i would get the torch angle a lot more vertical ie 10 degrees. but other than that i would suspect the aluminium. maybe thats why they solder it instead of weld it. Ok for a more vertical torch, will give a try. Solder > meant welding (TIG), sorry, I'm a electronics engineer, kinda more used to thi...

Thanks tweake & VA-Sawyer - the cleaning (DC offset) can be set from 0 to 50% on this machine, I tried from 25 to 35% - changed the electrode for a 2.4mm @ 140A, with a #10 collet, tip does ball, but not much - the coupon are scrap from the shop down the street, brand new, they solder it daily, ...

Thanks for the explanations! Been playing with the different modes, and so far I prefer 4T with different ramps, this way I can modulate the power on the torch switch. Everything is fine on SS, but unfortunately I'm struggling with a big issue with AL: I get contamination on the bead as soon as I ad...

Hi VA-Sawyer Offset: yes, that's what you call cleaning, sorry, it's more an electronic term. EP electrode positive time or ratio I think is more the term used in the welding business. Look like you nailed it, I think everything is here. While I understand 2T and 4T settings, I don't understand the ...

Does that machine have Pulse TIG? If so, you can probably dial in some settings to give yourself an even better chance at more even welds. If you use a torch switch, and are trying to "bump" weld (one arc, one dab, quit, repeat) then you can achieve that also with Pulse. Filler is added u...

Thanks for all your feedback. I finally got my machine, a AC/DC 200A, a cheap Chinese import, 110/230V, 450€. As my project is on boat related, I got a small disposable bottle, it only lasts 40min but, it's ok. Picture of the bench at home, the machine is fairly compact Also a picture my very first ...

Thanks to you all for the hints. I'll prefer portability over flexibility with a torch switch, with a small one of 200 amps. As I've never welded aluminium, I dont know how much it needs oomphs to get a sharp puddle. As said, my budget is definitely limited and not up to the big US brands (I'm in Eu...

Thanks tweake,
Just made my first TIG welds today:


2mm thick tube on 4mm plate.
Definitely harder but will practice more!

I'm currently learning TIG for boat projects, hobby use, mainly AL and SS job, on tubes or thin stuff. So I'm looking to get my own gear and I would like the machine to be very compact, as I don't have a dedicated workshop (and must fit in the boat). My budget is quite tight, it would be an machine ...

Hi there, My job is electronic engineering, so brasing at 300°C with tint/lead is my day job :) I like doing stuffs, from sewing (sails, kite), to steel structures, as a hobby. I've new projects making use of aluminium/SS tubing and railing and I'm looking for TIG machine. So far, I've only been han...