Just out of curiosity,why would you use a weaker rod for the root pass,then cover with a stronger one?
Also look into a lincoln squarewave 175. Can do ac/dc tig as well as stick. I paid 6/700 for mine, and it was in great shape. Transformer machine with high frequency start for AC tig, that is reliable and has enough jam for most of what I do. Will tig about 1/8" alum full pedal, and not trip a 40amp breaker. Doesn't have all the fancy setting an inverter tig does, but you can still get the job done without all the fancy bells and whistles.
I stated it earlier. On dirty material, a 6011 will burn through oil, grease, dirt, rust, etc. A 7018 is cleaner burning rod.
Gotcha. I was taught against doing it that way you described,and to use the 7018 to burn through all the muck ,and was really just wondering about doing it that way instead. On all of our jobsites,its not allowed to use both like that. Wasn't trying to sound like a d*ck, sorry if I came across that way.
Gotcha. I have seen it done with E7018 root and E6010/E6011 root. At work the welders put a root in with ER70S-2 or E7018. After being a third generation welder, I followed my dad's advice and opted not to live under a hood for a living. Lol. At 71, he still drops a hood daily for hobbies. I just manage a fab shop, and weld for recreation.
For a hobbiest in the garage, it's a great machine that saves space. Which in a home setting is typically always a issue.
Looking at welders right now. Is there anything a guy can't do with tig/stick inverter machine? I am thinking I need to man up and teach myself tig so I don't need the hassle and extra equipment associated with mig.
Not sure if mentioned yet, but that ESAB Rebel doesn't look to bad for fairly light duty stuff. Anyone have any time on one? Thoughts?
Looks like DC only so no aluminum. I've been thinking of picking up a tig also but aluminum is the main reason. Anyone have any actual experience with the Everlast welders? I know they are on the cheaper side and that worries me.
where is britt? do you dare ask the metalheaded one? britt id trust for info. isnt metal head a welder too.personally i have a old lincoln stick, and a hobart mig. cant weld because of pacemaker,suppost be dangerous.
@crashman thats a lie. I’ve been orbital welding lately. More of a process and a bit more scientific than how TIG is an art but still really cool none the less. I love all of it though.
I'm a production welder. Limited materials/machines. Go with what Britt says. He has more overall experience.