Decision reached: I ordered a new Miller Synchrowave 210 this morning. The local store agreed to match the online Cyber weld price; I was happy to keep the $$ in Montana instead of NJ. Miller is shipping the welder directly to me; by this time next week a shiny blue TIG machine will be sitting where the Triumph is parked now.

It's probably too much welder for what I need, but I really don't even need a TIG; just wanted one

One really good addition is a electrode sharpener. For years I used a grinder, which produced so-so results. When I bought a professional electrode shapener, my weld quality went way up.

Only issue is that the sharpener cost about $1,000. There are many low cost alternatives. Ideally a good sharpener has a diamond wheel and super high class bearings, so it spins very smoothly.

Nice choice! I have owned a synchrowave 180 for years. I have a mini bench grinder I use to sharpen electrodes. It is dedicated for that one and only purpose so the tungsten does not get contaminated.

quote:

Originally posted by c1steve:
One really good addition is a electrode sharpener. For years I used a grinder, which produced so-so results. When I bought a professional electrode shapener, my weld quality went way up.

Only issue is that the sharpener cost about $1,000. There are many low cost alternatives. Ideally a good sharpener has a diamond wheel and super high class bearings, so it spins very smoothly.

Do you think a beginner would notice the difference between an electrode sharpened on a pedestal grinder and one sharpened on a diamond wheel sharpener like this?

hear that?
opportunity knocking:
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_County,_Iowa

Looks like nice area, but it would take a minor miracle for me to leave NW Montana. What I'm hoping is now that I have the welder, friends who know what they're doing will bring beer to use my rig , and perhaps impart a little knowledge while they're TIG'ing.

A diamond sharpener will produce cleaner and better welds as there is less contamination. It would make your welding easier as well as better. Buying the expensive sharpener was much more helpful that I had expected.

For a professional, an electrode sharpener is a worthy investment. It will pay for itself.

For a hobbyist, it is not a necessity. If you have a cordless drill and a bench grinder, you can get by just fine.

I've only got one thing to say when it comes to TIG.

get the foot control.

I guy I know used to weld aluminum mountain bicycle frames for a USA manufacturer. Every day he started the day by sharpening 165 tungsten electrodes. I bet he got real good at welding aluminum.

A good welding table needs to be on your list.
You will soon realize that you’ve created a monster.
You always feel that one more piece of equipment and you’ll be complete. Once you get it you realize that something else is needed.
Soon you will need a bigger shop.

Nice choice! An automotive prototype shop I worked at had Miller Tigs and Lincoln Migs. I used a Mig daily but didn't get much time on the Tig.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
A good welding table needs to be on your list.
You will soon realize that you’ve created a monster.
You always feel that one more piece of equipment and you’ll be complete. Once you get it you realize that something else is needed.
Soon you will need a bigger shop.

You must have been in my head! I've been out of town for work, but have been thinking about the weld table I don't yet own. I have a small POS table I use for oxy/acet welding, but want something bigger and nicer for layout and TIG. The auto dark helmet wasn't cheap, new uncontaminated grinding wheels for my bench grinder, ...
If I need a bigger shop than this I'm going to need new wife too, the welding area is on the right in the background.