Make your own 180 Amp TIG Welder...

Really fascinating link I'm throwing at you today involves Dave Barret's quest to make his own TIG welder from scratch. This project is built around TTL and CMOS logic to keep it simple, repeatable and easy to trouble shoot.

Here's his list of features:

1/ AC-DC welding variable via two thumbwheel switches from 1% (all Negative) right through full range of AC to 99% (all Positive).
AC frequencies available from 15 to 400 Hz
2/ Pulse Frequencies fully variable from .3 to 10 Hz This does away with having to pulse the foot peddle on thin materials.
3/ Variable control for Maximum Welding Current available to the Foot peddle control.
4/ Variable Start Current (period of higher current available (higher than max set) for short time heating of thick materials)
5/ Variable Start time for above.
6/ Variable End Current (Crater).
7/ Variable End Current time.
8/ Variable Gas Start time.
9/ Variable Gas End time (Dwell).
10/ HF Arc Start.
11/ Opto Interupter / Potentiometer foot peddle current control.

The page is packed with photos, schematics, even printable PDF's. It's a great piece of work.