CST280 Dinse or Tweco lead connectors?

[clint738]

I am thinking of getting a CST 280 with Dinse since it looks like the most common connection for tig is Dinse.

Are you using a 2 line tig cable for your cst280 like this?
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=199

Or are you using a 1 line cable like this one?
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=200

With an adapter like this one for the gas connection to the bottle?
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=770

I like the one style cable I think better since I wouldn't want two cable from the tig to have to mess with, more clutter?? Not sure about having to cut off the ring terminal to put a dinse on either.
im guessing the single cable style just threads on that dinse adapter so possibly an easier, cleaner looking setup.

Hey Elvis what are your thoughts on this? Which are you using ?

[elvis]

Sorry for the delay. I just got back into town. I had really poor internet where I was and it was a big deal to just respond, let alone go look at those pages.

I like my single cable on my air cooled. Having a few cables/hoses for water cooled is fine, just get a protective sheath. The dinse adapter looks right also. A flexhead torch with the gas valve would be slick. I would also recommend a pedal or hand amptrol with 14-pin connector. Might as well make sure that you have all the collets, collet-bodies and cups that you need while your ordering. you also might want to consider a gas lens. I think you get better gas coverage with them.

In the future you can also get a high-freq box and that should have a gas solenoid in it to control the flow of gas. You can do non-contact starts and that will help with tungsten contamination.

[elvis]

Oh, and I'm using a single hose/power line combo on my torch. I don't have a fancy dinse connector into the machine. I have a powerblock that the stinger clamps onto. I need to get a dinse connector. It is safer

[clint738]

Thanks for the reply elvis.

This is the pedal I am looking at getting.
http://store.cyberweld.com/rfhdfootcon.html

What gas regulator you using for tig? Something name brand like Smith or something like Radnor.

I know argon is typically used a lot for tig, but I have seen pictures were mixed gases argon/Co2 and even tri-mix gases were producing better results.
I will only be DC tigging so I'm not sure 100% argon will be the best choice.

My supplier will be AirGas and looking at their website they show a GOLD gas mix which I guess is suppose to be great for shielding.
http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...ibute=139:Gold
Just select "gas grade" - GOLD, to see what I am talking about.

I'm not sure but I might just forget about the mix with O2 in it and go with something like this:
16% Carbon Dioxide Balance Argon Gold Gas® SteelMIX®, Size 125 Cylinder, CGA580
That would I guess just be a Co2/Argon mix that would work with the regulators and I guess??? would work well for mild steel.

They have a gold gas SteelMix which also has Oxygen in the mix, so I'm not sure if that could cause a problem with regulators I see here.

I'm looking at one of these 2 I think.
http://store.cyberweld.com/smflreh11.html#pdItemDataTab
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=7919

The second one, though more expensive is the select-O-Gas model on this page.
http://enet.smithequipment.com/publi...2BFA28F0C59%7D

So may be useful but I don't know.. I don't want to waist my budget on stuff I don't need and would rather spend it on stuff that could improve the weld quality like an auto darkening helmet if I have anything left to spend.

I was thinking of using Weldcraft just because I saw their tig torches listed as accessories for the CST 280 in the datasheet.

Is this the gas lenses your talking about?
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=4670
and
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=4672

I've never seen one of those clear things on any youtube videos. What is there purpose and do they replace the pink nozzle then?

What is the difference in using one of those clear things instead of using the pink nozzle pieces in this kit??
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=3587

I have never setup a tig torch so this will all be new to me.

Thanks for your help.

[elvis]

Thanks for the reply elvis.

This is the pedal I am looking at getting.
http://store.cyberweld.com/rfhdfootcon.html

Check out this pedal too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200519953626...84.m1423.l2649

What gas regulator you using for tig? Something name brand like Smith or something like Radnor.

I have a couple radnor flow meters with the little bouncy ball. They work fine. There were cheap. I could almost buy ONE smith or victor for what I paid.

I know argon is typically used a lot for tig, but I have seen pictures were mixed gases argon/Co2 and even tri-mix gases were producing better results.
I will only be DC tigging so I'm not sure 100% argon will be the best choice.

DO NOT USE CO2 WITH TIG!!!! CO2 and tungsten don't play very well together... Only use argon. Argon/helium mix can be used for aluminum I guess, I don' tknow much about that. You can use pure argon for mild/stainless just fine.

My supplier will be AirGas and looking at their website they show a GOLD gas mix which I guess is suppose to be great for shielding.
http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...ibute=139:Gold
Just select "gas grade" - GOLD, to see what I am talking about.

I'm not sure but I might just forget about the mix with O2 in it and go with something like this:
16% Carbon Dioxide Balance Argon Gold Gas® SteelMIX®, Size 125 Cylinder, CGA580
That would I guess just be a Co2/Argon mix that would work with the regulators and I guess??? would work well for mild steel.

They have a gold gas SteelMix which also has Oxygen in the mix, so I'm not sure if that could cause a problem with regulators I see here.

I'm looking at one of these 2 I think.
http://store.cyberweld.com/smflreh11.html#pdItemDataTab
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=7919

The second one, though more expensive is the select-O-Gas model on this page.
http://enet.smithequipment.com/publi...2BFA28F0C59%7D

So may be useful but I don't know.. I don't want to waist my budget on stuff I don't need and would rather spend it on stuff that could improve the weld quality like an auto darkening helmet if I have anything left to spend.

I was thinking of using Weldcraft just because I saw their tig torches listed as accessories for the CST 280 in the datasheet.

Weldcraft is the recommended brand by miller. That is why they are listed. I have one, and it works fine. CK is good too. Just go on ebay and get a used flow meter. I guess the HTP meters work fine. $40 new. $15 for a hose and your good to go. Now you have $150 extra to spend on an auto darkening hood.

Is this the gas lenses your talking about?
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=4670
and
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=4672

I've never seen one of those clear things on any youtube videos. What is there purpose and do they replace the pink nozzle then?

I don't know about the pyrex deal over the alumina. I'm sure someone has an idea, but not me...

What is the difference in using one of those clear things instead of using the pink nozzle pieces in this kit??
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=3587

If you have the coin the AK3 kit would be handy. Then you can just replace stuff as necessary. I bought a 3/32 gas lense at my lws for $10. I had the collet and the alumina nozzle already.

I have never setup a tig torch so this will all be new to me.

Thanks for your help.

......

[clint738]

Thanks elvis for the tip NOT to use CO2. I didn't realize using the wrong gas could damage the torch.

I found this as an example why not to tig with CO2
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=43982

[elvis]

Now you know!

So, did you decide where to buy the machine, leads, torch, etc? Also, you should plan on buying the plug for the machine. I think it just comes with a 4-wire pigtail. Just separate the red wire off and use the black/white/green for 230v single phase.

[clint738]

It looks like I can get the CST 280 from an AirGas dealer 45 miles away for the same list price as online at CyberWeld, but I will have to pay about $165 more at the AirGas for TX sales tax. I am thinking of buying the welder at airgas anyways since they are listed as an authorized repair place too.

The AirGas in town here (not a repair place) quoted $100 higher than the one 45 miles away, so even more when sales tax is added. This place did give me a quote for some 25 ft Radnor welding leads for about $44 each. I don't think I like their Radnor ground clamps though.

There is a PraxAir (westair) place also about 45 miles away. They have a welding lead called Directwire ultra flex. I did see the wire in person and it does say made in USA on it. It is like $2.60 per ft. I do like their Prostar brand ground clamps better than the Radnor just looking at them.

Im thinking of using a Tweco brand electrode holder.

The regulator I'm thinking of buying online since they have a good price no sales tax and free shipping. Same with the pedal, and tig torch.

I have already bought the plug for the welder. Got a 220v 50 amp plug. Also bought new receptacle for it and new metal outlet boxes with outdoor style covers for dust/water prevention. I'm going to put covers on all the plugs in the shop so I don't have to worry about grinding sparks messing up an outlet.

[clint738]

Now I have to wait for the tax return to go through before I can start spending more. Been picking up little things each week and getting cutting torch accessories for my new victor journeyman setup.

[elvis]

Waiting is the worst! I've been thinking about selling my cst280 to help fund a used trailblazer. For my use being mobile would be better. The cst burns rod really nice. I think you'll like it once it finally arrives!