TFS: HOW to convert your MIG into a TIG Welder

Shortly after this topic went viral in the welding community, Justin's inbox on EVERY social media account and email soon filled with the question - "How?"
Here's how.
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[@TheFabricatorSeries]

🤔 TMIG welding.... I think we should call it TMIG welding. What do you think?

[@ChrisWojnarski]

#tiglikemig #tmig for short 🤘🏻🍻👊🏻

[@powerstroke0459]

TIG welding with Constant Voltage instead of Constant Current sounds fucking stupid to me and serves no actual real world purpose...oh and let's see it pass Xray

[@mr.picklesworth]

Mig machines are constant voltage where as tig machines are constant current.

[@scottydntno]

How about using an actual MIG welder, not a machine that's already setup with TIG capability.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Kleo 84 It makes exactly ZERO difference. Try it if you dont believe me.

[@Metalborn710]

I just wrote a T over the M on my MIG welder. Way faster than your way.

[@mussulzdnforcer]

🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewvoighttheoriginal]

Dude🤣

[@ralphwaters8905]

One thing you could have mentioned is that MIG is a constant voltage process; you set the current via the wire feed speed. TIG and stick are both constant current processes. You set the voltage with the shielding gas selection and arc length. The bottom line is, of course, that you don't have the heat control you do with a real TIG pedal. But it does work, doesn't it? One of my best stick welds was with a pair of car batteries in series and a 1/8" 6013 rod. Ah fond memories of the Mojave desert and broken vehicles...

[@specialized29er86]

After having a Cigweld 165 Turbo for 12 years just recently purchased a Cigweld 185 that comes with three welding capabilities. Gotta love the modern technologies.

[@MadMetalShop]

Something worth mentioning that this can only be done on inverters and not stand alone mig welding machines. So you have both constant current and constant voltage. Some dedicated mig machines will only do constant voltage then you're out of luck.

[@cosmicway4048]

I like this, I bought a tig torch and a foot peddle haven't installed them on my mig yet didn't think it would work, but this is promising.

[@robinstevens9740]

Thanks for passing this along, it will definitely work in a pinch...... Keep up the great stuff!!

[@mrmichael555]

Outstanding! I am going to have to try this. I have a Hobart handler 175, I think this would be perfect for it! I’m not welding jet engine fins over here, so I think it’ll be fine.

[@garciawallace7106]

Hey Justin thats pretty kool stuff i knew you would make a vid on this topic. And i know its 100% work becoz i convert my Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 to mig/tig i just bought a tig torch kit on sale and switch the wire around made a turbo mani and exhaust and still havent crack yet.

[@KohalaIronWorksCase]

I have always wanted a TIG welder of my own... wish I knew this conversion back when I had my MIG I would have done this. Good stuff.

[@obfuscated3090]

You can also connect typical portable scratch start torches to your MIG power supply and use a switch on a pigtail to turn power on and off.

[@rbmiller3346]

I think this is a great idea and a great video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@leeloxleigh1471]

Great video, first time I have seen one of your posts. Well impressed, and will certainly give the mig tig ago. Have now subscribed.

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

Cool, the wife bought me a machine that claims to mig, tig and stick weld. I have used the mig, works great, have not tried the tig yet. It came with everything to switch it over for tig and stick. Thanks, we'll explained. 👍🏁

[@CMAenergy]

If you are breaking that drill bit A suggestion, That is a copper brass fitting, Blunt the end of the bit cutting edges with a back rake. Then any pressure applied is not going to grab. unless you really force it.

[@drewrinker2071]

I've used both machines, one is set up for Tig the one I use at work and it has arc start, and one I use at home which is just basically a stick welder with a tig torch that you have to scratch to start the arc. The hf arc is definitely nicer but makes zero difference once it's going to me. Sometimes I forget when I'm using the one at home because I like having the high frequency arc start.

[@amiteshlalcharan4058]

Thanks for the vid i did stainless railing on my boat with it perfect weld but very soar arms.

[@YYCRCFabricationz]

For those of us who are very limited incomes this video rocks! TY so much for showing how this is done, I've watched several vids & yours is by far the most concise, easiest to follow & best quality quite honestly. So again, for those of us running 15 y.o. Lincoln migs because it's what we can afford, I'm happy to make adjustments due to tip size etc & just thrilled to know how finally, what to do to convert my welder & have a TIG! TY AGAIN JUSTIN!!

[@Clunk49]

I tried it with my little Italian 120V /90 amp AC MIG. It held a good arc on the lowest setting but started letting the smoke out of the case at higher settings. Didn't handle aluminum well either, wouldn't get hot enough to make a puddle.After all the goofing off, I put everything back stock and it welded like before.

[@drubradley8821]

I did this to a old welder about 12 years ago, the collet system was different then what was used in this video, and I must say, for what it is, it does work!!!. I ended up adapting a TIG torch on to the unit, and things got even better to handle.. I dropped the unit out the back of my Jeep, and busted a few key parts on the board, and that was the last of that venture, and thought I'd pursue it later, but, but that time I got around to it, the cost of TIG machines, had come down in price, the logical thing was to just buy a machine that would allow for not only metals, but aluminum as well.. But this does work, Mind you, scratch start TIG welding has been around for a long time, and the new tech that doesn't require scratch starting of the arc is fairly new, like the high frequency start options... As I am sure most of you already know...

[@tonysargent1699]

That really does look like fun. Great idea. Cheers! Gotta give that a go.

[@daviddroescher]

My thoughts were to plug in a tig torch with a valve(like a WP-17V-12-R TIG torch) were the mig lead was suposed to go, release the drive rolers ,put a rubber band on the trigger and scratch start .

[@garymucher9590]

Interesting. I was always wondering if that could be done. But I guess it is better to just buy a proper TIG setup if you are going to need such type welds. Thanks for the video.

[@miguelmagana7808]

Really nice information; I appreciate vary much.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Thinking out of the box it could be used for applying "sharp" local heat for freeing seized threaded parts.

[@michaelfitzgibbons2332]

Andrew

[@larrymolaison791]

Thanks for the insight 👍 never thought that would be possible! cool very cool

[@MrPrelude98]

Dude!! That weld was perfect for me it works. It's hard to weld stainless w out the one tig welder thats costly.

[@jeffgraham48]

Really well done video. Useful content ty.

[@reedwischhusen5376]

Cool I was going to preheat and MIG some thick 4130 tubing up but been reading before hand I'll have to TIG it. Guess I've found the solution. that weld looks better then my MIG welding :D

[@ronslaughterandalice1018]

Dern dude , thanks, I didn't know this. I am going to try this.

[@GozonTheGonsarian]

your bits are wobbling all over the place!!!!!!

[@eustaciosaucedo4682]

Man you're a genius thank you keep up the good work

[@loganlopez3185]

Interesting project. My everlast mig welder can tig out of the box but this video was entertaining to watch nevertheless.

[@jamesmacneil1609]

Excellent video. Thumbs up!

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Justin

[@jamesgross6466]

It's a heck of a lot simpler to get a TIG torch for your stick welder, providing you have AC/DC capability.

[@lloydscharf6897]

A Hi Freq add on unit and you can do Aluminum as well.

[@tomhendricksen7355]

Interesting. I have a cheap triple function welder. I don't use TIG because I cannot control the flow of the gas. Using this method and learning how to set the voltage I can control the gas with the switch on the torch. Nice trick.

[@0ddba1l]

For many it isn't cost it is space to have more than 1 welder, if you have a Mig and no space for a TIG as well then this is good. What we need is a video to show converting the output of a MIG to AC for aluminum TIG work.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I KNEW this was possible I kept asking my friends and getting funny looks !!

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

@@bigboreracing356 oxy acetalen?

[@theinvisiblerabbit1998]

Didn't you forget to disconnect the spring loaded feed roll so wire doesn't try to push out.

[@MM2009]

Willing to hook up your AC/DC tig/mma with a spool gun and try on Aluminium and Stainless?

[@nickhenley8040]

Really liked this video. Thanks!

[@sandrodiclemente215]

That was a great analogy, that a welder ia basically a power supply, great job, on the conversion. U rock, or weld I should say

[@BigggA608]

I seen someone do it with a Lincoln mig I'm upset with myself for not paying attention to how it's done. But they use a scratch start torch but for sure it was a mig only machine.

[@mtsilvagt]

MacGyver that's what you're like bro, modern day Macyver !! ✌🔥👍

[@edwardchance2543]

Thanks for the great video

[@gorillaxrich]

You are a Welding God Sir Frabricator/ion Series Justin Man Wizard... 🤙...

[@miguelmartinez6348]

Great video ..It possible put it a dry torch ?

[@stevestokes4206]

Pretty impressive. I'll subscribe

[@LatinDanceVideos]

Has anyone soon tips converted as parts to buy (for common mig welders)? I’m sure someone with a better garage setup than mine has worked this out. eBay shop makes it easy to sell stuff.

[@jmy7622]

I thought of something that could work on a big welder like a 450 or larger machine . You can put 2 tanks on back, just change that over and if you have a dual wire feeder leave the tig on one side, mig on the other change your cables you're all set to TMIG. Only problem is no cooler, but on a mig gun it probably wouldn't be as noticeable. I wouldn't like to move it around though with extra gas tank. Happy TMIGing.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

I'm converting one of my Hobart LX 235 stick welder's for tig, with pedal.

[@richybean2421]

Great video! I have just ordered and received most the pieces I need to do this, now I just need to rebuild a microwave transformer to convert my Flux 125 to DC.

[@ybordave]

You don't need a transformer to convert to DC, you need a rectifier circuit.

[@markthomas36]

Running a bit hot, but I doubt I could do better lol. Good job mate!

[@Soldier1287]

Sick of everyone too worried about welds looking “pretty” rather than practicality of the weld actually holding. If it holds, then that’s it, done. It’s metal, not jewelry.

[@christopherchancey1368]

Yea say that to a QC at a nuke plant. Lol

[@klubstompers]

@@christopherchancey1368 The engineer and the inspector would tell the QC this.

[@jeremycole6873]

I pretty weld will be stronger if it's done right but I do understand what you mean I see some farmer welds that look like straight up crap that have held for years and are strong as hell

[@thatguyfromtucson]

At the mine the rocks don't care what the welds look like as long as the wear blocks don't fall off the dippers.

[@johnjacob688]

When it comes to Automotive stuff I like everything to look pretty.

[@bossdog1480]

Good effort.

[@draytonPW]

10 out of 10. Would subscribe again.

[@paulwelsheimer9164]

Okay I'm in the shop watching this video staring at my MIG welder sitting in the corner as I continue watching this video drinking a beer staring at my MIG welder oh crap I got to try this it looks very awkward but very interesting at the same time I'm not sure if it's practical that sure looks fun okay that's it I would have never dreamed a MIG welder I don't know why or how I got on this subject with the video but paid thanks man haha

[@malcytull]

A very interesting video, the thing is, it does work, I was wondering if it is possible to turn a plasma cutter into a tig welder. Great video, thank you for posting.

[@oceanhouse8080]

Probably not too much voltage not enough current, plasma machines are about long stable arcs.....

[@malcytull]

@@oceanhouse8080 Thanks for your reply, it turns out, the plasma cutter didn't work anyway so that's the end of that idea.

[@phillipcabrero1005]

I have a powermig 210 and it has a tig conversion that is scratch start is there any way to make it use a variable (knob) style torch? I hate scratch start I always dirty my tungsten

[@youtubecensorseverythingIsay]

You can hook a tig torch to a mig very easily, can even use the mig's gas solenoid to dispense gas

[@modracer55]

I have a nice old millermatic200 can I use this to convert to tig? I have ahad this since 88 and it still works flawlessly

[@norman7179]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Have you thought about adapting a TIG torch to work with that machine? It might not be quite as awkward to manipulate and give a better weld.

[@104littleal6]

That machine has TIG. He just did it for a video, and nothing better to do?

[@devas522]

Very easy setup

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

Always figured it could be done... How does it start?? Does that machine use HF on mig too.... The stop looks a little,... Like a regular pull out, but it works!!!

[@Peter-V_00]

@ 4:13 Justin says "scratch start".

[@fredalmond9130]

Good thing my everlast welder came with everything I needed to tig weld.

[@SnorrioK]

Yeah. Good thing. Now for the rest of us, we may be inclined to keep an open mind. But sure, continue showing off.

[@yurimodin7333]

good thing this spam comment can be seen on damn near every welding video on KZbin and is the reason Everlast will never get a purchase from me.......

[@agustyo7436]

please show, if the TIG machine is made into a plasma machine Cut what can be done by replacing the plasma handlebar cut?

[@tomharrell1954]

Looks good

[@chris_b_liven]

Sick video!!!

[@hiteracing1489]

I'm I just tried this and omg I'm practicing on piece of stainless exhaust my machine turn all the way down and it burns thru easy and have a very short Arch 🤯

[@codycall6513]

Curious, why would keeping the leads the same burn up the tungsten? Is it the positive to negative deal?

[@joshhagen4182]

Shoot I’m adding a euro style connector to my Chicago electric 170 I may wanna add a switch to where I can switch between ac and dc because I’m adding a bridge rectifier to it... that being said and after watching this I may. Be able to use that 170 with a true tig torch

[@garytodd5605]

The concept is a fun experiment. But. Most mig only shops have on hand CO2 or some CO2 mix. Purchase of the Argon alone puts it way out of playing / experiment coast limets. And if you have a large enough project to weld stainless. Get the proper equipment. Still is an interesting experiment.

[@ChrisWojnarski]

Man something is up with KZbin lately every time I go back to a video even this one. Whenever I come back this time because a recent comment got a like but when I come back my like for the video is gone it happened to this video three times now I don’t get it and I’ll even re like ❤️ the video and if I come back to it my ❤️ is gone don’t get it also happened with a different channel. Just don’t get what’s going on this is a awesome video and deserves a ❤️ for god sakes

[@the4thj]

I was ironically thinking of making my 200SX Longevity machine into a plasma cutter because a PCB board won't increase the amps to the foot pedal, so perfect! Right?

[@cirenitnomart7097]

Can a Lincoln 125 MIG welder be converted to a TIG welder with a "real" TIG torch that contains a switch for the gas solenoid in the MIG ?? If so what torch would work ?

[@mtnoutlawsyellowstone6717]

Hey man love the vids ! Where can u get the newer AHP tig machine with the flex torch like in the vid to posted ? All the ones I find show the XD name but shows the earlier model pics . So not sure wich one to buy it from

[@metalbill2007]

How about doing some Mig Spray Transfer? It can look similar to a tig weld in some cases.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Metal Bill Sure. I think I have 2 or 3 that will. I can make that episode happen.

[@vladorlovsky6623]

Funny video. Thanks!

[@FixItAngel]

4:49 not that bad weld. I would do this just for fun.

[@FCspecial]

I have a 110 volt mig welder, could this work on this machine? What about the trigger on the handle, do you tape it pulled in all the time like your mig welding? That would have the gas flowing all the time. Do you thing you could by pass the trigger switch with a foot switch to start the power and gas? The reverse polarity on the mig I use for the flux core (inner-shield) wire. Cool video

[@soldozer]

Waiting for the "stick like TIG" video.

[@CarswithNash]

Pretty cool, but would it still be effective running Argon/CO2 MIG gas? Think mine is 75% Argon.

[@mirzaimranbaig5227]

GOOD JOB

[@volcom84bait]

can you do this on flux weld from harbor freight??

[@tedjomiarso]

Say you have a tig torch. How to connect it to your mig machine.? Could you just connect the working clamp to positive, the tungsten to negative pole, and gas hose to argon regulator.? And disconnect switch to the spool. So the switch only activate the gas selenoid not the roller. Am I on the right path? Appreciated your advice sir🙏

[@billwoehl3051]

How would that work on a M.I.G. that powers the wire at the drive wheels and not at the torch?

[@barrlou3]

Thanks!

[@frigginpos]

When you're in a fix, many times you have to come up with a solution. And when your fix works, pass it on. Great job on this video, and anyone who gives it a thumb(s) down, is an absolute moron. Keep up the great work.

[@GaisaSanktejo]

Heh, I have two migs, the old one's sitting on its shelf doing nothing but collecting rust, so this gives me enough info to permanently convert it into a tig welder. Rather than use the old torch, however, I think I'll invest in a tig torch.

[@tristanbellows4029]

This man is a god damn genius

[@karlalton3170]

Dude is the trigger now only operating the gas flow ? And its now scratch start ? cheers 😁😁🤘🤘

[@mikeboyd21]

Cool! I'm on it!

[@chrisr6977]

I have an old mig welder that i cant get to feed correctly(i thing the electronics overheat and stop sending power to the feed motor intermittently ). i will try to turn it into a tig welder using this technique.

[@177SCmaro]

...cats and dogs living together. Mass hysteria!

[@jmy7622]

When you stop to avoid the pin hole maybe try giving another quick shot so you get an extra puff of gas, I never saw that before . Now a lot of machines are muti-purpose. I always like having one or the other though, it seems to do the job better , but in a pinch I guess it's something to think about, I've bored out tips to take a larger dia. wire but never take tungsten. Never thought of that before. Does it weld too hot?

[@bjdmx3525]

Nice video, I have a mag/CO2 Pana Auto Aini 160 . Can I convert it into tig? Never tried this before...:)

[@bencrosbie]

brilliant!

[@hamimalif8313]

Which one is best for 12/13 gauge ms box pipe? Mig or tig?

[@Iwrestledabeard17]

Seems worth it