Harbor Freight TIG Rig (Pirate?)

Cpt_Kirks · Post by **Cpt_Kirks** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:22 pm

The HF TIG welder in Pirate's "TIG Welding 101" is on sale for $219.

Is this a good welder for MG42 and general firearm welding?

Post by **Pirate** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:36 pm

It is the perfect welder for gunsmithing. I love my little HF TIG!!! I use mine all the time
and not had any problems with it. For the money it can't be beat.

joew · Post by **joew** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 12:10 am

what settings for gas and heat do you use Pirate?
Thanks,
Joe

Post by **maxposner** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 5:23 am

Pirate,
A friend just gave me a HF tig to move my 53 along,( I wasn't going to get started for a while). I am going to start practicing this week, if I have any questions, I will be asking you. I know this is your fault, that I am in this position, your build pictorial, your parts offering and your welding tutorial have been alittle too coercive. I really havent had any control since I stumbled across this site and your posts. So this is the start of the project, don't disappear!

36gOPFOR · Post by **36gOPFOR** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 12:17 am

I just got onto HF's website and the sale price is now $199.99.

lmsc07ct · Post by **lmsc07ct** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:16 am

Anyone have any durability issues with this welder or are they good to go for medium useage on a semi-regular basis?

auburnmg34 · Post by **auburnmg34** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:14 am

I've used it every day for months and had no problems with it. Nothing unusual just normal torch maintenance.

Post by **TOM R** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 1:08 pm

if you watch the sale ads I have seen this as low as 169, if you get it on sale for the 199 then get one of their 10 % off cupons

Karbinator · Post by **Karbinator** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:44 pm

I penetrated 1/4" steel easily with the thing. The duty cycle is short when it's cranked up, but
it's really helpful around the place, and I've grown fond of tig despite having to scratch start it.
Even if you HAD to spend 199. , the sooner you get one, the sooner your projects will get underway.

avanarts · Post by **avanarts** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:38 pm

TOM R wrote:if you watch the sale ads I have seen this as low as 169, if you get it on sale for the 199 then get one of their 10 % off cupons

How do you get the 10% off coupons? I have never seen one in their print ads and even though I signed up for their e-mail list, I never get anything.

Post by **TOM R** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 6:03 pm

The cupon is usualy on the front of the store flyer

Post by **Pirate** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 6:34 pm

joew wrote:what settings for gas and heat do you use Pirate?
Thanks,
Joe

With a #5 nozzle I am using 15cfh, and for the receiver I have it set between 3 -4 for heavier stuff I go higher.

Post by **maxposner** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 4:32 am

Do you get the extra cups and collets from HF? I find it hard to find someone to help me in the store.

auburnmg34 · Post by **auburnmg34** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:02 am

Yes you get extra cups and collets. I think 2 #4's, 5's ,and 6's.

Post by **Hole_Puncher** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:28 pm

Not sure if I should ask this here but anyway.
If you have never done welding before how hard is it to learn tig welding?

fal lover · Post by **fal lover** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:55 pm

anyone in pa, im in altoona that has a tig welder in my area so i can do my reciever, i havw a nice mig but want to go tig thanks FAL

Cpt_Kirks · Post by **Cpt_Kirks** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:35 pm

Hole_Puncher wrote:Not sure if I should ask this here but anyway.
If you have never done welding before how hard is it to learn tig welding?

Here is a DVD you can rent:

http://technicalvideorental.com/rental_27.html

Hurry and get it back, I plan on renting it soon. I had their flux core DVD, it helped me get started with my MIG.

Post by **maxposner** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:54 pm

How hard can it be? I'm convinced that I can do it and I haven't even opened the box. I'm still trying to decide what flow meter to buy. Also Pirate (whose Pirate?) says that with some practice I should be able to do this well. So I have a bunch of torch cut scrap that I will practice on and then the unistrut jig and hopefully boom, boom, by spring. Of course I might still be smoking up the shop for ages to come. The fellow at the welding shop gave me the jaundiced eye and told me I would need at least 3 tungstens to start. He doesn't think I can do it. ( He doesn't know my buddy Pirate).

Post by **Pirate** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:30 pm

Max, all it takes is practice, practice and more practice!! don't get discouraged and keep at it till it all falls into place!! HF has a regulator that is inexpensive and works well.. go to
your local library and get a book on welding to help get you started.

vulcan762 · Post by **vulcan762** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:40 pm

Hey Pirate, Your review of the Harbor Freight TIG unit is gone. The link no longer works from your TIG 101 page.

Im thinking thats the one Im going to get. At $219 its hard to beat. But the deal clincher was that I have a 20% off coupon. :-)

-Russ