TIG Welder

(A Homebuilt Welder)

This web site is dedicated to those who wish to construct their own welder.  I choose the TIG variant because of the weld quality produced and the amount of heat control.  My purpose for the TIG welder was to butt weld thin 20 gauge sheet metal.  This welder is capable of 160 Amps DC and all the way down to 10 or so amps.  TIG welders use some type of constant current control to manage the welding process.  In my case, I choose to design a foot control which allows me to select the maximum current and also quickly vary the current output.

If you have questions or want to let me know how to improve the site, you can contact me at
 rschell at cableone.net

Visits:

Design Pages

Step-by-Step Instructions

Power Requirements

Speed Requirements

Main Wiring

Constant Current Regulator

Simple Regulator
(Updated 2/27/07)

Micro Controller Regulator
(Updated 3/26/07)

Setup and Testing

Foot Control

Gas Valve

Parts List

Frame Design

Torch and Regulator

 

 

Miller DialArc-HF

 

Photos

Alternator Terminals

Prototype Machine

Prototype Field Regulator

Testing Prototype

Frame Design

Frame Layout

Basic Frame

Assembly Front

Assembly Rear

Assembly Top

Note Current Shunt on Negative Terminal

Welder right side

Foot Control

Inside Foot Control

Optical Slot in Foot Control

Main Wiring Diagram

Foot Control Schematic

Constant Current Regulator Schematic

Circuit Board

Gas Valve

Gas Valve Mounted

TIG Torch and Ground Clamp

Gas Flow Regulator