H/F unit - to use or not to use

[pejenkins]

The response to a question I put out this week-end had such great responses, I have to try this one!!
Several years ago I bought a H/F unit (Century) to try with my Miller thunderbolt AC/DC machine.
The unit was hooked up one time and the welds didn't look bad to me, but then I was brand new to the experience and my friend never commented either way. My question is this: How good (or bad) are these units for TIGing alum and mild steel ? What are the pros and cons of using these units. Will they teach you bad habits ? Can you add a foot petal ?
After I buy my MM210 next week, my next planned purchase will be the Sync180 and forget about the Econotig and H/F unit!!.

PJ

[ASKANDY]

The Thunderbolt's transformaer is NOT built to withstand the reverse current when welding AC tig. It WILL burn up the transformer...just a matter of time. I have seen it many times.
The DC component is what it's referred to and when welding Aluminum, imposes a ton of heat on the transformer. This is why a stick welder such as your Thunderbolt is a 225 amp unit but a 180 amp TIG welder is 2 times the size. You might get away with it for a little while. DC steel shouldn;t be too bad.

Hope this helps

Andy

[pejenkins]

ANDY:
Would a petal control or hand control be usable when TIGing steel with the
H/F unit and my Thunderbolt?

Thanks,

PJ

[ASKANDY]

Nope,

The Thunderbolt has no provision for remote control. It would be "HOT" all the time and would also not have current control. You would have to just set it and go. Also the Thunderbolt doesn't have a gas valve control so you would need a torch with a manual gas valve. All in all, the Sync 180 would be a much better choice, plus you can stick with it too. Sell the Thunderbolt and HF box and put that into the Sync 180.

Good luck

Andy

[pejenkins]

ANDY
I understand.
I am going to take a TIG welding class in 1-2 months and I wanted to be able to practice with what I have now. Sounds like a bad idea!!
Perhaps you can help me, I remember a few months ago seeing a post by you saying that some of your customers have machines that get traded in.....what would be the chance of getting a 180SD trade-in from you?.....what kind of price would be most common for a machine that is a trade-in? I am a little skeptical of buying a used 180 out of the paper or internet....to much money, no guarantee!!
I am going to a local welding shop (internet prices in hand)
and purchasing a MM210 next week. If I could
get a discount price on a 180 (trade-in) I might be able to
swing that also in a very short period of time.
Thanks for all your advice....it's been a BIG help.
This site is AWESOME!!!

PJ