah. But little wire "goes pretty quick"

 

[Shield Arc]

Big chunks like that, yeah.

Once the copper gets heated up, you have to start backing off the power. Another reason for a foot pedal. Same with Tig welding aluminum.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

If you are having a had time deciding, one of our MTS units is budget friendly. You get MIG, DC TIG, and Stick and honestly, they are excellent machines, ahead of the curve imho in this market and sales have really taken off. A PowerMTS 211Si would probably do everything you are looking to do.

 

[k0ua]

Once the copper gets heated up, you have to start backing off the power. Another reason for a foot pedal. Same with Tig welding aluminum.

That there is dang near art work. Man is that pretty!:thumbsup:

 

[handirifle]

If you are having a had time deciding, one of our MTS units is budget friendly. You get MIG, DC TIG, and Stick and honestly, they are excellent machines, ahead of the curve imho in this market and sales have really taken off. A PowerMTS 211Si would probably do everything you are looking to do.

Ha, not my budget. About 3 times what I can think of. Thanks though.

 

[Shield Arc]

That there is dang near art work. Man is that pretty!:thumbsup:

Oh it's not me! My Miller Dynasty 300 gets all the credit. I just turn it on, and get welds like that!

 

[HenryIV]

title says, just wondering. I want to upgrade my welder in the future, and am torn between a bigger MIG or a stick/TIG unit. No production work, just around the property, and my occasional projects, but I want to be able to do some heavy metal welding, like 3/8-1/2 stuff with the power to do it. Having said all that there isn't much of a budget for it, so that is a BIG limiting factor for me.

I have a small MIG for smaller work, but I like what I see, when I watch videos of folks doing TIG work, and I like the control it seems to have. But are we talking BIG $$$ for that type of control, and a steep learning curve?

I am an OK, sort of, MIG welder, just for reference.

No doubt that tig is pretty, and if you are doing motorcycle frames or tuna towers it's great. I've used MIG, and it's clean and convenient but I didn't want to spend $1000 on the MIG unit. I kept an eye on CL and got a Miller Dial Arc 250 with the rolling gear included for $300. Wired in 240/50A circuit and I can weld as much as I like without any duty cycle considerations as this is a light industrial welder. If money is a issue, some of the old Lincoln or Miller gear is a good buy. I'd also look at units that Miller private labeled for Airgas.

 

[dstig1]

I already do flux core with my 110v MIG and it serves me well, and I do have the equipment for MIG as well. I don't use it often because as you guys know the flux core does better on thicker stuff and dirtier stuff.

I need to move up to something a bit heavier for SOME of my projects (trailers etc). I thought the TIG might be handy. For example I am thinking of welding up a custom air tank for my truck. The compressor came with a 1.5 gal and a 3 would be more adequate, but most are not shaped that would fit, or very pricey, it seems. I figured the TIG might weld on the bungs easier, maybe less chance of air pockets in the weld. Not NEEDED but I thought, maybe.

SO I guess I'll stick (pun intended) with the Power Arc 200 I was looking at, and maybe down the road add a TIG torch and play around with it. I SHOULD fill up my co2/argon tank and MIG the air tank. Prob cheaper

Whoa there! Safety Police! Coming through! You really, seriously shouldn't be thinking of welding up a pressure vessel as a good reason to learn TIG. There is a whole set of tests people need to pass to successfully weld on pressure vessels. For good reason. I will do a lot of things myself, but this is well beyond anything I would dare try, especially as a learning experience... Learn TIG, sure, but not to do that. JMO

 

[TomSeller]

Geeez you guys do nice work. Very nice.

 

[k0ua]

Geeez you guys do nice work. Very nice.

but I cheat every chance I get. I use rotating fixtures, clamps, flat positioning, anything to give myself an edge. That and I only post success's.