I got the wants

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I'm new to the forum and need some help. Ive got  a bad case of the wants. I wants a tig welder. I have no experience with a tig  but want to learn. The question is what do I buy. I'm having a hard time justifying buying  a new one so looking at used. I have found a AIRCO 300 amp heliwelder with pulse and cooler, $900. I know its a monster compared to modern tigs but I think it will do anything I will ever want to do. Any input will be  appreciated. Thanks in advance
Reply:If I was in your shoes i would go to the local cc and take a tig welding course to learn the basics before investing in a machine._______________________OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY... I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
Reply:Thats a good thought but i have  a friend who has experience that will help me get started. I have a lot of arc & mig experience so I think I can pick it up half way quick. This welder I am looking at looks to be in great condition. I know whats on the inside is what counts but hate to miss out on a deal.
Reply:I am not familiar with that model Airco or even know if you gave enough details to specifically identify it.  If you buy a power source and then a torch and then a pedal and then a regulator ovbiously things add up.  I am happy with total loss on the cooling.  So heliwelder isn't kinf of a tademark infringment?  Without knowing how far, how specific to tig a course might be and of course the cost and hours of the classes it would be hard to comment on that aspect.If you could get the exact model and call a welder repair shop to see if it is something they can service.Fran
Reply:Originally Posted by dooharoI'm new to the forum and need some help. Ive got  a bad case of the wants. I wants a tig welder. I have no experience with a tig  but want to learn. The question is what do I buy. I'm having a hard time justifying buying  a new one so looking at used. I have found a AIRCO 300 amp heliwelder with pulse and cooler, $900. I know its a monster compared to modern tigs but I think it will do anything I will ever want to do. Any input will be  appreciated. Thanks in advance
Reply:Its starting to sound like the risks of this welder going bad outweigh the price. It does come with the regulator and foot petal. Im not sure it can be fired up where its at in storage. Maybe I will offer him $500 & walk away if he wont take it. Any thought on a new one that's not red or blue?  I see some off brands that are more in my price range.
Reply:If its an airco tig it is most likely a rebadged miller and yes you can get parts for it. Post a picture of it and we will know for sure.
Reply:Here's a picture Attached Images
Reply:Yes, that's a miller.  parts are no problem.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Did Miller market a similar model??
Reply:Originally Posted by dooharoDid Miller market a similar model??
Reply:Originally Posted by dooharoDid Miller market a similar model??
Reply:After a little web searching I found its the same as a Miller Syncrowave 300.
Reply:Originally Posted by dooharoAfter a little web searching I found its the same as a Miller Syncrowave 300.
Reply:From what I see on Craigslist, $900 would be OK.   $700 for a square wave TIG would be a steal.One thing, the older machines had a range switch.  I think high medium and low.   And you'll see Medium would be something like 45 - 155 amps.  (I have no idea about the real numbers).  What that means to you is when you taper off the pedal, the power will slowly go to 45 amps and then snap off.  On bigger weld beads it will leave a nice crater if you don't compensate for it.  Bottom line, take a little (just a tiny bit) more skill vs. a newer Syncrowave 250.  Asking price on 250s is typically $1700 - $2500.  Don't tell the seller that but use it as a bargaining chip.As for durability.  Considering the welder has already survived this long, it will likely be working for your grandchildren - not a joke.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:That's a thought on the power , I have 100 amp service in my shop. Can I run this beast off of that?
Reply:Shure, go for it!! Bob