WTB Tig welder

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Greetings:I am decent with wire, stick and gas welding and want a TIG.  My projects are primarily motor bikes and car body restorations. What would be a great new or used unit for the thin to moderate aluminum and steel gauges found in this field? My knowledge of the various machine features is next to nil. I've used Miller, Hobart and Lincoln units and can't say I have a preference other than I want to make only one purchase over the long haul. If there are concerns with getting used equipment, then lets hear it. Detailed descriptions are welcomed.thanksH2
Reply:You definitely want an inverter.Spend more than you want to and get all the features you can, you'll save in the long run.[B]Forever learning[B].
Reply:As much as an inverter costs in initial cash output..... I agree with Marcel. They use less energy, they are lighter, they are physically smaller, and yet they are very powerful, and advanced. Pick a color, I have a Lincoln, I used a Miller, and I have an HTP I have now used. (One of our shop guys picked it up, aksed for some help to learn tig aluminum.) They are a great investment. Not cheap, but worth it.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:It seems you pay a heck of a lot more if you want that AC welding feature for aluminum. Unless you are planning on doing a ton of aluminum I would say you are better of saving the money and getting a DC only machine. Just my two cents.'Mike
Reply:You should be able to pick up a used Miller Syncrowave 180 for $1000 to $1200, get AC, DC, high frequency, you name it.  I sure liked the one I used to have, just got too good a deal to pass up on a Syncrowave 200.  If you need more power, look for a Syncrowave 250, just remember you will need a water cooled torch when you get over 150 amps or so.  But based on "thin metal" you will not need more than 100 amps or so.   180 amps should weld 1/8 inch aluminum, no problem.I still think inverters are too expensive, especially the AC inverters.In any event, you should compare the price of an inverter welder to the comparable transformer unit before you decide.I don't weld outside my shop even once a year, so portability is not worth much to me.  The last two times I welded outside my shop I rented a motor-driven welder, and the client paid for the rental.My two cents.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Thin to moderate alum will set your price range. To do 3/16" alum you'll need close to 200 amps AC. As suggested a used Syncrowave 180 or 200 would fit the bill. I have the Syncro 200. I would have loved an inverter like the Dynasty 200dx, but couldn't justify the funds to have a portable machine.I've seen some good deals lately on used AC/DC tigs. Many are big older transformer units, they are big, heavy and cheap, but need lots of power. On the up side they are usually 300 amp+ machines and you don't out grow them fast.Add your location to the User CP at the top left and we'll know where you are. Lots of guys keep an eye on the used market and my just post up a deal in your area if they know you are looking..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:the miller 200dx is the best i boughtit to weld alum and then found out how good a stick welder it is and portable ive done a lot of jobs with it stick welding alum and ss on the road and all i needis the dx leads and sticks
Reply:Take a look at the features packed into the Thermal Arc TA 185's.  I'm a die-hard Miller Dynasty fan, and even I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra money for one over what the Thermal Arc is capable of at a significantly cheaper price.