Affordable tig machine?

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This is what I am thinking about getting http://http://www.millerwelds.com/pr...xstar_150_sth/Question is would this be a good machine to start out with learning TIG?  I am very proficiant with Stick, MIG, and Fluxcore.  I like the versitility of the machine also.  ThanksTrailblazer 302 AirpakDynasty 200 DX  Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 CamoMiller Dailarc 250 OLD But great!!2 Miller 140's w/autoset NEW! Millwauke Cold cut sawsDewalt portabandJd2 notcherPipe beveling machine
Reply:Your link is broken.Correct link: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...xstar_150_sth/Visit Tensaiteki.com
Reply:Good machine....but.....If you have hopes to or foresee the possibility of welding Al. then invest in an AC/DC machine.  For a few hundred more you could own such a machine.  My 2 cents....-Graham-Mechanical EngineerAutosport Mechanic/Fabricator
Reply:Thanks but such as?Trailblazer 302 AirpakDynasty 200 DX  Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 CamoMiller Dailarc 250 OLD But great!!2 Miller 140's w/autoset NEW! Millwauke Cold cut sawsDewalt portabandJd2 notcherPipe beveling machine
Reply:Originally Posted by FluxThanks but such as?
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloThe least expensive tig welder you will find that does aluminum is going to be like a TA185, or an econotig from miller. But you are going to be spending $2000 when it is all said& done. Better bet: .
Reply:The Maxstar 150 STH is an excellent machine.  I just sold mine, too, to another member on this forum.  I'm moving to Papua New Guinea or I'd have never sold it.But as far as Miller inverters go, you'll need the Dynasty series to weld aluminum with any success.What's your budget?  Do you need the portability of the inverter units?  Either way, if you get a portable machine, I'd still recommend the foot pedal option for learning and for most TIG work.
Reply:Check out HTP America. They aren't as big as the Big guys, but manufacture some pretty nice machines. They have a couple models to choose from depending on how much you want to spend and what you want to do with it, and I'm sure they compare to the Big guys quite well.http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/index.htmAlso, you get great one-on-one customer service. You can even speak to the head honcho there, Jeff Noland. I have bought a lot of parts and consumables from them, but never a machine (yet, because I didn't know about them when I did buy) and never had any issues.
Reply:Hey e-c-eddie,Just offering some "food for thought". I have been welding 40+ years and really do my homework regarding any major purchase. All companies promote their products and the real test on quality and reliability is from the users. I am a Miller fan personally and use a Lincoln MIG where I work. Both are fine companies and I have had no problems with either with all the years and use they have been subject to. Last year I purchased a Riland M250L spoolgun MIG because I needed the versatility to change wire dia. quickly for different thicknesses, and the heat range it has...20-250A. Superb piece of equipment, and with inverter technology, very light and efficient. A month after, I got the TIG/Stick WSE200P AC/DC 200A Pulse welder for my TIG welding. Also inverter powered and for aluminum, is is great. I did a lot of research on the company, equipment, and reliability. Riland is highly rated and makes quality equip. and is very affordable. The MIG I got on E-bay for less than 800 w/shipping, and the AC/DC Pulse TIG, less than 1000 w/shipping. Very reasonably priced equip. for the newbie starting out and having the power to do some serious welding. Hope that gives you something to consider to help your finances stretch a bit.....Good luck in your quest and selection....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Hey flux,Just offering some "food for thought". I have been welding 40+ years and really do my homework regarding any major purchase. All companies promote their products and the real test on quality and reliability is from the users. I am a Miller fan personally and use a Lincoln MIG where I work. Both are fine companies and I have had no problems with either with all the years and use they have been subject to. Last year I purchased a Riland M250L spoolgun MIG because I needed the versatility to change wire dia. quickly for different thicknesses, and the heat range it has...20-250A. Superb piece of equipment, and with inverter technology, very light and efficient. A month after, I got the TIG/Stick WSE200P AC/DC 200A Pulse welder for my TIG welding. Also inverter powered and for aluminum, is is great. I did a lot of research on the company, equipment, and reliability. Riland is highly rated and makes quality equip. and is very affordable. The MIG I got on E-bay for less than 800 w/shipping, and the AC/DC Pulse TIG, less than 1000 w/shipping. Very reasonably priced equip. for the newbie starting out and having the power to do some serious welding. Hope that gives you something to consider to help your finances stretch a bit.....Good luck in your quest and selection....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks for all the input guys I apreciate it alot I wll have to reconsider my selection.  Thanks againTrailblazer 302 AirpakDynasty 200 DX  Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 CamoMiller Dailarc 250 OLD But great!!2 Miller 140's w/autoset NEW! Millwauke Cold cut sawsDewalt portabandJd2 notcherPipe beveling machine
Reply:thanks yorkie, will look into that company!