Thread: EWM picotig 170 HF info/help wanted

TIG is electrode (torch) negative.
Stick is electrode (stick) positive.

The heat is approximately 2/3 concentrated on the area that the electrons travel TO. For TIG, this makes the work hotter than the tungsten, while for stick, the electrode becomes hotter than the work - which you want, as it is a consumable.

The connectors for the torch and clamp look to be 25mm dinse fittings, which are bayonets. You need a TIG torch where the gas comes out the side of the torch cable, not through the dinse connector, as your gas fitting is separate. This can be a 1 piece hose with a gas hose that comes off at the end, or a 2 piece hose.

That extra port looks is a remote port, either for a torch with a switch or dial, or for a footpedal. The pinouts would be proprietary, so I have no idea, sorry.

Edit: You really want to use that port though, as it will allow you to use the HF start and turn the gas solenoid on and off.

The unit is quality and even if you can't can't get a compatible tig torch with fitting you still have a handy little stick welder.

However all is not lost. Perhaps this Aussie dealer might be able to assist you

http://www.weldmart.com.au/store/sea...ig-180-hf.html

Cheers
Grahame

I've just been to the EWM agent (Weld West) and purchased a regulator and handpiece (Binzel) with the correct fittings on it. All up another $274.
Any advice on what size and company (BOC or AirLiquide) I should go to for gas.
For that matter what gas am I after? a look at the BOC website shows heaps of argoshield options and I can't find any reference to TIG. and the Air Liquide site is very close to being useless.
thanks
frank

For TIG you want pure argon. Almost always. Specialist applications will require 75/25 or 50/50 Ar/He, but steel, stainless, brass, copper and aluminium can be done with pure argon.

We were with Linde, but thinking of going to BOC so that we can get 'D' sized cylinders, which are a rip off to fill, but the rental is cheaper. You need to calculate how often you use the gas. An 'E' cylinder lasted us 3 years with TIG and 6 years with MIG, so a lot of money was wasted on rental. BTW, there was probably 10x as much MIG welding as TIG there - MIG is just so fast and uses very little gas. I think it is around $10 for a 'D' cylinder per month from BOC that holds 1.5m3 and costs around $60-80 per fill. I recommend you compare D and E argon prices in filling and rental costs. Have a look how many L of gas are in each then work off a 10L/minute flow rate to get an idea how long each tank would last you.

I've also heard of Supagas. I sent them an email asking for pricing, but they didn't reply so I guess they don't want my business.

Looks like in the west there is only BOC and AirLiquide.
Rental costs are about the same (~41c/day E size, 45c/day G size).
Argon Welding Gas cost: (AirLiquide a bit cheaper $109 v's $126 - E size) ($199 v's $216 - G size)
work pays $88 for a G size and $19 for an E size; from BOC.

Should get my gas tomorrow.

Any advice on fume extraction (or clean air insertion)?