Looking to buy a TIG

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I'm considering a new TIG welder and have a budget that I'm trying to stick to, and I know everyone's first response is going to be don't go with the cheap chinese made TIG, and I know that people have had their ups and downs with Everlast/Longevity, but I was seriously considering the longevity 200SX, it'll fit my budget and its not like i'll be doing Metalwork daily but I wanted to get someones input on it and see.It does seem that the machine itself (the 200sx) has decent controls and what not. All of the miller Tig machines I've found on CL so far have been Really old or does not seem to have much for controlling adjustments on the machine itself.I am seriously considering purchasing (probably the first week of next month) would I be happy with the Longevity or the Everlast or should I wait a while and try to get a miller?Another thing, when I spoke to both reps with Everlast and Longevity They seemed helpful but I am in sales and understand that side of the process. The Everlast guy told me that they have the IGBT technology and Longevity has Mosfet. Which is better and why? The use of my machine would be mainly sheetmetal maybe a few heavy projects here or there but probably won't have any long continuous welds or anything like that.Sorry so long, Thanks!Kalvin
Reply:Longevity 200sx. Have it and like it.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I am glad to hear that. I am honestly more afraid of the back and forth hassle I would have if I had any problem with them being that they are located in CA. I dunno, its the horror stories that you read about that scare you, and I've read a few on here.
Reply:Don't buy an everlast then and you shouldn't have any issues.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Last I looked, you could buy their machines on Amazon.
Reply:yea you can, but they were kind enough to offer me a military discount over the phone and I wanted to take advantage of that. I will touch base with them some more. I think I will go the Longevity route. I'll let everyone know how it turns out in a couple weeks.Thanks again.Kalvin
Reply:Have you ever tig welded before?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 copeLast I looked, you could buy their machines on Amazon.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYou have to be careful here. Amazon purchases are not supported by warranty. I would call in ahead to the seller and get a written confirmation of warranty that will stand up in court. Of course warranty kicks in pretty fast when you throw a fit on the boards here.
Reply:Originally Posted by amberkalvinYea, I would be ordering directly from the manufacturer to keep from any kind of confusion and also take advantage of the military discount.I have tig welded, I loved it, more so than mig. I did a 4" cowl hood on my 85 K5 blazer a couple years ago in school.I will try to get some pics of that up in the projects section sometime this week.Thanks!
Reply:pretty much the same.Only thing I noticed was that the warranty was only 3 years.
Reply:Mosfets are supposed to be the way to go for power supplies that are under about 250V and can see a wide variation of input voltages (like on a generator).Mosfets are supposed to be better for longer duty cycles - they tend to 'turn off' when they get too hot.IGBTs are better for higher voltages - but really want stable voltages.IGBTs are still subject to 'thermal run-away'.  When they get hot, they allow more current to flow.HOWEVER - either can work if properly designed.   The latest IGBTs are supposedly much better than the original 1980s versions.  Who knows what these venders are using.Keep in mind you are pushing the envelope with a low cost TIG from a foreign manufacturer with zero walk-in tech support.  So the bad news is you are taking a risk (I think you know that), the good news is these venders also know their reputation is on the line and they will try to solve your problem as quickly as possible (via the mail).  Keep in mind they have limited control over the supply chain and there are plenty of stories of parts being back ordered for 'older' models.Resale value will be very limited.Your options open up a bit as your budget moves past $2000  (ESAB, HTP, Thermal Arc)  The Miller and Lincoln options seem to be well past $3000  (don't forget you _need_ torch, regulator, hoses, cables, clamps etc etc.)   If you want to go DC only, your options open up even more.  I picked up my used Maxstar for about $600 (needed about $100 of parts and cleaning to get it looking brand new)Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I had a miller dynasty and three months after the warranty ran out the circuit board burned out. $ 1800 to get it fixed. I think you could buy three longevity/everlast tig welders for the price to repair a dynasty.
Reply:Originally Posted by kctgbI had a miller dynasty and three months after the warranty ran out the circuit board burned out. $ 1800 to get it fixed. I think you could buy three longevity/everlast tig welders for the price to repair a dynasty.
Reply:@ amberkelvin - plunging into TIG.  Cool.  Check out this CL listing local to your area: http://greensboro.craigslist.org/tls/3922806989.html.  Should be able to rip some $ off the asking price.No personal experience with TAs.  Only roll with RED, BLACK, and BLUE !  However, have read solid reports regarding their AC/DC TIG performance.  Plenty of welders here who use 'em and can attest to their capabilities.As others have pointed out, do not discount customer service in making your selection.  Have called Miller several times over the past four months and always have "on-demand" access to professional, knowledgeable, and courteous technicians/sales/engineers."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonThe 200SX looks close to the machine that Eastwood is selling. Same clunky foot pedal too.  http://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-...dc-welder.html
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ amberkelvin - plunging into TIG.  Cool.  Check out this CL listing local to your area: http://greensboro.craigslist.org/tls/3922806989.html.  Should be able to rip some $ off the asking price.No personal experience with TAs.  Only roll with RED, BLACK, and BLUE !  However, have read solid reports regarding their AC/DC TIG performance.  Plenty of welders here who use 'em and can attest to their capabilities.As others have pointed out, do not discount customer service in making your selection.  Have called Miller several times over the past four months and always have "on-demand" access to professional, knowledgeable, and courteous technicians/sales/engineers.
Reply:also, if I buy something used, will the warranty transfer? Because that becomes part of what I need to consider also.
Reply:I bought a broke maxstar 140 off CL along with some other equipment ..This may or may not work out but i will see when i have the time and money to spare on itBut t took the tig torch and hooked it up to the TB 302 and it works great only have DC lift arc but it is fine for most of the tig work i run into doing portable work on steel and chromoly steel on these race cars etcI need to get a controller but after looking at the prices for nothing but a piece of cable a 14 pin connector and a variable resistor i went into sticker shock200 bucks and more KMA if i would pay itI did find one new finger controler on Flea Bay for 140 plus shippingJust have to remember to turn the gas on/off on the torch valveTo bad your not in CA and if i had money and was working out of a shop there is a guy who has a nice ESAB machine for sale ..But i am not familiar with them but it looks good and it has everything for a reasonable pricehttp://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3949381017.htmlLast edited by killdozerd11; 07-23-2013 at 09:31 AM.Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:i have a 160sx which is very similar to 200sx. It is my back up for my lincoln pt275 machine which broke down last week. you are not that far away, so if you are coming through charlotte give me a call 704-7twosix978ate and you can give both of them a test run.personally the clunky air cooled torch and pedal are about the only things I dont like. as far as support I'm not impressed with lincoln or their local rep air gas, their solution to get PT275 fixed is to haul it to their service center. the high frequncy went out on it. The thing is such a pain to move I bought an extra torch to see if that would fix the issue, haven't had time to hook it up yet.
Reply:Originally Posted by amberkalvinalso, if I buy something used, will the warranty transfer? Because that becomes part of what I need to consider also.
Reply:Originally Posted by amberkalvinIt does seem that the machine itself (the 200sx) has decent controls and what not. All of the miller Tig machines I've found on CL so far have been Really old or does not seem to have much for controlling adjustments on the machine itself.
Reply:@ Drf255 -  ^ ^ SpotOn ^ ^.  It's not about the bow, it's about the Indian.  Being an analog kid in a digital world is sweet.Not even planning to light off the pulsing features of the Dynasty DX200 until my welds approach half the quality of those output'd by some of the welding wizards here.  Mindset is pulse, etc needs to be "earned".  Honestly.  Basics first.  Hood time #1."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255You shouldn't discount an old Tig machine without alot of controls.  In alot of cases, an old tranny tig is better cause there's less to break on it and they tend to last forever.  They should hold their value better as well.  You will, of course, need the space and power input for them.When you start out, it's easy to assume that the welds you see made by others are because of all the settings and fancy bells they have on their machines.  Tig is 95% skill and 5% machine.  After continually trading up to machines with more features, I found myself eventually using the same settings I'd used all along on my old Syncrowave.You only need pedal controlled amperage and gas, high frequency start, some AC balance and post flow.  Preflow, ramp up and down, hot start and in some ways pulse should all be created by you with skill.  Take a look at Zap's posts.   He uses a 330 A/BP sine wave machine thats the size of a refrigerator and weighs 900 lbs.  Take a good look at what skills can do, even with a machine with no bells or whistles.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderi have a 160sx which is very similar to 200sx. It is my back up for my lincoln pt275 machine which broke down last week. you are not that far away, so if you are coming through charlotte give me a call 704-7twosix978ate and you can give both of them a test run.personally the clunky air cooled torch and pedal are about the only things I dont like. as far as support I'm not impressed with lincoln or their local rep air gas, their solution to get PT275 fixed is to haul it to their service center. the high frequncy went out on it. The thing is such a pain to move I bought an extra torch to see if that would fix the issue, haven't had time to hook it up yet.Originally Posted by AluminumWelderi have a 160sx which is very similar to 200sx. It is my back up for my lincoln pt275 machine which broke down last week. you are not that far away, so if you are coming through charlotte give me a call 704-7twosix978ate and you can give both of them a test run.personally the clunky air cooled torch and pedal are about the only things I dont like. as far as support I'm not impressed with lincoln or their local rep air gas, their solution to get PT275 fixed is to haul it to their service center. the high frequncy went out on it. The thing is such a pain to move I bought an extra torch to see if that would fix the issue, haven't had time to hook it up yet.
Reply:Seems like the comments here have it pretty well covered, but if you go with the smaller units with air-cooled torch, you'll really limit yourself, especially in aluminum, and of course that will require AC.I own a1956 P&H 400 amp AC-DC tig/stick unit, also included the rolling base with 25 gallon of water and pump, similar to the old Lincoln 300/300. It has been adequate for any of my needs, andit can weld the beer cans and razor blades too, or go up to 1/4" 7014 SMAW rods. I would question the 'Country of Origin' for the Longevity and Everlast. If you go with Lincoln, Hobart, Miller or Esab, likely be fine. Newer units with 'switching', well, the Mosfets are usually amplifiers, and IGBT are often switching. Mosfets have been around along time. Either should be OK if not overheated.Dougspair
Reply:I'm definitely a novice, but thought I'd add my 2cents - I like the look of either of the two machines you mentioned - I bought a Thermal Arc 181i  to learn to TIG (it's been reliable so far - I absolutely love it and I think it's Chinese as well) - I haven't used either of the two machines you mentioned - I had a bit of a hard time at first, even making a good weld when in GTAW mode.  - I am now used to "lift TIG" start but you might want HF since you are likely going to be doing a lot more than I do (I don't know what all the fuss is about LIFT TIG start - it's very uneventful for me now that I finally am able to keep the tungsten from hitting the puddle for the most part)- mine, even with TIG torch was under $1000.00 ( I did later buy the foot pedal - made a heck of a difference in control) - I don't know why, but I didn't know to expect it (the TA) to weld like it does - I think I did everything wrong at first - however, now I make good welds with the 181i - I am now focusing on making the welds look like "Jody's"   - BUT, the TA181i is working great - I don't think I'd worry about the "Miller level" machines for now, especially if cost is an issue - But I likely will go that route if I keep my present level of  interest and/or this one gives me any trouble- I still do aluminum with oxy/acetylene and just don't do enough aluminum any longer to worry about anything but steel welding - but if you're doing a lot of aluminum I wouldn't really recommend my model (but the brand I would) - I also didn't want to purchase more gas bottles (ex: 25% CO2) for a machine not really designed for those types of metals- As far as FCAW, I love it (have not done GMAW, again, gas bottles) and FCAW meets my present needs just fine- haven't done a lot of SMAW but the test pieces and a few repairs went well (I have previous stick welding experience, but well over 40 years ago)- I do definitely wish I'd have purchased a dual voltage machine as I get better (more options) but this is primarily my shop machine (primarily gen. repair and hobby use)- I'm not "wildly" happy about manually controlling my gas either, but that is a more minor irritation than an actual limitationKnowing what I know now, I'm pretty sure I might have gone the 200SX route "feature wise" - I really like that "everything" I "post purchased" is already there except for the tanks/gas (plus some nifty features I don't have like the HF start, 120/240 vac,  pre and post flow control, and of course the AC) - Still, I'm very satisfied with the TA181i for now...I may have missed it, but which model Everlast did you consider for your use?Last edited by djevanstn; 07-29-2013 at 05:31 PM.
Reply:It was the powertig 185 micro but I wasn't decided. I think I've decided to go the longevity route and will probably make my purchase tomorrow.Thanks for the replies.  Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2HF Special MigReally Old Miller StickMy 4" Cowl Hood Build(pic heavy)
Reply:So i've put in the order today with Longevity for the 200SX. We will see what happens..... Hopefully I don't run into a DOA or anything, and hopefully service is up to par.I'll keep everyone updated with how the service is.thanks again for your inputs.KalvinHF Special MigReally Old Miller StickMy 4" Cowl Hood Build(pic heavy)
Reply:How'd it go? Get your machine set up yet? I'm enjoying my TA186 now that I fixed the foot pedal. Just need a cooler and a WP20 torch and I'll be set.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:I can't say that i'm super happy with Longevity so far. I have used my machine, got it all set up, only after finding that my fans (both of them) are broken in the back. physically! probably not their fault, probably damage done while shipping, but upon receiving new fans I find out that they didnt make the cables for the fans long enough. I havent contacted them yet to let them know but I just finally got around to looking at replacing the fans yesterday. what a pain this has become.so probably monday i'm going to have to give them a call and see if I should just extend the wires myself or if they want to send me new fans again? Kinda ridiculous i think......HF Special MigReally Old Miller StickMy 4" Cowl Hood Build(pic heavy)
Reply:Originally Posted by amberkalvinI can't say that i'm super happy with Longevity so far. I have used my machine, got it all set up, only after finding that my fans (both of them) are broken in the back. physically! probably not their fault, probably damage done while shipping, but upon receiving new fans I find out that they didnt make the cables for the fans long enough. I havent contacted them yet to let them know but I just finally got around to looking at replacing the fans yesterday. what a pain this has become.so probably monday i'm going to have to give them a call and see if I should just extend the wires myself or if they want to send me new fans again? Kinda ridiculous i think......
Reply:It may not be too late to ask for a full refund.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 amberkalvinI can't say that i'm super happy with Longevity so far. I have used my machine, got it all set up, only after finding that my fans (both of them) are broken in the back. physically! probably not their fault, probably damage done while shipping, but upon receiving new fans I find out that they didnt make the cables for the fans long enough. I havent contacted them yet to let them know but I just finally got around to looking at replacing the fans yesterday. what a pain this has become.so probably monday i'm going to have to give them a call and see if I should just extend the wires myself or if they want to send me new fans again? Kinda ridiculous i think......
Reply:The things that they pull is pure BSFirst they send you a defective machine then they want you to fix it...i never forgot the guy they set all the new parts to up grade his machine because of a defect of that machineUn solder this install this here solder in this and change these here....jesus if i wanted to be a beta tester you send me the machine in working order and PAY me to use it and when you want me to upgrade it you PAY me for that too...I Don't pay you for a POS that is defective and needs to be worked on simply because their R&D department sucks as bad as their QC departmentThen when you try there customer service you get the BS again and do not post a complaint on their part of any website it gets altered or deleted...Sounds like the Obama administration There are people who have there machines and like them and have not had issues... but i have seen more that have had issuesDo your self a favor buy blue or red or yellow it's a lot less frustrating but they are not perfect either Terry suggested a pedal for my tig that is way better than millers and it works great and didn't cost as muchGood luck Last edited by killdozerd11; 09-07-2013 at 11:16 AM.Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Well you have our sympathy. Notice we are not actually naming the product or brand. Don't be surprised if this thread and your woes gets transfered into the sponsered forum for censorship where it goes missing. So tread lightly.Now that pedal that Al bought is made in USA and I think the best ever built. ThermalArc, Linclone, and some imports actually spec that pedal, as they know they cannot do better for the price. Mine was speced on my ThermalArc and was I surprised how good it is and still amazed at it's durablity. I added a heel clip, and after some 8000 hours, it is still kicking butt.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:I picked up a used ESAB 352 heliarc AC/DC with the cooler, torch, thumb control for $1800.00. It welds as good as any other TIG machine I have used. Consider used as it could save you a ton of money. I almost spent over 10 grand on a tig setup before I found the ESAB. Same thing with my 12vs suitcase, almost dropped 2g on a new one. Found a mint one used for $500.00. The 12vs looks like its not even had 1 hour of use.
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11The things that they pull is pure BSFirst they send you a defective machine then they want you to fix it...i never forgot the guy they set all the new parts to up grade his machine because of a defect of that machineUn solder this install this here solder in this and change these here....jesus if i wanted to be a beta tester you send me the machine in working order and PAY me to use it and when you want me to upgrade it you PAY me for that too...I Don't pay you for a POS that is defective and needs to be worked on simply because their R&D department sucks as bad as their QC departmentThen when you try there customer service you get the BS again and do not post a complaint on their part of any website it gets altered or deleted...Sounds like the Obama administration There are people who have there machines and like them and have not had issues... but i have seen more that have had issuesDo your self a favor buy blue or red or yellow it's a lot less frustrating but they are not perfect either Terry suggested a pedal for my tig that is way better than millers and it works great and didn't cost as muchGood luck
Reply:Amber, sorry you had a problem.  I'd personally try to get a full refund.  Look on CL for a real machine. The fan issue and expecting you to fix it yourself is a harbinger of nothing good.  It's unfortunate how expensive tig machines can be, but you get what you pay for.  Seriously consider the TA186 or a used 185.  The 185 is every bit as good as a dynasty.  I have a 300 now and love the damn thing.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I don't know anything about this specific situation, but in general, shipping parts to a customer in a warranty situation is intended as a convenience to the customer, to avoid the time out of service of shipping the unit back. If the customer says they just want a new unit, of course they get one. If the customer is handy with a screwdriver, as many welders are, it's no big deal to replace a part, and the unit is up and running in a few days vs a couple of weeks. If your manufacturer will cross ship you a whole new welder at no cost to you, more power to you... and your wallet, because that kind of service doesn't come cheap.Everlast PA160-STH... and that's about it!
Reply:''If the customer is handy with a screwdriver, as many welders are, it's no big deal to replace a part, and the unit is up and running in a few days vs a couple of weeks. If your manufacturer will cross ship you a whole new welder at no cost to you, more power to you... and your wallet, because that kind of service doesn't come cheap.''Sounds good, BUt, what if there is more then the fan ?     Now you are still waiting. Get a real MILLER or LINCOLN and be done. How many imports have you seen on a job or shop ? Me , none after 41 years. We only have used MILLERS.
Reply:Oh yeah Longevity ! Sears sells them, new that sounded familiar .Magazines have issues, everything else has problems
Reply:I would have just extended the wires by splicing in the needed lengths.  Not like they require special wire;  some 16-18 gauge wire, little soldering here, little shrink tubing there, bam, working welder. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Damn good advice right there.We've heard this story so many times its almost verbatim at this point.No comment other than you generally get what you pay for.IMHO of course
Reply:Yes Wes it is way better than the miller and you don't need to buy the add on base to stabilize it It's already very wide and low and stable and not the plastic gears like the miller eitherI used the miller at Terry's shop and i like the SSC much better and getting it new for less "icing on the cake"Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:ESAB has a 100 day satisfaction guarantee.  Don't like it after 3 month?  Go get your money back....  won't find that from ChicomsSent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2Tiger 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:Originally Posted by soutthpawESAB has a 100 day satisfaction guarantee.  Don't like it after 3 month?  Go get your money back....  won't find that from Chicoms
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI would have just extended the wires by splicing in the needed lengths.  Not like they require special wire;  some 16-18 gauge wire, little soldering here, little shrink tubing there, bam, working welder.