Beginner here. Bought this bit of kit. Wondering if it's up to the job.

[mikeymms]

Hi,

I'm a beginner to TIG welding. I recently impulse bought this believing it to be a bargain: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130760846910?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

The Viper 2000. Now, just wondering where I can get a DC supply for it, and if anyone could make any recommendations. I also need an argon gas cannister and flow regulator, and a TIG torch. Is there anything else I need in order to start practicing?

Thanks very much in advance

 

[shenion]

You will need a DC arc welder to power it. Nowadays, if an arc welder has DC, it is usually an inverter and HF or lift start can be had for a bit more money.

It is possible to convert an AC buzz box arc welder to DC. There are some threads on the site about it.

You will need tungstens, collets and shrouds for the torch.

Welcome to the forums

 

[mikeymms]

Thanks very much for your advice! Ah, OK, so I need HF start on both the arc welder DV supply and the TIG control unit? Also, would I be able to get slope off somehow if the control unit doesn't supply it?

 

[Wozzaaah]

No, that unit provides the HF for the starting so you don't need it on the power source, you just need a DC power source like this to run it plus all the other ancillaries.
Personally, I think you've probably wasted your money on it, the only benefit that add-on box gives you is torch latching, gas post-flow, gas flow-metering and HF start, nothing else, slope etc. I don't think you could fit a foot pedal to it either as the other connector is just for the torch on/off switch.

 

[mikeymms]

You may have saved me money in that case. I may just re-ebay this and browse for a good used kit. Who knows, I might make a profit on resale of this one (I saw second hand units going for £400 on ebay). Thanks for the info!

 

[Wozzaaah]

This is the sort of thing to look for, everything you need...and more!