90Rexx

So just out of curiosity, what TIG are people using to weld VC fittings? the fittings and VC are pretty thick for alot of the smaller TIG welders out there so ive heard. Can anyone whos done them chime in with what welder they used and how well it came out?

basically trying to decide if something like a Miller Diversion 165 or something like a hobart ez tig 165 will do a job like that.

turbojeesx

Either of those machines can easily do that job. The fittings are so small that they heat up quickly and it doesn't really matter how thick they are at that point. The valve covers aren't very thick either.

f20bmt

I talked to the miller rep here and he said those machines (diversion 165) are junk and not to buy one. I have never used either of them I am just repeating what he told me. I run a dynasty and its great.

90Rexx

some of us dont have 3 grand to spend on a welder ;-)

Jenkinsal2

Your "miller representative" told you that their own products are junk? Interesting business tactic.

95 integra

iTrader: (2)

Either would probably do it, however you might try to find a good used welder rather then a cheaper new unit. I have the tigmate (the older version of these) and it works great, however it doesnt weigh 50lbs either, so apparently they have changed them in some form or fashion.

f20bmt

for those of us on a tighter budget this would definitly be the way to go

sicones

I have a Diversion 165 and I have welded many, many valve cover fittings, -10 bungs, complete aluminum catch cans/tanks etc. It's a great machine it has way more than enough power for anything automotive related. You can see the diversion in the background...

Kyle R

iTrader: (1)

H.A.R.T B18C1EG6

iTrader: (1)

lol

civicgsrturbo32

I just got a miller diversion a couple weeks ago and i love it...

-RedneckDave-

So who is the miller rep here? I ask because I don't know who they are and if they are going to be in the welding forum I should know.

hoya_10fintec

Lincoln precision225 here

RC000E

Lincoln PT185...have done many. If you preheat it, smaller machines will do it also. Initially it take a bit of amperage to get them tacked, but beyond that its easy ridin.

Agtronic

165A is definitely enough to weld those. Thickness only becomes a problem when you have a large part. The machine will be the least of your worries. Getting the valve cover clean to get good clean welds is going to be the challenge. I've found that the best way to do them is to drill a recess and weld them on the inside. They come out way cleaner that way. (IMO).

The only real issue you will have with a 165A machine is when you try to weld anything thicker than 1/4" aluminum. I have 185A machine and 1/4" is pretty much the limit.

sicones

I've done 1/4" aluminum, but you have to preheat the hell out of it with a torch. It was mounting tabs for an intercooler, the welds were more than strong enough.

Top Ramen

x2

E-Rok

dont you mean Econotig? The Tigmate is the water cooler setup for dynastys IIRC.

edit: nvm I looked in class today and I confused it with coolmate. lol.

h22 civic

just ordered a 165

2.0 and up

lol up there!

jdmadam

iTrader: (2)

If you want to do it really cheap, then get some aluminum brazing rod and a propane torch. Cost me less then $50 and is just as strong as a tig welded one.

jdmadam

iTrader: (2)

How about turbo manifolds?

B and B

iTrader: (3)

more info...where u get this, needed flux? Propane was hot enuf?

jdmadam

iTrader: (2)

I used a cheap brand called alumiweld rods from harbor freight and it didnt require flux. All I had to do is get it to about 700 degrees and it is pretty strong. look up dura fix, its basically the same thing but will probably cost a you more than getting the cheaper stuff at harbor freight.