What to buy to go with new TIG

[bonepyro]

Hoping for some advice from those with experience.

I am just about to splash out on a R-Tech 201 Tig. I have never Tig'd before, but have experience with Mig, Stick and Gas Welding.

Tig is something I want to have a crack at, but with zero experience I am not sure what consumables I should get with the machine.

For example is this kind of thing worthwhile? Or is this way more than I would ever need for learning and tinkering in the shed (no actual project need for the welder at the moment).

http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/Welding_Consumables/TIG_Torch_Spares_Kit/ACDC_TIG_Consumables_Kit

Same for filler rods. I want to have a crack at Steel, Stainless and Alloy welding, but not sure what size or qty or rods to get. Seems like a 'sample pack' would be ideal with a few of each size and type for learning. Anyone know if and where that is available?

I know these are vague questions, but any experience or advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

It would take you an age to get through those consumables if you are hobby welding, you will need plenty of Tungstens but the rest is overkill. The welder should come with a few collets, ceramics and Tungstens. I would get some 1.6mm and 2.4mm Zirconiated and Ceriated Tungstens, perhaps a no. 8 ceramic and definitely an Argon flow gauge.
I thought RTech did a filler sample pack or it might have been Weldequip.
If welding Aluminium you will also need a stainless wire brush.

 

[barny]

Diopter

I would recommend a diopter for your helmet to help you see what's going on better.

 

[doedoe]

Diopter Lens

Yes I think the Diopter lens is a must, as long as your welding helmet has the holder to take it ?, I use a +1.5 but you can get them up to +3 if needed.

 

[brianblock]

I have that kit mate, it's not good value really as most of the stuff in it is not needed
Would be better off buying what you need separate
What wendel suggests is good advise IMHO

 

[Jim Davey]

Most dealers aren't happy to open a pack of rods to sell part quantity as once the seal is broken it tends to devalue the remaining product.
Why not go to a local fab shop and bung them a dring for a handful of rods in a few flavours?
You may even get given them if the boss isn't around.

 

[Wallace]

A Y size Argon bottle will disappear quite quickly when you are practising so a flowmeter will save you money straight away in gas, either the pea shooter type or regulator mounted. If you think you are likely to need a purge set-up for exhaust manifolds etc. you might want to go for regulator mounted and add the Y piece and another flowmeter later although you can get away with a pea shooter type and just the Y piece.

The supplied WP26 torch is quite large so before buying that vast quantity of consumables now, take into consideration gas lenses or buying a smaller WP9 torch when you start getting more confidence. Tungsten's you will get through, but that's a lot of collets and bodies for home use! Ask R-Tech exactly what is included where they say "Torch Consumables Kit including Tungsten's".

 

[bonepyro]

OK, thanks for the replies guys. I did have a concern that the kit was overkill.

One other question, that has come of the back of this.

Gas Lens - Should I be setting the torch up with this for learning, or is it 'better' to learn with the standard torch.

 

[langy]

Gas lens, flowmeter, diopter lens, flexy head torch & decent wire brushes

 

[bonepyro]

Langy,

Any recommendation on flexy head torch that you are willing to share, and where to look for one?

Andy

 

[Paul.]

I use the WP 17 flexy torches from cromwell tools, I treat them as a consumable and have just bought a few more to put in stock,
As an account holder they were even cheaper than listed here, but this is not a bad price.
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/KEN8856510K

And for general torch spares
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/010303/tig-torch-spares

 

[500e]

Try HERE site sponcer
http://www.weldequip.com/tig-torch-heads.htm


Used one of these liked it.
http://www.ckworldwide.com/flex-loc.htm

Would like to try one of these
http://www.tectorch.com/index.htm

http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/Category.aspx?c=CKGAS&o=0&zl=2&sq=4
Found I could get comfy angle with flexy or swivel end, never can with standard torch, perhaps if I was a better welder

 

[chriso]

Pea shooter flow meter

Tig finger from welding tips & tricks

Diamond wheels for tungsten sharpening

Stainless steel brush

Remember that you can TIG with MIG wire - if you need thicker twist 2 or three lengths with a drill.

 

[brianblock]

Ask R-Tech exactly what is included where they say "Torch Consumables Kit including Tungsten's".

I got 2 collets, 2 collet bodies, 2 white + 2 red tungsten. 1 each of 1.6 and 2.4
and 2 ceramics 5 and 6

thats your lot

 

[langy]

Langy,

Any recommendation on flexy head torch that you are willing to share, and where to look for one?

Andy

Ebay or Weldquip on here will have them

 

[Rrunnach]

Yes I think the Diopter lens is a must, as long as your welding helmet has the holder to take it ?, I use a +1.5 but you can get them up to +3 if needed.

I use to use a 1.5 too, company recently supplied me with this helmet.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K3023-1(LincolnElectric)

First of all, I have no connection with LE, but can honestly say, main reason for me asking for this specific bucket was, it takes a cheater lens, I actually don't use it, now. I also recently purchased a 2x lens from UKW to install in bucket, as 1.5 was a struggle.

I can advise, 1.5 lens still sits in my "Trackside" bucket, 2x lens still sits inside my desk drawer, clarity is so good with Viking, I now do without either diopter!

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/welding-gear/helmets/Pages/viking-1840.aspx