Noob in need of help

[zedron]

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.

[Chuck_jkl]

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?

[Winky]

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!!!

[DaveO]

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!

[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

[Winky]

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

[Jason]

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

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