So, after looking at tubular reviews I decided the TIG 200 was a
good buy.
Tried it out last night for the first time. Just on 120 volts. I
was able to weld .125 thick 6061 using 3/32 filler rod with no
problems. I fidled with the AC balance and the default 75% setting
works great. I did try the 90% setting and even though it welded well
the weld appearance was not so good, not shiny. Played with the
frequency setting and it was really interesting to watch the arc width
change. I didn't weld much with the DC but did try out the pulse
feature. It is obvious that I will need too learn how to use the pulse
feature but I can see how it will be great for thin stuff. The high
frequency start function works well, it will throw an arc about 5/8
inch.
I have a few small gripes. It uses an air cooled torch and comes
with regular, not gas lens, cups and so on. The torch is a pretty good
one for an air cooled torch, a model PTA-17F. It has the flexible
head.
I bought gas lens stuff for the torch when I bought the welder. My
first welds were made on steel with the standard cup setup and the gas
flow I usually use with gas lenses. I noticed porosity right away.
Changing to a gas lens and the porosity went away and the weld
appearance improved greatly.
The post flow is about 5 seconds and cannot be adjusted. This must
be to cool the torch.
The pedal doesn't have the same feel as the old heavy one for the
Miller welder so I am not sure when I have stepped on it enough to
start the welder. This wouldn't be a problem except there is a slight
delay between stepping on the gas and the arc initiation. A couple
times I didn't think I pressed far enough and the arc started really
hot.
After welding stops if the pedal is pressed right away there is
that damned delay. Another small gripe but I will get used to it.
I am going to make up a water cooling adapter for when the welder
is used in the shop as well as adding a post flow time external to the
machine. I already have the right adjustable time delay relay so it
will be pretty easy (I think) to use the pedal switch to trigger the
time delay relay.
Eric