I have had a MIG welder for 4-5 years and have it down ok, though it's like starting over each time I do it because it's been far and few times between that I use it.
I have always wanted to TIG so that I could do aluminum, as I get a kick out of toying with the material. On my new project:
http://http://www.clubcobra.com/foru...ad.php?t=85745 I have a lot of aluminum welding projects planned, such as an original style expansion tank, original style
oil tank (won't be functional, as it will just be in the proper place and covering the battery), turkey pan (a bit different than the cobra ones),
oil coler mounts, and plenty of odds and ends.
Well, I didn't want to spend a bazillion dollars on a top quality Miller/Hobart/etc, so I did a lot of research and decided to buy one off of Ebay...Don't kill me...it's Chinese. I'm not a big fan of that stuff typically, but the reviews from folks were quite good and the price was really really right. So far, I'm super happy with it. It's a 200amp unit with foot pedal, with most of the control features that the big boys have. I have tinkered for the last couple nights after work, and I'm actually getting the hang of it even on really thin sheet. Below are some pictures of a couple pieces I just welded together...Not perfect, and once hit the tungsten on the filler and all hell broke loose (it's obvious where that happened).
I guess the point is that I feel like with more practice, I should be able to do everything I need to do. It is interesting getting used to being steady with one hand, dipping the filler with the other, and working the foot pedal simultaneously, but it is quite fun!
Ok, pros, I'll take tips, but don't rag on me too much for the below pics...it is thin sheet aluminum and only about 2hrs practice.
