Low Cost TIG Welder Foot Switch Aux Start

Andeli TIG-250 Welder First Impressions and Adding an Aux Start Switch

I start using my low cost inverter TIG welder, and compare it to the tiny bit of other welding methods I've tried.

Not a review though 😉

Later I add a foot controlled start/stop switch to make my life easier (call it training wheels if you like). Also there a brief look at storing filler rods, a torch holder and a light duty welding table.

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00:00 Not improving by not practicing is a vicious circle
03:00 Adding a footswitch to make my life easier
05:00 How it works
06:55 Bonus Feature - DIY Torch Holder
08:00 Bonus Feature - Filler Storage
09:27 Bonus Feature - Light Duty Welding Table

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The laser cutter I used can be found on ebay.co.uk, seller ID custosig-0

Aside from being a very satisfied customer, I've no affiliation with the company whatsoever.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/custosig-0

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A note about argon gas:

Obtaining gas almost made a 4th bonus feature, but I didn’t have enough video to cover the dialogue so it went on the cutting room floor! After a query from a viewer this is more or less what I was going say (this is my experience of the situation in England. Your mileage may vary)

100% don’t use disposable bottles. The small grey ones hold about 60 litres of gas, that’s about 10 minutes of welding time (less at a higher flow rate). I can get through that messing about before I even attempt my first weld! There are larger capacity disposable bottles (often green) that hold twice as much (for almost twice the price). Again, a very expensive way to do it.

If you’re a heavy user (think commercial / industrial), a rental account with one of the big gas suppliers (BOC, Air Products etc) works out cheapest.

For the occasional (hobby) use, Google rent free gas in your area. There are a few of nationwide firms (notably Adams, SGS and Hobbyweld) and often local firms too (depending where you are in the country). Do your homework though: The cylinder is often the same physical size, but some suppliers only part fill it, so be aware a slightly more expensive competitor may be supplying a 200Bar bottle versus 100Bar (i.e. double the gas).

You’ll have to pay a deposit on the bottle, but no monthly rental. With some companies the deposit lasts indefinitely and you should get it back provided you return the bottle in good condition (sometime less an ‘administration fee' 🤔 ). Other companies have a diminishing deposit that evaporates over time. I guess this is to encourage you to return that bottle you’ve had in the shed for 10 years and never use anymore. If they’re local you can go and exchange in person. If not you may need to consider the delivery / collection cost and the possibility of renting two bottles (the full one you’ve just got and the one that you’re sending back empty).

My welder didn’t come with a regulator of any kind (I’ve seen some small MIGs come with a disposable bottle reg in the bundle) so I bought a standard reg. In the interests of making your precious gas last as long as you can, I’d recommend a floating ball type flow meter (either at the bottle or a pea shooter at the torch) as the pressure based one on the reg (on mine at least) is pretty inaccurate. This, plus gloves, tungstens and filler all add to the initial outlay but should last some considerable time.

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Manually subtitled for accuracy -click the CC box.

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For the material I couldn't capture myself, my thanks goes to the following: Whoosh by Aysonny https://freesound.org/people/_bepis/s... Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

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Shot: HDC-HS700 1920x1080 50P AVCHD
Edit: FCP7 ProRes 422
Mic: DR-05

Видео Low Cost TIG Welder Foot Switch Aux Start канала The Recreational Machinist