What Tig welder should I buy?

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Hi from Sweden!I have a question for you guys.This summer I’m building myself a new shop at home and I’m planning on buying a Tig welder. I currently own a Kemppi mig/mag welder as well as arc welder so I have some limited welding experience. I think it could be fun and useful learning how to Tig weld but I need you help.What are the criteria’s when choosing a Tig welder, should I buy a brand new one or will a used one work? Old or new? Big or small? What functions do you more experienced welders think is necessary on a Tig welder?My current alternatives areNEW:China Tig from eBayUSED:Kemppi mastertig 2200Esab LHH 400Hobart TR-250-HFI’m not planning on moving the welder outside the shop and I want to be able to weld aluminum. I will have lots of space in my new shop and will be using 3-phase 380V.So guys, what do you think I should be aiming for?Ps. Sorry for my bad English  // Erik
Reply:Your english is fine!   Welcome to the Welding Web Boards!The power supply is the question, 3 phase 380 volts is not common in the U.S. We use 1 phase and 3 phase but at different voltages- 240 volts, 480 volts, etc. Also, what frequency is your power? 60 hertz is normal for us in the states. I know that 50 hertz is common elsewhere. However, for aluminum welding, you will need a machine that welds with Direct Current and Alternating Current; AC/DC. The rest is mostly a question of sophistication and price.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:I just saw what Tanglediver said. For the od power supply, look toward the Invertec series welders from Lincoln, and thew Dynasty series from Miller. I am unsure of HTP's ability to do variable voltage. Maybe call a local supplier there to see what they recommend?? I don't have an honest answer for you other than that.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:If you have the right power for it those old Hobarts are hard to beat. Hobart now belongs to Miller. I am leery of the Chinese stuff, and have never used the ESAB's, but ESAB got their technology by buying out major manufacturers such as Linde I believe it was. It really depends on what you intend to do, but in aluminum you need lots of power as you get into heavier material.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:I would avoid the Chinese carp machines and stick with those name brands you mentioned.  New or used?  That's up to your wallet to decide.  Big or small?  That all depends on what you want to weld with it.Functions?  For aluminum-- AC output, high frequency, balance control, post gas flow timer, amps adjust and a foot pedal are all you NEED.  Use DC for steel and other ferrous metals.  Any more than that is up to you!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks for the answer guys!Here in Sweden we use 400v 3-phase @ 50Hz, but when buying a used machine that wouldn't be a problem right as it would be set up for our power grid?I live on a farm so I can pretty much get as much power as I want  When it comes to inverter vs transformer tig, can the transformer tig really compete against the newer inverter types who has a lot more features and functions when it comes to quality of the bead?From what I have read transformer types aren't as efficient as the inverter ones but seem to be more reliable and easy to repair.There is a water cooled Hobart TR-250-HF with remote for sale locally, this machine seems to have all the basic functions and is AC/DC. Could this be a good beginners Tig and how much do they usually go for?// Erik
Reply:Originally Posted by EjdepalmThanks for the answer guys!Here in Sweden we use 400v 3-phase @ 50Hz, but when buying a used machine that wouldn't be a problem right as it would be set up for our power grid?I live on a farm so I can pretty much get as much power as I want  When it comes to inverter vs transformer tig, can the transformer tig really compete against the newer inverter types who has a lot more features and functions when it comes to quality of the bead?From what I have read transformer types aren't as efficient as the inverter ones but seem to be more reliable and easy to repair.There is a water cooled Hobart TR-250-HF with remote for sale locally, this machine seems to have all the basic functions and is AC/DC. Could this be a good beginners Tig and how much do they usually go for?// Erik
Reply:The Hobart would be a good machine for you, if the power you have will work.  You should have all the machine you need for the near future.  Cost is related to how much you want to spend.  In US its what you can get.   JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :