Scratch / Lift Start TIG Welding

[BlacknTan]

I'm just in the process of getting into lift arc tig. Still need my 14 pin foot contactor. Stay tuned!

 

[dex3361]

I might have to try and get it in a few months, it will make the small mig I need even more affordable. It will go well with my stickweld 250.

I am anxious to try my hand at MIG welding. I have stick welded for almost 30 years on an as needed basis. Not a pro mind you but able to utility weld. I have always wanted to try it out. The Stick/Mig Arcmate 205P seemed like a good way to go.

 

[deereman75]

I am anxious to try my hand at MIG welding. I have stick welded for almost 30 years on an as needed basis. Not a pro mind you but able to utility weld. I have always wanted to try it out. The Stick/Mig Arcmate 205P seemed like a good way to go.

If it stick welds anything like my stickweld 250, you have a great machine.
I am thinking of getting the arcmate 160d when I get a mig for 2 reasons. #1 I only really need it for thin stuff, I have a 250 amp dc stick welder for heavy stuff. #2 I have no space in my shop, so every bit of compactness (I think thats a word) counts. The 110/220 will be nice too.

 

[undercut]

If it stick welds anything like my stickweld 250, you have a great machine.
I am thinking of getting the arcmate 160d when I get a mig for 2 reasons. #1 I only really need it for thin stuff, I have a 250 amp dc stick welder for heavy stuff. #2 I have no space in my shop, so every bit of compactness (I think thats a word) counts. The 110/220 will be nice too.

Depending on your circumstances, being able to use the 110v in a pinch for low amperage jobs can be a life saver in the field.

 

[Gary Fowler]

It's not bad once you get comfortable with it. We trained many students to pass 6G pipe tests in nineteen weeks. Billions of dollars of pipeline and boilers and nuke plants are welded every year that way.

Same here. I have been in the heavy construction industry for over 45 years and the only time we ever use HF start is with Aluminum or some of the highly exotic metals like Titanium and Zirconium. With just a little practice at starting, you will eliminate any fouling of the tip when starting. First lesson is dont put a needle tip on your tungsten so it doesnt break off as easy.
Scratch start rigs work well for just about anything around the farm and you can run them on any machine that has a postive and negative which is everything including the AC machines.

I can give you lots of tips on TIG welding if anyone is truly interested in doing something other than MIG or FCAW welding. Just PM me.

 

[undercut]

Thanks for all of the information. This has been a great thread.

 

[dex3361]

If it stick welds anything like my stickweld 250, you have a great machine.
I am thinking of getting the arcmate 160d when I get a mig for 2 reasons. #1 I only really need it for thin stuff, I have a 250 amp dc stick welder for heavy stuff. #2 I have no space in my shop, so every bit of compactness (I think thats a word) counts. The 110/220 will be nice too.

I strongly debated on getting the Arcmate 160 but I opted for the 205P for the pulse feature and the ability to stick weld at higher amperage. The 120/240V feature is a good option om the 160.