Scottl
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2013
- Location
- Eastern Massachusetts, USA
A couple years back I bought a small 120v inverter stick welder from Northern. As an accessory they sell a TIG torch which can be used in lift start mode with that welder.
As my need for TIG would only be occasional (home shop/hobbyist) I have no desire to invest in a fancy TIG unit. I already own a small ac unit with stitch welder, panel spot welder and carbon arc, plus a small inverter flux wire welder. They serve fine except for a very few small projects where I need the control of a separate torch and filler rod.
I am considering buying that TIG torch or a similar unit and a 2-stage regulator. I already own a small (roughly scuba size) tank that once held Co2. To conserve gas I intend to add a solenoid so I can flow gas shortly before starting the arc and for a few seconds after extinguishing the arc. At first I would use a foot pedal to directly control the solenoid but if it works well for me I would likely add a low-voltage switch to the torch handle and a relay with delayed opening after being de-energized.
I think the whole setup could be had for about $200-$250 using some parts I have on hand.
Any thoughts? (besides spending a couple grand)
Also, this would be for steel only. Argon or Co2/Argon?
Thanks in advance
As my need for TIG would only be occasional (home shop/hobbyist) I have no desire to invest in a fancy TIG unit. I already own a small ac unit with stitch welder, panel spot welder and carbon arc, plus a small inverter flux wire welder. They serve fine except for a very few small projects where I need the control of a separate torch and filler rod.
I am considering buying that TIG torch or a similar unit and a 2-stage regulator. I already own a small (roughly scuba size) tank that once held Co2. To conserve gas I intend to add a solenoid so I can flow gas shortly before starting the arc and for a few seconds after extinguishing the arc. At first I would use a foot pedal to directly control the solenoid but if it works well for me I would likely add a low-voltage switch to the torch handle and a relay with delayed opening after being de-energized.
I think the whole setup could be had for about $200-$250 using some parts I have on hand.
Any thoughts? (besides spending a couple grand)
Also, this would be for steel only. Argon or Co2/Argon?
Thanks in advance