Noob in need of help

Hi guys/gals

I new at this tig weld thing actually never TIGed before I'm also new at the whole welding thing. It all started with motorcycles. I've been modifying bikes for a while mostly bolt on and a few custom made thing that I cut & fitted up and got someone else to weld for me.

Last year I got to thinking that I may be able to weld for myself so I bought a used(almost new) Millermatic 140 for 425.00. I found out very quickly that I really liked welding. Now I want to venture in the tigging world.

Being an information hog I don't venture in to anything i'll prepared. Knowledge is power until you actually apply it, then it's practice practice practice.


Anywho
Been searching high and low for the right machine for me. I am currently heavily modifying a motocycle (bobber) frame and building my on tin and tanks. I do small odd repairs for friends.


I like the idea of dual voltage, like the idea of aluminum but may not really use it probably will never need to weld anything over a 1/4" if I do I'll do multiple pass or get it done by someone else. I also might like a plasma but not sure about multiprocess units

I'm torn between
PT 185 love the price not to many features / adjustability

PT 200dx more feaures but maybe not enough .. are they useful

This is not my source of income this is mainly my winter fun


Please help with real life experience and thoughts


Thanks in advance

Chuck






So i'm stuck and can't decide



bility

I have used both machines the 185 and now own the Newer 200DX , the 185 is a great machine and now with the addition of stick being added it makes it even more versatile. I upgraded to the 200DX for the purpose of adding the stick feature and the pulse option . I do some .025 aluminum from time to time and the pulse is great for the thinner materials. Cost wise you could purchase a Super Cut 50P plasma and a newer 185 for a little more than a 200DX. You just have to make that choice.

I have welded 1/2" Flat bar to 3/4" round bar with the 185 with no problems at all. 1/4" Aluminum down to pop cans and it performed excellent.
I will say though the 200DX with 15 more amps is a really impressive machine.

I picked up a 200DX this past spring, the main purpose IS custom bike work, secondary purpose is I'm setting up a job-shop once I get the machinery up and running. That machine fit the bill for both. I personally hate aluminum on bikes, steel for me thank you, however, I'm not just working on my own bikes.

The added features and capabilities were what got me to go with the 200DX, I figure it should fit for me for a long time. I thought about a 250, but cost/use rationalizing, I figured rather than 250A I could just do a multipass if I had something that heavy to weld :)

Just remember, as soon as you decide you'll never need the aluminum capabilities, 50 projects will spring up the moment the UPS tracking number hits your inbox

I think it depends on the level of welding you are planning to do. If your going to be welding a lot of 1/4" aluminum then you need the 200dx. If all your doing is aluminum sheet metal then the 185 will probably be fine. You could add a pure helium bottle in addition to your argon bottle to help the 185 weld thicker aluminum. Don't buy a machine and then plan on running it at it's max output all the time. If your constantly welding at max amps you need a more powerful welder. I almost bought a 185 when they first came out, but they also had a sale on the 200dx and went that route. Currently I have the 225lx and it's a good machine also. I sold my 200dx and used a contest coupon to upgrade (225lx) without costing me any $$$. It's always good to be moving up the ladder.

I agree with Sean. If you are only going to be welding 1/4 AL every one in a while then adding a Helium bottle and running a mix should suit you just fine. If you however find yourself doing thicker material more often then you would need to upgrade to a larger unit. I was also thinking about getting the 185 but instead opted for the 200dx. I figured that since the 185 didn't come with a foot pedal, I gain pulse and a few extra amps for only $300 or so more I went with the 200dx. One thing I hate is buying something and having to upgrade soon thereafter. Even now I have a dedicated 75/25 Argon/Helium mix for when I weld anodized pipe. I only do maybe a few things here and there so far as repairs but it works fine.

Ok so I pulled the trigger and went for a PowerPro 205. I figured that it would have pretty much all I need/want for now.
What would be a good selection of tungstens and fillers rods to start of with so I don't end up going to the local Weld Supply store every other day?

I would start with 2% lanthanated 3/32" tungsten, rods ... ER 4043 Alum, ER 70S-2 carbon steel and ER 308 SS you might want some Silicon Bronze rod too. I have a 200 DX it rocks!!!

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on the new machine! If you're very new to welding you may find the videos at WeldingTipsAndTricks.com helpful.

You may also find it useful to learn to TIG on steel first, then move on to aluminum, because there are fewer variables to keep track of. However you decide to go, let us know how it goes!

Holy c#%} !!!!!! Recieved my unit yesterday and installed electricity(240v), quick connect for air and argon. Finished just before the hockey game. Played hookie today to try it out. Wow I've been welding for a little over a year(mig self taught) and I'm ok I guess. So i was expecting this to be very difficult. But the machine is so smooth. I tried to strike a tig arc , worked right away, I then started to run a puddle no filler, they turn out pretty good. Then went for plasma cut took a fe,w seconds to figure how to start an arc but wow i was cuttinf in a pice of 1/4" T1 like butter. Then went back to tig and tried filler, I really need to practice that shtuff. Has to regrind the tungsten alot LOL. But hey! It's a hobby no aspirations to become a welder just wanna weld #### and build my other bike.

Ok here is the plug for Everlast. Duncan is a world class Dude he helped me a frick of a lot choosing and was actually pushing for less expensive option for me but I'm toy hog and went bigger and I know I won't regret it cause i won't need to go bigger later on. I ordered the unit on Friday, it was mid afternoon, he said t expect it on tuesday, check the shippement tracker and the said Monday. Duncan prolly drove it over to Fedex as soon as he recieved payment.

The unit arrived beautifully packed. I opened the box and inspected everything and all was great. I had read here that some people had damaged units but not mine. The unit had been tested because the plasma torch and stinger had slight signs of it. Everything worked perfect from the get go. No need to adjust HF or anything. What a great experience so far.

Again huge kudos for Duncan and lets no forget Jeanne also for agreeing to give me bit of a deal.

Thanks again

Awesome that you got your unit so fast and it's going well for you ... happy fabrication my friend!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chuck_jkl

Holy c#%} !!!!!! Recieved my unit yesterday and installed electricity(240v), quick connect for air and argon. Finished just before the hockey game. Played hookie today to try it out. Wow I've been welding for a little over a year(mig self taught) and I'm ok I guess. So i was expecting this to be very difficult. But the machine is so smooth. I tried to strike a tig arc , worked right away, I then started to run a puddle no filler, they turn out pretty good. Then went for plasma cut took a fe,w seconds to figure how to start an arc but wow i was cuttinf in a pice of 1/4" T1 like butter. Then went back to tig and tried filler, I really need to practice that shtuff. Has to regrind the tungsten alot LOL. But hey! It's a hobby no aspirations to become a welder just wanna weld #### and build my other bike.

Ok here is the plug for Everlast. Duncan is a world class Dude he helped me a frick of a lot choosing and was actually pushing for less expensive option for me but I'm toy hog and went bigger and I know I won't regret it cause i won't need to go bigger later on. I ordered the unit on Friday, it was mid afternoon, he said t expect it on tuesday, check the shippement tracker and the said Monday. Duncan prolly drove it over to Fedex as soon as he recieved payment.

The unit arrived beautifully packed. I opened the box and inspected everything and all was great. I had read here that some people had damaged units but not mine. The unit had been tested because the plasma torch and stinger had slight signs of it. Everything worked perfect from the get go. No need to adjust HF or anything. What a great experience so far.

Again huge kudos for Duncan and lets no forget Jeanne also for agreeing to give me bit of a deal.

Thanks again

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Nice post some pics and I am sure you will get some good tips to help make it easier and better.