Lincoln Square Wave TIG 175??

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I've been looking for a decently priced AC capable TIG machine, and came across a Lincoln Square Wave TIG 175.  My TIG machine for the last several years has been a Lincoln Invertec V-250s, which is a DC only machine.  Now, I honestly don't expect to start welding aluminum anytime soon, but I do like the idea of having the capability if needed.  The 175 comes with foot amptrol, TIG torch, and a decent amount of leads.  It doesn't have a gas bottle, but I can always use the one I have currently.  How much difference in DC stick and TIG welding can I expect between the 175 and the V-250s?  I know the Invertec is inverter technology, so size is considerably different...around 45lbs versus a couple hundred.  Would the 175 be worth $700-750, assuming its in good condition?
Reply:Buy it!They are a good value.
Reply:I like my square wave. Not much adjustment but it gets the job done.
Reply:One of the best no frills solid tig welders out there.
Reply:Underpowered for aluminum - but really nice for everything else.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:Great machine for alum sheet metal no to 1/8th inch.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:Terry, this machine can weld 1/8th aluminum no problem.
Reply:I have had one for 2 years now, love it, easy to use,  tigging .125 aluminum is never a problem, and it stick welds way smoother them my new Bobcat!
Reply:Grab it! Mine treated me very well. Mike ZanconatoZanconato Custom Cycles @mzank on Instagram
Reply:Yep, get you one.  Great machines.  I do have one.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:1/4" aluminum?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:You'd be better off with a light weight 200 amp inverter chinese machine for $750-$900 new for aluminum IMHO. good luck.and  Iwouldn't buy either until you actually have a need for it.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderYou'd be better off with a light weight 200 amp inverter chinese machine for $750-$900 new for aluminum IMHO. good luck.and  Iwouldn't buy either until you actually have a need for it.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI don't agree. This is an excellent welder to enhance your skills. When reach to upgrade you can sell for nearly what you paid for it. I have put these in high schools and take a ton of abuse as well as easy to operate.
Reply:I don't agree either. The Lincoln comes with an excellent pedal and the torch is good quality. The accessories on the cheaper Chinese imports I've seen and used were junk.Mike ZanconatoZanconato Custom Cycles @mzank on Instagram
Reply:Vpt, I am sure you know enough to stay far far away from the cheap China Welders. Stick with good reputable companies.
Reply:I love my mine!  Great tig machine, and awesome stick welder too!
Reply:Thanks for the input. I'm still debating on the machine, and haven't decided if I *really* need an A/C TIG or not.  I've considered simply picking up a spool gun for my Lincoln Power MIG 255, but doesn't look like it would be much cheaper.  Any reason the spool gun would be a better option for aluminum?  Also, the Invertec runs via lift-start....is the Square Wave also a lift-start for TIG welding?
Reply:They both have remote contactor, current control. In other words foot pedal or finger controller. Why would you not want remote control?Man if you found a Lincoln SquareWave 175 in good working order for less than $800, grab it. Yes if it welds AC you will use it. Hopefully on soda cans up to off road gas tanks.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 Jason280Also, the Invertec runs via lift-start....is the Square Wave also a lift-start for TIG welding?
Reply:Man, I really want one of these.  This or the precision tig 225.
Reply:I think I would prefer the Precision TIG 225, but doubt I could find one as cheap!
Reply:Originally Posted by Jason280I think I would prefer the Precision TIG 225, but doubt I could find one as cheap!
Reply:I also love mine good smooth arc with stick and very forgiving in tig mode.Measure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe
Reply:Originally Posted by Larry KMan, I really want one of these.  This or the precision tig 225.The 175 is a decent DC TIG unit. No where near the level of puddle control or feather out control at the end of weld like I have with my Maxstar 150 STH though.On AC, I am not impressed by the unit at all. The auto-balance feature seems to want to ball the tungsten like crazy, resulting in a very unfocused arc. The Precision TIG 225 is a significantly better AC TIGLast edited by Dan; 11-14-2014 at 08:55 PM.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I also love mine good smooth arc with stick and very forgiving in tig mode.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI'll sell you mine.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanThe 175 is a decent DC TIG unit. No where near the level of puddle control or feather out control at the end of weld like I have with my Maxstar 150 STH though.On AC, I am not impressed by the unit at all. The auto-balance feature seems to want to ball the tungsten like crazy, resulting in a very unfocused arc. The Precision TIG 225 is a significantly better AC TIG
Reply:Good looking welds on the intake!How much more difficult is it to learn aluminum TIG welding versus mild steel?
Reply:Ok, worked out a deal to get the Square Wave today for $675.  Comes with at least 30+ feet of stick leads, and a Weldcraft WP-9F Tig torch assembly that's well over 20' long.  Also snagged a NIB flow meter with the machine, just have to get it home and set up.  Any reason I can't use a bottle of Argon for TIG welding aluminum?  I know I have a bottle with my Invertec to TIG mild steel, but not sure about aluminum.
Reply:100% argon is for steel, stainless, and aluminum - you're all set.Remember, aluminum likes power, be bold not timid - don't sneak up on the amps, hit the peddle, make a puddle in 3 sec or less, and get to it.No fusion welds on aluminum - you have to use filler. Have fun 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:Aluminum TIG will frustrate you at first because aluminum doesn't get red hot like steel. It just gets shiny and before you know it, you have a big hole. Aluminum takes a lot more filler rod as well and on a sq. wave 175 you use a balled tungsten instead of pointed. For that machine pure tungsten would be fine as it's not real high amps or duty cycle.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveAluminum TIG will frustrate you at first because aluminum doesn't get red hot like steel. It just gets shiny and before you know it, you have a big hole. Aluminum takes a lot more filler rod as well and on a sq. wave 175 you use a balled tungsten instead of pointed. For that machine pure tungsten would be fine as it's not real high amps or duty cycle.