A tig welder for a beginner

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Hello I´m interested in buying a tig welder to learn, looking for something that will work with this:- Mostly I´ll be welding steel so it´s not really necessary to have the AC option (maybe for the future when I have more experience). - The material thickness will be around: Minimum 0.030 in and Maximum 0.135 in. - I plan to use it mostly to build bumpers, racks, rocker guards to begin with and in the future suspension components, roll cages & also interested in doing headers. - A welder with the 110-115v Input Power option would be awesome, since I don´t have right know the 220 in my house.- Not too big since I don´t have a specific space to put it & the garage is open, so it will be kept inside my house and when I use it I´ll take it to the garage.- Maximum to spend $2,000 but would be better for $500-1,500 so I can buy safety gear and other tools.- If it has the option to also stick weld or mig weld better. - Preferably with High FrecuencyThese are the ones that caught my attention, which one of these or other not listed below would you recommend?- Miller Diversion 180 & Maxstar 150 STH- Lincoln Invertec V155-S & V160-T- Thermal Arc 161S, 201TS & 186 AC/DC- Tweco Fabricator MIG/STICK/TIG 141, 181, 211- Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DCThanks, can´t wait to start welding and fabricating projects!!
Reply:The Miller Diversion180 is a very simple tig to learn. I have directed squeamish students towards a Diversion180 and they could not be happier. A couple have sold it to thier friends and moved up to a Dynasty. If you want to expedite your learning, this is the machine. Another you have not listed is the Lincoln Swuarewave175. I tend to put those in high schools as you can beat the life out of them and kids do that. The invertecs are very pricy for an entry level tig, and a longer learning curve. Somewhat like a Dynasty.How much money can you spend?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHow much money can you spend?
Reply:Only issue with diversion and 175 sw is they have a fixed 15 second post flow so you would wast alot of gas. I hear the htp221 is good. I have a precision tig 225 and loved it, it does stick too. If you don't buy that tungsten grinder it will be in budget. If I were you I would most deffinetly get a welder that welds aluminum and get minumum 200 amps machine. AL can take alot of amps it's not even funny
Reply:On a limited budget, you will need to look for a bargain on an old TIG unit like a Dialarc HF, Idealarc, older syncrowave, Miller 330, or something similar. They are big and heavy, but will excel at welding steel. You can find these types of units under $500-$1000 pretty easily on Craigslist. You just have to have the right tools to move them. They weigh hundreds of pounds up to 900 pounds. Your other option on a limited budget is a scratch start rig added on to a cheap AC/DC stick welder.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313Only issue with diversion and 175 sw is they have a fixed 15 second post flow so you would wast alot of gas.
Reply:Can you adjust post flow on sw175?
Reply:Sorry diversion has build in post flow timer but pretty sure sw175 is fixed at 15 sec. Correct me if I'm wrong?
Reply:Correct, SW 175 has 15 sec post flow.They are great machines.I've owned two of them.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Maxstar 150stl, unless you need the hf.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:If you don't care about a foot control - the ESAB 161LTS is dirt cheap and is a tig/stick.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Keep in mind, 110v power usually limits you to about 90-110 amps on normal house hold circuits. If you look at the manuals, often it will tell you that you can get more amps out of them on 110v power. However in order to do this, you usually need a 30 amp circuit. If you have to go ahead and instal a dedicated circuit, you might as well install a 220v one and get the most out of your machine options.90-110 amps will let you do 3/32" steel no problem. It's a bit on the light side for 1/8", but doable if prepped right. 125 amps is a good ball park amperage for 1/8" steel. That's a bit much for most machines on a 20 amp circuit on 110v power..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Keep in mind, 110v power usually limits you to about 90-110 amps on normal house hold circuits. If you look at the manuals, often it will tell you that you can get more amps out of them on 110v power. However in order to do this, you usually need a 30 amp circuit. If you have to go ahead and instal a dedicated circuit, you might as well install a 220v one and get the most out of your machine options.90-110 amps will let you do 3/32" steel no problem. It's a bit on the light side for 1/8", but doable if prepped right. 125 amps is a good ball park amperage for 1/8" steel. That's a bit much for most machines on a 20 amp circuit on 110v power..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:AHP 200x for ac/dc TIG $800,   then buy a dedicated MIG and you will still be in budget.   I guarantee if you get into TIG welding you will end up wanting to do Aluminum.  So get AC/DC TIG.  No multi process machines will do AC TIG.   Unless you buy a  CC/CV power source and then get a wire feeder or suitcase.   But I think that be at least double your budget.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:For the precise work he wants to do he will need a foot pedal. If you plan on welding high dollar parts precsion parts and plan on making money off it your better off spending more then not enough on a good welder
Reply:Originally Posted by juaanr- The material thickness will be around: Minimum 0.030 in and Maximum 0.135 in. - I plan to use it mostly to build bumpers, racks, rocker guards to begin with and in the future suspension components, roll cages & also interested in doing headers.
Reply:If you want a little more "poop" than the Maxstar 150 or the ESAB 161, you might look at the Thermal Arc 201 ST.  It has HF start plus lift arc.  120 volt or 240 volt input and comes with a very nice adapter cable.  It's a pretty good stick welder as well.  Downside is the torch that comes with it is a little goofy and a foot pedal will be another $175.  (Foot pedal highly recommended)  Stuff is very high quality and Thermal Arc has a good reputation.  No AC though so no Aluminum.  It's less than $1200 from CyberWeld.  At least it was a couple of months ago.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawAHP 200x for ac/dc TIG $800,   then buy a dedicated MIG and you will still be in budget.
Reply:It's 46lbs to be exact, per my luggage scaleTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Have you looked at Everlast at all?
Reply:Thanks a lot for all your recommendations and opinions. The $2,000 I talked about weren´t to buy all the stuff to build bumpers, headers, roll cages, etc., they´re going to be mostly for a good capable welder, safety gear, bench grinder and some other basic tools to start practicing. The fabrication will be in a near future, I don´t have right now a good place to do all that stuff. I would like a idealarc, dialarc HF or Miller 330, but there´s no space to put them, I need one I can move from the house to garage.In a near future I´ll install the 220v outlet to get the most out of the welder, just thought having the 110v option was good for just starting and laying a few welds.Saw the everlast machines, and they have a lot of options, the 200DX & DV look interesting, but more expensive than the AHP 200x. Are they good machines? I looked into the AHP Alphatig 200x and looks like a very awesome machine and great price, and I also checked the videos where Mr. Tig tests it, talks about the pros and cons, and ways to improve it. It looks like a very good option to start and in the future when I have more experience I can buy a bigger higher quality machine, that can allow me to weld thicker, for longer periods & with more precision for thin metals.https://www.weld.com/index.php/shop-...ory-kit-detail
Reply:Best to read through the AHP thread here in welding web.    http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=456741 I'm really impressed with the machine for the money.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:If you are gona go the Chinese route I would get the everlast 250 for when you do aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWKeep in mind, 110v power usually limits you to about 90-110 amps on normal house hold circuits. If you look at the manuals, often it will tell you that you can get more amps out of them on 110v power. However in order to do this, you usually need a 30 amp circuit. If you have to go ahead and instal a dedicated circuit, you might as well install a 220v one and get the most out of your machine options.90-110 amps will let you do 3/32" steel no problem. It's a bit on the light side for 1/8", but doable if prepped right. 125 amps is a good ball park amperage for 1/8" steel. That's a bit much for most machines on a 20 amp circuit on 110v power.
Reply:I have the Diversion 165 with foot pedal and highly recommend it (or the 180).  I had virtually no TIG experience, and just limited MIG experience, so was intimidated by TIGs.  With this welder, you can start making acceptable welds quickly.  I actually find it easier to use than the MIG after a little practice -- at least in terms of getting the bead where and how I want it.  I did wire it for 230v, so can't speak to how well it would do on 110...  I think the 180 comes wired for either 230 or 110, whereas the 165 seems to only be set up for 230v.Originally Posted by Willie BNever plug a welder into a "normal Household circuit" Household circuits may be #14 wire, or, if 12 AWG [ snip ]Welders should be plugged into dedicated circuits run without splices from the distribution panel to the receptacle. All connections must be tight, and correctly sized.
Reply:Originally Posted by juaanrThanks a lot for all your recommendations and opinions. The $2,000 I talked about weren´t to buy all the stuff to build bumpers, headers, roll cages, etc., they´re going to be mostly for a good capable welder, safety gear, bench grinder and some other basic tools to start practicing. The fabrication will be in a near future, I don´t have right now a good place to do all that stuff. I would like a idealarc, dialarc HF or Miller 330, but there´s no space to put them, I need one I can move from the house to garage.In a near future I´ll install the 220v outlet to get the most out of the welder, just thought having the 110v option was good for just starting and laying a few welds.Saw the everlast machines, and they have a lot of options, the 200DX & DV look interesting, but more expensive than the AHP 200x. Are they good machines? I looked into the AHP Alphatig 200x and looks like a very awesome machine and great price, and I also checked the videos where Mr. Tig tests it, talks about the pros and cons, and ways to improve it. It looks like a very good option to start and in the future when I have more experience I can buy a bigger higher quality machine, that can allow me to weld thicker, for longer periods & with more precision for thin metals.https://www.weld.com/index.php/shop-...ory-kit-detail
Reply:120V power restricts you, but you know that.  As does the need for portable.Thermal Arc 201TS is a good choice if you don't need AC. Over twice the price of the ESAB 161, but has more power (on 240V), HF start, gas solenoid, flow, slope, remote capable. Used Maxstar 150 is a choice if you can get a clean one for a reasonable price.  I'm not too familiar with the Invertecs."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooIn general, a very good suggestion.   In the case of the inverter based TIG machines, you can limit the current drawn from the outlet.  With the AHP model, if you weld at 100 amp (output)  on 110 volts you don't pull much more power than a good vacuum cleaner.    For learning the basics, practicing your coordination and prep, that can be enough.   In a rental or apartment, an outlet close to the circuit breaker panel is most likely to be the best choice.  If you find yourself tripping circuit breakers it's a good sign that the wiring may be deficient for the outlet in question.   Back down the power or use a different outlet on a different circuit.Dan
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313For the precise work he wants to do he will need a foot pedal. If you plan on welding high dollar parts precsion parts and plan on making money off it your better off spending more then not enough on a good welder
Reply:I don't no about that. When you got the torch up side down in a funcky position it might be tough to use a scrollLast edited by motolife313; 02-21-2015 at 04:47 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313I don't no about that. When you got the torch up side down in a funcky position it might be tough to use a scroll
Reply:Originally Posted by Sharon NeedlesWhat about when you're upside down? Gonna mount that foot pedal on the roof?
Reply:Originally Posted by Sharon NeedlesA torch mounted hand control is far superior to a foot pedal for what he's planning on doing.
Reply:Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I've seen two types of torch control.  One uses a simple toggle switch.   It steps through pre-set levels.   The other has a dial or slider to adjust the amps sort of like the pedal does.If you are doing work that is predictable (uniformly thick sheet metal ???) the toggle might work just fine.  I read that you can manipulate  with the right timing it to control the heat.Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:You will not be able to do the type fab work you mentioned on  120 V machine.  Get 220 installed before you do anything else.
Reply:I use a maxstar 150 at work powered by 20 amp 120 volt I am surprised how much it can do. If you just want to learn or practice that is all you need.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawBest to read through the AHP thread here in welding web.    http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=456741 I'm really impressed with the machine for the money.
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313If you are gona go the Chinese route I would get the everlast 250 for when you do aluminum.
Reply:I really like my longevity 200sx  ac/dc  but no pulse
Reply:Originally Posted by maxpat82I really like my longevity 200sx  ac/dc  but no pulse
Reply:Originally Posted by juaanrI don´t want to spend more than 1k on a chinese machine. I prefer to go for the AHP 200x for now that´s at a great price and a lot of people talk very good about it, and when I´m ready, buy a 250+ amps Miller o Lincoln machine. But thanks for answering my posts!!
Reply:Post up some of the welds it can produce!^^
Reply:I bought a Diversion 180 2 or 3 years ago. I really like it. I've used it on 115v and 230v, and it works like I would expect. It has it's limitations on 115v, but I expected that. The only real complaint I have so far is the post flow wastes a lot of gas. I had to upsize to a bigger bottle to get it to last very long.Joe
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313Post up some of the welds it can produce!^^
Reply:For DC only, the Thermal Arc 201TS doesn't seem a bad choice. Too bad they pulled the plug on the 161STL in favor of the cheaper 161S. I'd be inclined to get an ESAB 161LTS instead of the TA 161S although the price went up about $100. recently. Trouble with the cheapies is that they don't have a gas solenoid or remote capability or down slope and stuff. A TA 186 with a pedal would be nice if you are sure you are going to use it."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumFor DC only, the Thermal Arc 201TS doesn't seem a bad choice. Too bad they pulled the plug on the 161STL in favor of the cheaper 161S. I'd be inclined to get an ESAB 161LTS instead of the TA 161S although the price went up about $100. recently. Trouble with the ESAB cheapies is that they don't have a gas solenoid or remote capability or down slope and stuff. A TA 186 with a pedal would be nice if you are sure you are going to use it.
Reply:Ex frigging scuuuse me.  By cheapies I meant units without certain features which are conducive to a good experience. The way you state it implies that the ESAB units suck.  Buy Chinese.  Some are OK, especially if you know an electronics tech from the third-world who can fix them on the street corner while you wait. Been there, done that."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumFor DC only, the Thermal Arc 201TS doesn't seem a bad choice. Too bad they pulled the plug on the 161STL in favor of the cheaper 161S. I'd be inclined to get an ESAB 161LTS instead of the TA 161S although the price went up about $100. recently. Trouble with the cheapies is that they don't have a gas solenoid or remote capability or down slope and stuff. A TA 186 with a pedal would be nice if you are sure you are going to use it.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumEx frigging scuuuse me.  By cheapies I meant units without certain features which are conducive to a good experience. The way you state it implies that the ESAB units suck.  Buy Chinese.  Some are OK, especially if you know an electronics tech from the third-world who can fix them on the street corner while you wait. Been there, done that.