xmt tig

[Sam]

I have a xmt 304 with the mig runner package. I would like to know what I need to set this machine up for tig welding. I will be welding light(1/4") aluminum. By the way does this machine have a squarewave output?

[chub380]

That machine is dc only tig you could do the alum with a spoolgun/push pull set up hooked to your machine. Some have tig welded alum with dc, but it is not as ideal as ac, but can be done. As for squarewave no it does not

[HAWK]

Sam,

I think chub380 is on the money here. You can get a 30A spool gun and a WC 24 controller for the XMT 304. The WC 24 connects to the the 14 pin output on your XMT and the 30A spool gun conects to the WC 24 weld controller. The set up can be had for around $1000.00 if you will shop a bit. 1/4" al is not a pretty sight on DC TIG. It can be done and I have done it, but I finally went with a Dynasty 200DX for my shop tig and added a HF box to my TB 301G for mobile TIG. DC TIG of al is a patience teacher for sure!

If you are planning to do much al, then invest in the WC 24 and 30A spool gun. I used to use this set up on my trailblazer before I went to the XR push/pull system. It is great if you do a lot of al fab work. Otherwise use the spool gun. Both units are quality and will compliment your XMT304. I regret ever selling mine-oops-hind sight is 20/20 or better.

[Sam]

If I understand right the xmt 304 is a dc only machine and therefor not capable of welding aluminum. How does the lift arc tig feature work on stainless?

[HAWK]

Sam,

The XMT304 is capable of MIG welding aluminum. However, it is not designed to TIG weld aluminum because of its DC only output. The "Lift Arc" feature works great on stainless. I bet Miller will tell you stainless is what "sparked" (no pun intended) their idea for 'Lift Arc" tig. It is typically a true fusion weld requiring little if any filler metal-particularly in the smaller plate thickness.

You will need a tig torch with a built in gas valve. Your machine does not have this if memory serves me right. The Miller Diamondback torch series is nice and available with or without gas valves up to 250 amps. Anything larger does not have the valve built in. You will need a 2 wire torch or a connector gas block for the single wire torch.