DC Conversion

[Erich]

DC CONVERSION

I own a MM175 and would like to know if anyone knows about CONVERTING it, or any other DC arc welder, to a TIG welder by adding an air-cooled torch, Argon reg/flow meter, and tank ? It will be restricted to welding steel, stainless and scratch starts with a copper strike plate. Will I have to use an SGA 100 ? Or can I connect a DB 17v122 or DB 1712 RDI directly to my MM175 ? Would using the MM175 void my warranty ? I plan on occasionally TIG welding 4130 steel tubing. Thank you for your responses.

[HAWK]

ERICH,

Welcome! It is possible to tig with some CV MIG machines providing the OCV (open circuit voltage) is high enough. I don't think the MM175 meets this requirement.

You can directly attach a dry tig torch for scratch start to most any DC CC stick welder and add argon for shielding. IE: The Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC or Lincoln AC/DC 225.

Good Luck

[ROCK]

ERICH...........Welcome Aboard.....It will not work well at all.....The difference between constant current and constant voltage is just that.........Typically cc machine's have 70-90 open circuit volts...........constant voltage machines have 29-45 ocv.........

Enjoy the site...........Rock..
[email protected]

[Erich]

DC Conversion Part 2

DC Conversion

Thanks Rock and Hawk for your educating replies. As a result, I have sold, at a loss, my Miller MM 175 to a co-worker. I have recently purchased an ESAB MultiMaster 160 Mig/Tig/Stick welder ( cyberweld.com ) for the price of a Miller Econotig AC/DC Tig welder. Space is very limited in my garage for both my equipment and projects I work on. Along with my Smith Toughcut Series Oxy/Acetylene ( 70 cuft/55 cuft ) setup, and air compressor/air tools, I consider my "WORKSHOP" complete. Thanks.

[HAWK]

Erich,

Congratulations on your purchase: ESAB is a good machine. Let us know how it performs and how you like tigging.

Good Luck!