Scratch Start Tigs?

[jbone357]

so you scratch against the filler with the filler grounded to the work right?

really tho, how is that any different than just using the work as your scratch surface?
not being a dick, just wondering if there really is a difference.

What u do is, get the tungsten close to the work and just "flick" the filler wire into the gap, arc is started. You are saving the tungsten by not just jabing it into the work, more of a glance. Also Miller maxstar 150 can be had for a decent price and will run either 110 or 220.

[CMA406]

this doesnt have to do with scratch start, but i recently bought a new tig, and ponied up for a lincoln 225. Was it expensive? fuck yea, but the support/ warranty and quality product outweight the cost for me. say the eastwood does break, getting it fixed probably requires it sending back to them for warranty i assume? I had an issue with my lincoln, brought it in, and 30 minutes later left with a brand new machine....just sayin

[gs650]

The eastwood store in 2 miles from my house.

[soulmachine]

there is an airgas shop the next town over and they stock the everlast machines so I think that's the route I'm gonna go. Ill probly pick it up on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for the input dudes. Might as well keep this going, I'm sure I'm not the only one curious about this subject.

[skoggy]

I'm running a miller 150stl which is the lift arc. Runs awesome, welded frames to light gauge tanks. They have a foot pedal available for about $250 which would be cool but not needed. Practice, patients is what this welder needs and for the price I'm happy. Plus lift arc has minimal contamination.

[skoggy]

Plus it comes in Kit with a stick attachment and a nice storage box with everything you need to start minus the rod. Only thing I regret is no aluminum welding.

[Grtdane99]

I use the eastwood tig 200 on a daily basis and like it alot. Super easy to use not sure how long she will hold up but ive had it for 2 months now and am pleased

[themetalshop]

You don't scratch start it. All you do is keep about a cunt hair off of your work and
it will start the arc. Then you just pull it back just slightly and start welding. It takes
awhile to learn, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

[SyndicateChoppers]

real gear usa tig machine from GTS Welco
its an absolute great little machine
comes with a warranty that GTS Welco stands by
its a nice small in size machine and is a 200 amp output which means it is way more than enough to do anything motorcycle related
it cost under $500
and you can use a standard miller type foot pedal with it
Ive been using mine since about June time and it welds just as good as my miller that I was using previously.

The only downside to it is that for the small one they make it only does steel (not aluminum)

They do make the same machine in AC/DC but its physically bigger in size and and the price is almost double
if your on a tight budget I would go with this
Ive been welding for over 10 years and this the absolute best entry level tig machine that is actually affordable for someone that does not have $1500 to spend

[Jinkzd]

I learned how to TIG on scratch start. I think the contamination argument only goes so far. I work in the power industry and have seen some absolutely pretty welds done out of position in inclement weather, in the field using scratch start. Like everything, its all about skill and experience. My boilermaker buddy can use any piece of junk machine and turn out top notch work while complaining to me about his wife and laughing, whereas I can use a Cadillac machine and turn out welds my daughter would think were ugly! New and cheap is cool, but I would stick with a big brand. You pay upfront but the parts are soooo easy to get, and the service is top notch. I love my Maxstar 150stl.

[TimB1640]

man i love this thread ! just to see what people have to say about what they think about different machines as well as their reviews on different machines. this way when i get ready to buy one i'm more knowleable