Adding TIG to a DC stick machine

[Aric]

This machine list DC TIG as one of its processes.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...e_star_series/

What would need to be added to this machine to TIG weld steel?

I've never TIG welded but I've done quite a bit of O/A welding and it looks
like a simular set of hand movements and filler rod control.

Is it a simple matter of adding a air cooled torch and a shielding gas bottle?
I don't even really know what to look for in a torch.

[Tailshaft56]

The Blue star is rated for DC tig. All you need is a torch with gas valve and bottle with regulator. You will be limited to scratch start and you won't be able to use a remote.

[Aric]

So without a remote, you basicly set the machines amp range and scratch start an arc correct?

2 more questions,
Can the shielding gas be argon/CO2 mix?
How thin can you TIG at the 40-55 amp low range of those blue star machines? will it do auto body patch panels?

I know, lots of newbie questions.

[wmb97]

you dont want to use C02 or any CO2 mix....either pure argon OR an argon/Helium mix....possibly pure helium.

The He will give you a "hotter" arc, letting you weld mtl that your machine may not otherwise be capable of, amperage-wise. I believe its something like 1.7 times "hotter". He is pricey, and the flow rate needs to be increased. The gas is much lighter and tends to 'blow away' or drift off the weld pool quicker. I use it only for special jobs where my machine just doesn't have the current...

For body metal (and 95% of other materials), it won't be an issue. Argon is just fine.

I'd like to go a good deal lower than the 40-55amps you mention but thats just me....good luck 'n take care!

[stronics]

I welded tig for years and years with a Lincoln SA 200 on pipe root bead. We also welded nickel steel and stainless.
Torch, gauge and practice.
David

[Aric]

this is the torch I'm looking at.

Weldcraft 150 Amp Air-Cooled TIG Torch Pkg.
Weldcraft WP17RM 25-foot air-cooled TIG Torch with valve
It comes with a Smith argon regulator/flowmeter

Does this look about right? I'll be using the Blue Star 145

I'll get a argon bottle from the local Oxarc, I've been swapping O/A bottles there for years.

[Tailshaft56]

looks like you got it. Be sure the torch has a gas valve so you don't have to shut the bottle off every time you set the torch down. If you check your local welding supply they should be able to get you a tig kit. The tig kit is really just a torch and regulator along with the torch cable and hose.

[Aric]

Originally Posted by Tailshaft56

The Blue star is rated for DC tig. All you need is a torch with gas valve and bottle with regulator. You will be limited to scratch start and you won't be able to use a remote.

If i scratch start an arc, will i need to regrind the tip every time I want to start a new arc?

I've read (probably haven't read enough yet) that if the tip touchs the steel it needs to be reground. Or is it only if it touched the molten puddle?

[MAC702]

Originally Posted by Aric

If i scratch start an arc, will i need to regrind the tip every time I want to start a new arc?

I've read (probably haven't read enough yet) that if the tip touchs the steel it needs to be reground. Or is it only if it touched the molten puddle?

Correct on the last point. You can do X-ray quality TIG welds with scratch-start. It's just a less convenient way to do so.