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ARC to TIG

19K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  henny496 
#1 ·
I read somewhere that you can convert 220 AC arc welders to TIG, I'm interested in doing this. I've done searches and cant find any info on this.
 
#2 ·
You need a "High frequency" unit for the arc welder.

Years ago (over thirty) I bought one from Sears and installed it on my Miller welder. It worked, But once You get a good TIG machine. You will look back and see that it isn't worth the cost for such poor performance. Like trying to do modern mechanic work with a rock and a big stick!!!
 
#3 ·
Miller makes a great hi freq. machine for tig.But you don't need a hi freq to weld with tig. Only if you plan on welding aluminum. If a guy needs a dc machine and a tig I would seriously look at millers back pac model. I can't remember what its called, something star I think but this thing can be used on 110 or 220. with a couple of adaptors you can just use a 12ga extension cord for 220 and it'll burn 7018 1/8 rod all day. You can also get a tig attachment for it and it is the lift type. It'll weld great on 110 as well as 220. It comes with a strap and is't much bigger than a 12 pack of beer and weighs about the same. I've got three in my rental fleet and it is one hot item. I've also sold over 8 of these and never had a problem. This is a true dc machine. I've welded 3/8 with no problem.
 
#5 ·
AFAIK, the maxstars aren't capable of doing aluminum since they are DC with lift-arc start only, not continuous hi-freq infusion and not capable of doing AC or balanced AC.

Miller made the HF-15 which is built like a brick ****house, and HF-15-WG (same thing but has integrated water/gas solenoids) and I have one, solidly built things - yeah they're an "okay" fix to add HF to a welder, but for engine-driven models like my lincoln ranger you don't have another option, and an econotig is probably overkill for 95% of hot rodders (and damn expensive to boot!)

You can find used miller HF-15's on ebay as well as HF boxes from other manufacturers for $200-300 used. Miller makes a newer model, the HF-251-D, which can use a pedal to start the arc to keep the tungsten out of the material, but that's $4-500 used or 650-800 new (ebay).
 
#6 ·
Hello. I use an old Airco 225 AC/DC machine for stick and TIG welding. I picked up a TIG torch with gas control valve in it, and use it with scratch-start technique. I am welding chassis and stainless, but haven't tried light gauge yet. May have to wire it up 110V to get current down low enough for sheet metal.

As posted above, can't do aluminim this way, due to no hi-freq.

hope this helps.
 
#8 ·
I call it scratch start, but that could contaminate tungsten electrode. You're actually lifting slightly when you get arc. the current settings are a little harder to control as it's on the machine and not through a foot pedal, but you can get used to it.
As for reducing the current down for sheet metal, I was thinking of building an adapter plug for the input side, that I would plug the welder into, then plug into 110V circuit. This would cut the output current in half. It's something that was suggested to me in the hobby welding field here. Just a thought.
 
#9 ·
tig welding

Hello
I have a big old Miller AC/DC 250 amp stick welder that I put on a Tig attachment, which is a scratch start. It is OK but I cannot do aluminum
We have a Hi-f Tig welder at work and I sure wish I had a foot control with the one at home. Even w/o doing aluminum the ability to feather in and out with the heat is a real nice touch
I had heard that the add on Hi=freq ad ons where not so good. I would like to hear other opinions and if they work good, I may look into purchasing one
If so, anyone know of a good used Hi-freq unit for sale?
take care
Tom
 
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