Newbie with a Power TIG 200DX

**performance** · 12-08-2009, 04:32 AM

Guys,
Its a long time coming, but we wil have our line of helmets soon. We are negotiating some changes to our first test units. So it has taken extra time to incorporate them and we are standing in line for production.

**Aspen** · 12-08-2009, 04:43 AM

Ok I have some updates.

I see some light at the end of the tunnel

I found a electrician that was able to do this set up for $70.00 including material and 50 amp breaker . It took him only 15 minute to do this...

Also I bought from Harbor Freight the mask for $49.99 plus 9 dollar for two year warranty, 3 pair of welding glove for $9.99.

decide
The only thing is pending is the Argon tank and this is what I found out.

I went to Airgas, they ask me for 70 dollar for a year lease and the amount of the gas inside the tank. This include any size of tank I decide to take.
It sound about right to me, that way I can decide which size is more convenience for my used. Until they want me to fill some type of application where the ask for so many things that I decide not to go there since look like I'm asking for a personal loan. I ask the guy and he say that yes they check your credit.

Hummmmmm!!!! Having them checking your credit just to rent a Argon tank and you only need a credit card and a driver license to rent a car? It doesn't sound right.

Tomorrow I'm going to make some calls to find out more...

But I'm almost there just waiting for my welder....

**jericho777** · 12-08-2009, 06:33 PM

"Also I bought from Harbor Freight the mask for $49.99 plus 9 dollar for two year warranty, 3 pair of welding glove for $9.99."

Aspen the gloves might be a little thick for tig. I tried with my regular gloves and it was messy. Thinner is better for tig since you need to feed the rod through your fingers into the puddle. HF has some goatskin gloves that are thinner and allow you feed rod. +1 on the helmet I have the same one and works good.

**performance** · 12-08-2009, 07:44 PM

Aspen,

Usually credit inquiries, like this, don't hurt FICO scores, unless you do many of them. I am not a financial advisor, but I do hold a Airgas account. The credit check is just part of doing business these days. Of course, you can go and pay twice the amount at Tractor Supply for the gas and get out without a credit check.

You can purchase a 125cf bottle from airgas as well, that way you own your own bottle. However, as far as rent goes...the bottles are all the same price for lease. You only have to decide how much you need and you can trade up or down depending upon your most recent budget. With the purchase option, you pretty much are limited to the 125 cuft tank, no stepping up or down.

Yesterday a 300cuft argon bottle cost me 55.00 to refill.

**performance** · 12-08-2009, 07:44 PM

Aspen,

Usually credit inquiries, like this, don't hurt FICO scores, unless you do many of them. I am not a financial advisor, but I do hold a Airgas account. The credit check is just part of doing business these days. Of course, you can go and pay twice the amount at Tractor Supply for the gas and get out without a credit check.

You can purchase a 125cf bottle from airgas as well, that way you own your own bottle. However, as far as rent goes...the bottles are all the same price for lease. You only have to decide how much you need and you can trade up or down depending upon your most recent budget. With the purchase option, you pretty much are limited to the 125 cuft tank, no stepping up or down.

Yesterday a 300cuft argon bottle cost me 55.00 to exchange for a full one.

**everlastsupport** · 12-09-2009, 01:15 AM

Aspen,

A 131 (125 bottle) from Welder Supply is $200+ no account required. $250+ range from PraxAir no account needed either. A little under $40 to refill it. (UPDATE: went to the truck for the last bill, $34.93 to fill it)

Now Mark paid $55 for twice the gas I get for $35. So that is a good deal. But the bottles are a bit heavier and harder to deal with.

You can go on ebay and get an 80 for a lot less, but they are a tad small for me and the refill will be close to what I pay on the 125. But the ebay price is right and free shipping.

How you swap the bottle and how much you weld are something to think about.

**Aspen** · 12-09-2009, 06:16 AM

Some more news.

I receive today my new Power Tig 200DX. Below are some picture.

Also I got an account with Airgas after reading Mike R. Post. So finally I think I have everything to begin burning metal around the house. LOL LOL LOL LOL

Everything look good so far. The Gas regulator is on Liter per minutes so 20CFM converted to Liter per minutes is in between 5 and 6 L/M.

I'm very happy, I'm guessing that tomorrow I'll will give it a try...