tig machine advise

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i am looking for a good tig machine to learn on and not outgrow.........right now im leaning toward a precision tig 225.......is this machine ok.........any recommendationsalso should i spend 1300-1600 on a used machine or 2000 on a new one with a ready pak w/cart
Reply:The largest question one should ask himself when considering the purchase of a new tig welder is; do you want to weld aluminum?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I dont see any problems in getting a used machine just do some background first to see if people have been having any problems with them.With that said, I despise the precision TIG's above all for a number of reasons.  Mainly because im picky on what fits me, but I think the pedals are poorly designed, control layout doesnt make much sense, no lift-arc feature like found on millers and dont seem to have a real strong arc.I would vote for a nice sync 200-250 or if you can afford it the new dynasty's are top of the line.  Lift-arc, aluminum capable, and the dynasty is small but very powerful and has neat features most other TIG dont.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:yes i would like to weld al
Reply:Originally Posted by jgarretti am looking for a good tig machine to learn on and not outgrow.........right now im leaning toward a precision tig 225.......is this machine ok.........any recommendationsalso should i spend 1300-1600 on a used machine or 2000 on a new one with a ready pak w/cart
Reply:the cart is only a few bucks more in the package........my main question is should i buy used or new.....used just scares me a little........is it worth the money
Reply:Theres a lot to answer that question. Can you Tig currently? If so I'd test a used unit. Plan to spend some time doing so. If the guy doesn't want you to test it find out WHY? it could be he's moved and has no power to plug it in. Then I'd want money off since I'm buying blind.Whats the story behind the machine? Did the guy get it to learn or as a hobbies? If so, the machine should look like new almost. Did it come from work? if so what did they do with it there?$400 off new I wouldn't go used on that kind of money. $600-700 off, I'd start to think about it. $1000 and in nice shape, I'd probably buy.I see alot of guys right now that want to unload some expensive toys they don't use. But they still want to get 80-90% of new for it. That just stupid in the economy. I also see alot of stuff coming out of shops going under for 30-60% of new. Those sorts of deals can be worth the gamble.One thing on used, you might check your area and see if there is a place that does repairs on machines. I have one near me and have gotten some good deals on machines. Usually they want to get parts and labor out of machines customers decided were not worth the money. Sometimes it's just labor to keep the guys busy as they put a couple of dead machines together to get one good one. They will often warranty their work. You might also ask if they see regular problems with one machine in particular and how to watch out for it..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:i've read till im cross-eyed and i think im gonna go with the miller syncro 200......does this sound like the right fit.......and no i haven't had the chance to tig before
Reply:Thats a nice machine. You can save a few pennies if you get the basic tig setup (I forget exactly what they call it that way), as opposed to the "tig runner" package. When I got my unit the only difference was the cart between the two. You saved maybe $200. Since I didn't plan to move it much I didn't see the point. Also I can buy 4 casters and some angle iron for WAY less than that..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:Synchrowave 200 is a nice machine.. You can't go wrong with miller.  I like the precision tigs too though.  Either way, you're going to have a nice machine..Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:Originally Posted by PilotDanSynchrowave 200 is a nice machine.. You can't go wrong with miller.  I like the precision tigs too though.  Either way, you're going to have a nice machine..