What welder would be best??

[ferrari99]

I know most people use a chipping hammer, but I have been caught before because I chipped at a weld and it appeared solid but when I put it under load it broke.

I don't think the stick welder I have is capable of TIG. The everlast I am looking at has TIG capability.

I haven't welded (with my stick) any square tube thicker than 1/8in and I have welded 1/16in but that is mighty hard not to blow holes (I have done it though).

When I say inverter I am meaning SMAW inverter (pardon my ignorance).

How do you like your Everlast PowerARC's Shield Arc?

I don't know the general quality of Australian schools because I am home schooled (the best school in town).

I possibly am going to try out some Everlasts.

My grandfather taught me to weld, and the welder used to be my father's.

Thanks so much for your help
ferrari99

 

[paulharvey]

Well your doing better than me. I burn through anything that thin using my stick welder. If you have a knob, switch, or separate plugs/hook ups to change to DC then it can do what you need for tig. Even with Everlast (nothing against them) you would still be out $25 minimum for the regulator and the cost of an argon bottle.

If you post your welder model, or a picture of it; someone can probably tell you for sure if it can TiG.

 

[Shield Arc]

I don't think the stick welder I have is capable of TIG.

How do you like your Everlast PowerARC's Shield Arc?

37-years ago I use to Tig weld with this machine all the time.

I love them! Best arc for the money I have ever seen.:cool2:

 

[ferrari99]

Here are some photos of my welder, it australian made so I don't know if you can help.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

37-years ago I use to Tig weld with this machine all the time.

I love them! Best arc for the money I have ever seen.:cool2:

Have to agree - those are really nice welders and only cost $75-150 around here.

 

[paulharvey]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=381788"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=381789"/>
Here are some photos of my welder, it australian made so I don't know if you can help.

The picture of the face looks like 225 amps AC/160 amps DC.


Edit: never mind, it's 50 volts 225 amp or 160 amps at 80 volts... so I am over my head, sorry; looks AC only to me, with 2 different voltages; no idea what that's for;

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

The picture of the face looks like 225 amps AC/160 amps DC.


Edit: never mind, it's 50 volts 225 amp or 160 amps at 80 volts... so I am over my head, sorry; looks AC only to me, with 2 different voltages; no idea what that's for;

It's pretty normal, on a standard AC buzz box you'll often see a high and low tap.
The low tap has the higher Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and tends to run rod smoother and start easier.

 

[R W]

I learned at 14 years, but brazing first, then stick. I'm impressed. If I had a MIG when I was 14 I'da build much much more "stuff". You sure write well too, must have good schools down under!

If you keep with the stick, you will start referring to 1/8" (3mm) as "sheetmetal"

With practice, you will learn how to weld thin material with a stick welder, Have never owned a Mig and have no intention of getting one in the near future,
if I were in your position I'd be inclined to go for a good quality inverter.
At Orange & Henty field days Lincoln and others usually have a demo welder at their stand that you can try out. I have tried the inverter type welder and would have to say, that they are almost as good to use as the tractor or engine driven Lincoln DC welders. (they were and still are a great welder)

 

[Shield Arc]

Sure you can Tig weld with that machine. Here are some good products. You'll need some consumables, some gas hose, and a power lug. Your welding supply can set you up with everything you need.
TIG Torch SR 17V 25R 150Amp Air Cooled | eBay
HTP Argon CO2 MIG TIG Flow Meter Regulator Welding Weld | eBay

 

[R W]

View attachment 381788View attachment 381789
Here are some photos of my welder, its australian made so I don't know if you can help.

That should be a good welder, Peerless made good quality equipment (have had one of their air compressors for over 30 years).
Do you have a 3 phase power outlet for it.