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My 1 year old Miller Bobcat 3 Phase states it will do TIG. I would of course like an Everlast dedicated TIG but funds won't allow that presently. The Miller catalog is somewhat confusing to me as to what I need to do simple TIG welding (Mainly Stainless Steel) with my Bobcat . Can someone tell me what parts I need to add to accomplish this as cheaply as possible (I need to save for an Everlast). I certainly don't mind non-miller parts because Miller is mighty HIGH. :O
Thurmond
There are more than one ways it can be done. Here is one way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=2wOySnBbVh4
You'd need a flowmeter or regulator and an argon tank as well.
Thanks very much jakeru,
I have an argon regulator and flow-meter already. I can get a bottle easily. Do you have any recommendations concerning what to look for or avoid in a low cost torch assembly?
Would this one be good?
Radnor® Model 17FV-25-R 150 Amp Air Cooled Flexible Head TIG Torch Package With 25' Lead, Rubber Power Cable And Valve found here
http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...ct=RAD64005478
Thurmond
That's basically a WP-17, with flex neck (a nice feature IMO) and a valve. That one says it has a two-piece power cable, which may be a larger (and more cumbersome) cable than a one-piece setup, but could hook up to your machine without any adapter required at your machine end. A one-piece cable can be designed with a smaller size conductor, because the shielding gas flows past, and helps cool the conductor. You may want to see it physically and hold it and imagine what it would be like to weld with, before committing to buy it if possible.
A WP-17 style torch usually allows for 150 amps DC at a 60% duty cycle. Be aware that this torch could limit your current and duty cycle (although not as severe as a WP-9 would), compared to what your machine is capable of (200+ amps @ very high duty cycle, right?). A WP-17 would be a good fit for welding smaller metals, but if you wanted to be able to weld thicker stuff, it might make sense to upgrade the torch to a higher capacity aircooled.
If you exceed the duty cycle of your torch and cable, IME with a one-piece cable, the braided copper conductor inside the cable can melt the hose material, causing shielding gas contamination, and even possible melt completely through the wall of the cable. (see attached)
The problem with the high capacity aircooleds (like a typical WP-26, rated 200 DC amps at 60% duty cycle) is that the handles are huge, and the cables are big and stiff, so they are quite cumbersome and unwieldy, not very pleasant to use.
CK Worldwide makes an outstanding high capacity aircooled torch, which is what I am currently using, called the "trimline" aircooled torch, which has the same (smaller) size handle as a WP-17, and combined with the flexible rubber hose (they call it their "superflex" cable) you have an overall package about an maneuverable as a WP-17 but with much higher power capacity (200 amps @ 100% duty cycle.) It might cost a little bit extra, but might be worth it? I think I paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $100-$110 for mine, but that was only 12.5' long and had no gas valve (which will add some to the cost as I understand it.) My local welding supply has better prices than any internet dealer on CK products, perhaps because CK is manufactured locally to where I live. Let me know if you want their contact info.
Or, another route you could go if you wanted a lower cost torch option, would be to try to find a used, or even a new torch off Ebay for cheap. They can be had for < $50 shipped. You'll have to do some research to understand what to look for, but you're probably already about there.
jakeru
I had similar thoughts about max amps and duty cycle so I picked up a single hose 200 amp unit from E-Bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT
It may, however be "huge" as you indicated since it is a WP-26 with a valve and flexible head. I am large handed so we will see how it works out.
Thanks
Thurmond
I wouldn't mind seeing some pics or review after you get it and am curious what brand it is. I hope that rubber hose is real nice and flexible for ya. The included TIG cable/lead cover is a good idea to help protect your investment.
As for the WP-26 torch handle being large... just don't say I didn't warn ya. (The guys at my local welding supply referred to it as "the club")
FYI, here is what my CK Trimline aircooled torch and "superflex" rubber cable look like, decked out with a "stubby" gas lens setup. It can weld 200 amps all day! Watercooled mini-torches, you've met your match. :) For reference, A WP-17 with standard gas lens is shown at left.
I received the torch today. I am still waiting on electrodes, filler rod and Argon. Argon will take till the first week of April my local welding supply told me today . Apparently there are NO TIG welders anywhere in nearly a 70 mile radius of my location (I said I was way out in the boonies). There are no markings on the torch except for SR-26FV on the flexible section between the handle and the head. It looks like yours in size and shape and the hose seems about as flexible as you demonstrate in your picture. I will try to get a few pictures of it to post in the next few days.
Thurmond