New welder

[BSeyler]

I decided to treat myself to a new welder. It’s a Lincoln Squarewave 200 TIG machine. It joins my 225 AC welder I bought when I was 16, a Lincoln 140 MIG, Lincoln 256 MIG, and my old Victor oxy/acetylene set. So far, I’m really happy with it. I haven’t TIG welded in years, so am a little (maybe a lot) rusty, but am making progress. It’s a little frustrating that my eyes aren’t what they used to be - took the tungsten for a swim a couple of times.
I’m building a new cart for it and the 140 to sit on side by side. It’s going to have a cabinet underneath with doors. I’ll post pictures at some point.

 

[BSeyler]

I’m making progress, in between having our granddaughter here all day yesterday and other chores. One frustration is tools, or a lack of. I just have a cheapy HF break and it’s pretty handy, but a real pan brake would sure be nice. I did get a pretty handy accessory - a Dewalt shear that goes on my impact driver. It’s rated for 18 ga max and is cutting 20 ga nicely. I’m hoping to get finished and ready for paint today.

 

[BSeyler]

Well, the weather turned bad and I don’t want to paint it inside, so here it is, for the time being. Overall, I’m happy with it. As with any project, there are a couple of things I’d do differently now.

 

[Timd32]

Looks great, when you get some seat time on it and remember post up how you like it.

What kind of projects were you thinking of using it on?

 

[BSeyler]

I haven’t welded aluminum in years. I’d like to build some folding ramps from aluminum to get my generator in the back of the pickup, when I get more proficient. Otherwise, there seems to be plenty of welding and repair projects around the farm. One of the biggest fears I had about retirement was running out of things to do - that hasn’t been the case.
On the cart, I used MIG for the 1” square tube frame. Then, TIG for all of the 20 ga. sheet steel.

 

[JR]

That's a real nice rig Bud. I picked up a Miller Max Star 150 (buzz box) for a song about a year ago. It's got Tig capability, it does ok but not like a dedicated machine. Even stick welding can be temperamental depending on what your doing. I had always wanted a little portable machine and it's good for small jobs.

We just got this new hot rod at work. It's a one stop shop. It's quite the rig.