Newbie with a Power TIG 200DX

[Aspen]

Well, I'm new to this technology but after an intensive research looking for what we call in Puerto Rico In spanish the 3 B's Bueno, Bonito y Barato that it means; Good, beautiful and affordable Tig welding machine, I end up with The Everlast Power Tig 200DX.

Having the new IGBT technology VS the MOSFETs Technology, the attractive price and so far and hoping doesn't change, having a nice support department, are few thing that help me make my mind to Everlast.

I place the order of a Power Tig 200DX on Thursday to Everlast. After that I start thinking!!! Hummmmmm!!!

I need to start working on having my power connection ready since I don't have one. Also I need the Argon tank, the welding mask, glove and few extras.

This past weekend I spend some time reading on the Argon tank. As many of you know the old debate about; owning or renting. I have not make my mind yet but I already heard that some of those company do some kind of rental agreement for lots of years (over 20), yep it sound ridiculous but I found few statement from people saying that. So let see what I end up doing.

On the Welding mask, I found that Harbor Freight is having on sale the Auto Darkening mask for $49.99 and thats the one I'm probably going to buy at least for now.

I order the Tungsten rod on E-bay. Just exactly as Everlast Tech support recommend me 2% thoriated.

I still working on the Electric outlet on my garage and few extra things...

Will keep you all post on my progress...

[roadymi]

I bought my welding helmet at Harbor Freight on sale for 39.99 a few months ago. It is adjustable and works remarkably well. How long will it last? Only time will tell I guess. I don't make a practice of shopping at HF but they do have some deals that seem too good to pass up. I get their email newsletters and frequently receive 20% off any 1 item coupons that are good on sale items also.

[performance]

Guys,
Its a long time coming, but we wil have our line of helmets soon. We are negotiating some changes to our first test units. So it has taken extra time to incorporate them and we are standing in line for production.

[Aspen]

Ok I have some updates.

I see some light at the end of the tunnel

I found a electrician that was able to do this set up for $70.00 including material and 50 amp breaker . It took him only 15 minute to do this...

Also I bought from Harbor Freight the mask for $49.99 plus 9 dollar for two year warranty, 3 pair of welding glove for $9.99.



decide
The only thing is pending is the Argon tank and this is what I found out.

I went to Airgas, they ask me for 70 dollar for a year lease and the amount of the gas inside the tank. This include any size of tank I decide to take.
It sound about right to me, that way I can decide which size is more convenience for my used. Until they want me to fill some type of application where the ask for so many things that I decide not to go there since look like I'm asking for a personal loan. I ask the guy and he say that yes they check your credit.

Hummmmmm!!!! Having them checking your credit just to rent a Argon tank and you only need a credit card and a driver license to rent a car? It doesn't sound right.

Tomorrow I'm going to make some calls to find out more...

But I'm almost there just waiting for my welder....

[jericho777]

"Also I bought from Harbor Freight the mask for $49.99 plus 9 dollar for two year warranty, 3 pair of welding glove for $9.99."

Aspen the gloves might be a little thick for tig. I tried with my regular gloves and it was messy. Thinner is better for tig since you need to feed the rod through your fingers into the puddle. HF has some goatskin gloves that are thinner and allow you feed rod. +1 on the helmet I have the same one and works good.

[performance]

Aspen,

Usually credit inquiries, like this, don't hurt FICO scores, unless you do many of them. I am not a financial advisor, but I do hold a Airgas account. The credit check is just part of doing business these days. Of course, you can go and pay twice the amount at Tractor Supply for the gas and get out without a credit check.

You can purchase a 125cf bottle from airgas as well, that way you own your own bottle. However, as far as rent goes...the bottles are all the same price for lease. You only have to decide how much you need and you can trade up or down depending upon your most recent budget. With the purchase option, you pretty much are limited to the 125 cuft tank, no stepping up or down.

Yesterday a 300cuft argon bottle cost me 55.00 to refill.

[performance]

Aspen,

Usually credit inquiries, like this, don't hurt FICO scores, unless you do many of them. I am not a financial advisor, but I do hold a Airgas account. The credit check is just part of doing business these days. Of course, you can go and pay twice the amount at Tractor Supply for the gas and get out without a credit check.

You can purchase a 125cf bottle from airgas as well, that way you own your own bottle. However, as far as rent goes...the bottles are all the same price for lease. You only have to decide how much you need and you can trade up or down depending upon your most recent budget. With the purchase option, you pretty much are limited to the 125 cuft tank, no stepping up or down.

Yesterday a 300cuft argon bottle cost me 55.00 to exchange for a full one.

[Aspen]

I'm back...

Here is some example of how I'm doing welding aluminum.

I just love it.

[performance]

Aspen,
Your welds are really shaping up. I am glad to hear from you.