Converting to tig welding

I curently have a Lincoln AC/DC stick welder, I've herd that you can convert my stick to tig, any body know how.

Yep, been discussed a number of times in the past, do a search. For basic TIG up to about 150A, all you need is an aircooled tig torch with hose, suitable cups, electrodes and collets to suit the work intended, and a bottle of gas with flowmeter applicable to the work intended (CO2 for steel, Argon for AL or other non-ferrous (or all purpose), mix, etc). Hook the hot lead from your stick welder to the bolt lug on the tig hose, and away you go. For thin work, for AC, or for welding Al especially, it is nice to add a freq unit for easy starting. You will be missing the foot pedal of a dedicated unit, but they can be adapted, also. (I personally never got around to adding a foot pedal, but have done all the rest mentioned)

The freq units used to be common accessory in a welding supply, but probably not anymore. You might have to shop ebay or call around for someone who never sold off the last old stock unit.

Buy a book at the welding store on how to weld with TIG, and it will probably cover the other points you need to know, like gas type, flow rates, electrode type, size and projection, types and sizes of cups available and applications, etc.

The basic torch with lead & hose will probably be under $200, the flowmeter somewhere from $45 to $100.
smt

Argon for everything on tig. (Well, there's Helium, but that's getting advanced).

You won't be doing aluminum unless you add a High Frequceny unit, it's DC only on steel and stainless without one.

Also, without HF you'll be touching the tungsten to the work to get the arc started. It's called scratch start.

Make sure you get a torch with a gas valve on it. You'll need to turn on the gas at the torch, scratch to start the arc and weld, and when done pull the torch away from the work, then stop the flow of gas.

All in all it's not the best set up, but you'll be able to do plenty and practice with it. The upside is if you really like it you'll already have a flowmeter, torch, bottle and accessories to go with your brand new dedicated tig machine.

Good luck,

James

I thank you for your input,

Find a cheap used tig welder on craigslist. Save yourself a headache!