Just Ordered the Duel Voltage Powertig 185 asking advice.

[Rambozo]

Just ordered the 2013 Powertig 185 Duel Voltage model with the New design Everlast Foot pedal, the new 17SR Torch and the deluxe consumables kit with the reg. Looking for advice on Tungsten to order. Gonna get a Tig Finger to go with my helmet and gloves. Argon tank from the local supplier and filling rod.

I am figuring 1/16" will work for most of it and then a few 3/32" I need to know what colors I guess. I have read that inverter welders need a different type than the old school type. Only TIG I have ever used. Just about ZERO TIG exp. though.

Thanks
Glenn in GA

Congrats,

For a do everything tungsten, I would recommend 2% Lanthanated (Sky Blue color code), another that is easier to find is Thoriated (Red color code). Either would be fine. 3/32" will do just about everything, but if you do a lot of thin stuff, 1/16" is nice to have.

[DaveO]

Welcome, Glenn, and congrats on the new machine! I am envious of the portability that the dual voltage TIG machines offer- a fine choice.

+1 on the 2% lanthanated that Rambozo mentions, it's a good all-around choice. Inverters are different from old school welders in that inverters cannot use pure tungsten. I've had good experience ordering tungsten at WeldingCity.com.

If you're new to TIG- have you seen the videos at WeldingTipsAndTricks.com? Probably you have, since you know about TIG Finger.

Let us know how the new machine goes!

[RichardH]

+1 on the 2% lanthanated that Rambozo mentions, it's a good all-around choice. Inverters are different from old school welders in that inverters cannot use pure tungsten.

Hi, Dave. Can you expand on the bit about pure tungsten electrodes? The LWS set me up with thoriated for steel and pure tungsten for aluminum... Sounds like I need to swap them?

[DaveO]

Here's two informed sources recommending against pure tungsten in inverter machines:
http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ten-Selection/
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...deo-clips.html

Jody at WT&T did a test on tungsten types and found that 2% lanthanated works well on both steel and aluminum. It sounds like pure tungsten in an inverter causes poor arc starts- so yes, I'd exchange them. Your LWS may have assumed you have a transformer type machine, in which case that would have been a fine choice.

[performance]

Whenever a LWS recommends pure tungsten, even in an inverter, THAT's when I recommend them find a NEW LWS. At this point as long as inverters have been out and the proliferation of them in the market, there's no excuse in that kind of technical ignorance...and it makes you wonder if they are trying to pawn off an inventory excess and stick customers with something, or are trying to prove a point with a customer that did not buy the welder from them. Anyway you look at it, It's time for a new LWS to enter the picture.

[RichardH]

Whenever a LWS recommends pure tungsten, even in an inverter, THAT's when I recommend them find a NEW LWS.

Duly noted. I'll get the electrodes swapped.

Adding to the confusion, I'll refer you to the electrode selector chart on page 22 of the manual that just shipped with my 210EXT - it lists Pure Tungsten, Zirconiated, and 2% Thoriated as equal options for general purpose use on aluminum. Sounds like that might need updating?

Cheers,
Richard

[RichardH]

Jody at WT&T did a test on tungsten types and found that 2% lanthanated works well on both steel and aluminum.

I've noticed that Jody seems to use 2% lanthanated for just about everything, and he certainly seems to know what he's doing. I enjoy his videos - very practical, low BS. In fact, I discovered Everlast when he demo'd a pre-production 210EXT unit, and I'm surely not the first.

Cheers,
Richard

[Depdog]

Went down and looked at the regulator again. Front has graduations for Argon, right side for co2. Both in LPH

Glenn