Lift tig torch

[chrismac]

I've got an ac/dc hf tig box in Somerset.

But the op only says he has mig welders.
The add-on boxes run from a transformer type arc welder.
As far as I know they don't run from mig welders or inverter arc welders (not that I've ever looked into this)

Although if the op is anywhere near Somerset I've got a couple of transformer arc machines that would make a compete ac/dc tig setup.

He's not mentioned that he even wants AC tig capabilities though so might be unnecessary expense if he just wants to 'give tig a go'

Yes they are compatible with inverters, or at least some are, there is a spool base close by and they use them, a 400 amp power source and the HF slopers for arc inhiation and control. I guess its a slick way should either one fail, its an easy swap out.

I was going to pair one with a diesel AC/DC machine I have as a cheap alternative to allow me to weld aluminium, but as the deal peetered out and correspondence was lost, I just bought a AC/DC inverter machine, that diesel welder came with a DC HF box but no continuous HF , I have tried it on my small inverter and it works, but as I am typing this I read online a few days ago its only poorer quality machine that require continuous HF (which I find strange as the old Miller sets we used to use needed HF on) to keep the arc going on the change over from AC + to AC-,

I guess it will depend on his mig machine set up,

 

[hotponyshoes]

Thanks. I will have a look.

These ones are now cheap enough to try and see if you get on with them:

Welding Torch Head TIG Torch Body Air Cooled Head Air Cooled Swivel Neck Swivel Welding Head NR-9/NR-17/NR-20 Tig Torch - AliExpress 1420

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

In searching for that, a pencil-style (straight) torch popped up. How do you secure the electrode in one of them as there is no back cap?

With some faff.
Take the ceramic off then loosen the collet holder.
Migatronic do a collet holder with a Hex on the end and supply a thin box spanner so you can change the tungsten without removing the ceramic. But, they use metric threads so the collet holders don't fit most other torches.
You could probably make up a box type spanner for the ck style (with 2 flats) but I've not seen anyone supplying them.

If you want to use a gas lense then you have no option but to remove the ceramic.
Use the ck wedge collets and you'll tighten the gas lense enough by hand.

Whichever setup you use, you'll want to make up a gauge to set stickout as well as its impossible to set it correctly with the ceramic removed!

Having said that, if you find a pencil type easier to hold then you'll have fewer touchdowns with it then much less need to swap the tungsten!
You can also get the pencil torches with flexible necks which might help further.

Those ones in your photo with the rotating head are good as you can get the head at the correct angle for the weld while still being able to rest your arm on something.

You can also get pistol grip style torches. CK do an attachment that just fits onto a regular torch using velcro or cable ties.
Expensive but it should be easy enough to make one or 3d print one. Wouldn't take much to add the button into the handle like a drill trigger

 

[Agroshield]

Having said that, if you find a pencil type easier...

Thanks for the info., appreciate it.

I didn't intend to buy a pencil one; the question about the lack of backcap just popped into my mind when I saw the picture.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Thanks for the info., appreciate it.

I didn't intend to buy a pencil one; the question about the lack of backcap just popped into my mind when I saw the picture.

On a normal tig torch you need both the collet holder.and the backcap to clamp together and hold the tungsten.

If you ever drop the torch and snap the backcap off flush don't mess about trying to extract the remains with sidecutters, just whip off the ceramic and loosen the holder then the remains of the backcap will come loose

 

[chrismac]

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a lift tig torch with a button for the gas rather than a thumb dial?

Iv got a mig, a couple actually but I'm considering getting a small mma machine to have a potter around with as always fancied giving tig a go! I know they are far from ideal and if be better with a HF tig but I want to see if I can somewhat master it before spending more money on something I either can't get the hang of or just don't use.

My main concern is I'm forgetful and I just know I won't turn the valve off when iv finished something.

Thanks all and sorry if it's been asked a 1000 times- I couldn't find anything.

The good news is the TIG HF box I was planning is still available if you want it, I made contact with the seller even though the advert has vanished. if you have a machine capable of connecting it to.

 

[Alabamavw]

I've got one of the TIG torches for my inverter MMA machine, it's the turn type gas valve and a pain to operate, particularly when you're learning and it's another thing to remember/factor in, I found that anyway, ended up wasting gas.

A move of house meant giving the argon bottle back to the supplier so I've not tried it in a fair while. I intend to try TIG again at some point but I'll fashion some kind of foot switch wired to a gas solenoid between the bottle reg and the torch, press it down and it switches on and gas flows, foot off the switch and it stops.

You'd just need a push to make foot switch, power supply and gas solenoid with the fittings to connect from the reg to the solenoid to the torch, quite a simple set up, your brain/foot is the timer relay.

That was another idea I had but then it soon works out to be no cheaper than just buying a proper Tig. I have arthritis so that's my main concern of investing money in another machine and not being able to master it without ending up in agony

 

[Alabamavw]

The good news is the TIG HF box I was planning is still available if you want it, I made contact with the seller even though the advert has vanished. if you have a machine capable of connecting it to.

Being honest, it's a bit out of my price range but thanks for the heads up on it.

 

[chrismac]

Being honest, it's a bit out of my price range but thanks for the heads up on it.

its was in the region of £40-£50 for the HF box,

 

[Alabamavw]

its was in the region of £40-£50 for the HF box,

Oh, maybe I looked at the wrong listing then as the one I saw was 800 quid

 

[chrismac]

Oh, maybe I looked at the wrong listing then as the one I saw was 800 quid

else where online yes, but on here 2nd hand about £50