TIG Cups

[johnnymac46]

I have a question for the TIG welders.

I recently purchased a Miller Dynasty 200 SD(just the box nothing else) for dirt cheap, and am working on getting it set up. I've picked up a torch, pedal, ground clamp, argon tank, and am currently borrowing the regulator off my MIG Millermatic 211. I have some consumables, tungsten in various sizes (red tip for now) and some steel filler (about 2 pounds of assorted ER70S6).

I've dabbled in TIG welding and have a basic understanding, my question is what are your most commonly used Cups, and what are your preferred? I.e. Pyrex, clear, custom made?

I would like to find a decent assorted kit to get started with that I can build off. I do basic fab, nothing crazy, body panels, exhaust, maybe the occasional thicker metal (1/8-1/4)

[Yelcamino]

I recently bought this kit from Weldporn (https://www.weldporn.com/product/tig-consumables-tackle-box/). I haven't used all of them yet, but it's a nice assortment for not a lot of money.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4663/24911294197_195430cbfc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DXjTSn)wsi-imageoptim-IMG_82611-510x600 (https://flic.kr/p/DXjTSn) by Yelcamino (https://www.flickr.com/photos/42635971@N06/), on Flickr

I also have this one from Weldporn and I really like it. However, dropping it makes for a bad day!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/25908877868_405db07b83_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FttLJQ)wsi-imageoptim-IMG_2471-510x600 (https://flic.kr/p/FttLJQ) by Yelcamino (https://www.flickr.com/photos/42635971@N06/), on Flickr

[GregWeld]

Once you use a see thru clear cup -- hard to go back to a standard ceramic....

[Ketzer]

Clear cups are very cool... and very fragile for clumsy dipsh!ts like me.

Look into gas lenses, an upgrade from a standard cup setup.

Jeff-

[GregWeld]

Johnny ----

The thing that is SO different from MIG is that TIG is all over the map --- the cup sizes etc just "depends" -- depends on what you're welding the gas flow required - are you doing an inside corner with a bunch of stick out - or an outside corner on real thin materials.....

You'll need a bunch of different cups - various torch sizes - various fillers.... as you get along in this world (of TIG).

Basic cups - #5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Basic fill - ER70S-6 for mild steel --- 308L for stainless -- 4043 for Aluminum

Get some 1 1/2% Lanthanated 1/16th dia for (1/8th" and under material) and 3/32th for 1/8th and thicker -- it's good for AC (alum) and DC (all else)

GET A GREAT --- not just good enough --- GREAT auto darkening helmet

[johnnymac46]

Johnny ----

The thing that is SO different from MIG is that TIG is all over the map --- the cup sizes etc just "depends" -- depends on what you're welding the gas flow required - are you doing an inside corner with a bunch of stick out - or an outside corner on real thin materials.....

You'll need a bunch of different cups - various torch sizes - various fillers.... as you get along in this world (of TIG).

Basic cups - #5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Basic fill - ER70S-6 for mild steel --- 308L for stainless -- 4043 for Aluminum

Get some 1 1/2% Lanthanated 1/16th dia for (1/8th" and under material) and 3/32th for 1/8th and thicker -- it's good for AC (alum) and DC (all else)

GET A GREAT --- not just good enough --- GREAT auto darkening helmet

I ordered a set of assorted cups, and a few clear cups. It will get me started and I can get to building the toolbox of TIG stuff.

I have an autodarkening helmet from miller I have had for a few years I believe the "Elite".

Should be entertaining to get into it, I've got a 57 Chevy truck that needs a lot of body work I'll get plenty of practice on.

Thanks for the help everyone! I'm sure there will be plenty of questions in the near future.

[GregWeld]

Welding tips and tricks . com has lots of good YouTube videos worth watching

[CRCRFT78]

Look into the Furick cups to add to your assortment.

[jarhead]

Clear cups are very cool... and very fragile for clumsy dipsh!ts like me.

Look into gas lenses, an upgrade from a standard cup setup.

Jeff-

I had to look up what a GAS lens was...

Getting ready to order a TIG and doing some research.

Thanks Jeff

[RDuke]

Look into the Furick cups to add to your assortment.

This.

[johnnymac46]

clear cups are the way to go! I ended up ordering an assortment of cups, and a few clear cups. I can safely say I use my clear cups 80% of the time.

Now curiosity has me wanting a tungsten grinder, Eastwood makes one I'd be interested to see if anyone has used it on the site?