Wintertime Contest Video Review #1 - Agent4573

[agent4573]

So here's my first video review for entry into the Wintertime Contest. Its not my best video work, but it should do. Bought a used Powertig 185 off the forums a few weeks ago. The video shows my first TIG welds in 8 years, and they need some practice.

Highlights of my review of the :

Pro's:
Torch switch is so light you don't realize you're holding it once you get the arch going.
HF starts work awesome and rock.
The arch is really stable and the machine is super simple to setup.

Con's:
Torch switch is so light I've flashed myself a few times just trying to readjust my hand.
Pedal controls 0-185 amps all the time. It would be nice if it controlled 0-"panel setting" so you can have fine adjustment in your welding range.
Online manual says max recommended thickness is 1/4", but I would only recommend that with preheating and possibly a helium mix for extra penetration.

Anyway, feel free to comment on the messy garage and other suggestions.

[cbmkr]

For some reason weld looks a little cold compared to the results i had with the 185, I did not have any problems on 1/2" x 2" cold rolled flat with no preheat. Here is a picture of a flange bending tool i made just before you purchased my welder. This was used on 240 volts 160 amps 15 cfm or 7 lpm, WP 17 torch 3/32 ER70S2 filler
Just wondering if you are operating on 110 volts ??.

[agent4573]

Thats on 240 Volts. I think its more technique than anything. They started to get better as I went, but another 20-30 amps would have really helped stick em together.

[DVA]

Looks like you need to slow down some and also move the torch some to direct your heat towards the toes of the weld, but not a bad start.

[bnun12]

It does not appear that the argon bottle is tied to anything. If it is free standing and tips over knocking the valve off you will have a high powered rocket.
First thing to do if the bottle is not tied off is to chain it to the wall or chain it in place on a welding cart.

[agent4573]

It does not appear that the argon bottle is tied to anything. If it is free standing and tips over knocking the valve off you will have a high powered rocket.
First thing to do if the bottle is not tied off is to chain it to the wall or chain it in place on a welding cart.

I've cleaned the garage up and am goign to re-arrange it this week. The wooden shelves are bolted to the wall and I'm going to screw the argon tank to the side of the wooden shelves with some chain this weekend. Eventually I'm going to build a little metal table in that corner to have a nice spot to weld.