TIG/MIG Q's for a beginner

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Had this over in the introductions area, and figured that this is the more appropriate section.  New Years resolution is for me to get into welding...and I need some assistance to help me get out on the right foot. Any advice would be MUCHO appreciated!My long time climbing partner has been a career pipefitter (does more design now) and has done alot of work in clean rooms, refineries, boilers, etc. In other words, he's skilled. Fortunately for me he's going to help me during my learning process. He knows that I'm a perfectionist.I was originally planning to go with a light weight MIG system (Miller Passport is on the top of my list with a 10lb mix bottle), but he seems to think that I would be better off going to a TIG inverter(looking at the Miller Dynasty 200). Im concerned that my learning curve/available time might not be up to par with the skills TIG requires. I dont want to be a complete hack for 6 months while learning. Would much rather learn to get a nice weld and gain experience from there.Im a beginner with little real experience in the metals. Portability with ability to do some fabrication (auto/farm/etc) and hopefully some art work in the future.  Im nearing the end of a restoration of my grandfather's truck, and will be doing some projects on it once I get some "hood time".I had originally planned to spend $4-600, but soon realized that If I plan to keep it (and I do) I need to get into the $1200-$3000 range for a good new system. As for capability Im looking for something that can do more than 0.25", and a good variety of metals. Miller's website shows that the Passport can do alum, but many posts here mention it wont. I'll be dealing with more steel, but alum would be an asset. Also, is there any other systems that I need to really consider that are comperable?Am I looking at the right path, or am I completely off?Anyhow, its great to know that there's a good resource like this, and I look forward to learning/contributing in the future!Truck:http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showt...ght=sneak+peek
Reply:If you have mechanical aptitude, and I presume you do if you're restoring a truck, it shouldn't take you 6 months to learn tig. I was successfully sticking stuff together very shortly after buying mine, I really didn't think it was as challenging as people say.My take:MIG - I'm more interested in getting the stuff stuck together fast than anything else. The end product is what I'm most interested in. I want to spend as little time as possible in the 'making of' my stuff.TIG - I want a slower, more controlled process where I can continue to refine my skills over time. I enjoy the process as much as the end product. Production speed doesn't concern me.For doing sheetmetal work on a car, mig can't be beat. For versatility I'd go for the tig. Don't be afraid of the learning curve.Especially if you want to do artsy-fartsy type stuff, because with tig you can make truly tiny beads, if the occasion calls for it. Light years more control than a mig.Maybe your buddy could let you try both, that would be a good thing.- John
Reply:Definatly try both processes before making up your mind.  TIG ain't that hard to learn.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:Thanks for the words guys.  Good to get some answers about the "real deal".  The more I read the more Im liking the idea of TIG.  Just seems that it'd allow MUCH more growth for the future if I decide its my thang.Ive worked in construction and as a mechanic for several years of my life while as an undergraduate (gad I miss it).  Amazing that I never learned to weld.  Any other ideas/considerations/comments?  Am I looking at the right kits for ubber portable/inverter styles?  Im assuming that the Dynasty will do what I need.  What else should I look for?  Grinder/cutter?  What to look for besides safety equipment?  What's a good size tank for portability (ie: 40)?
Reply:i would go with the TIG welder over a mig...just my opinion. TIG is pretty easy...until you start doing aluminum. start learning to tig on steel or stainless then go to aluminum, if you just try to do aluminum the learning curve will be pretty steep. also you should be able to do arc welding with that welder as well cant you?
Reply:I think I will placing an order for the DyNASTY 200 next week.  Any recommendations on whether to get the pulse (DX) feature or not?  Seems like much of the features are going to be useless for awhile, but is this a feature worth the extra $?  Seems like if Im gonna spend that much, I might as well get the full meal deal...Also, any recommendations on the rest of the kit (gun, tank, etc)?  Was thinking a smaller tank (ie:40) would help keep me portable.
Reply:Go with the DX.  the diff in price will soon be forgotten.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Agree on the pulser option, I really like having it on my htp machine.You'll find you blow through a 40 tank pretty quickly. An 80 is manageable for one person to carry up and down stairs, it really isn't too bad. Filling my 40 just cost me $23, while the 80 was $32, so the 80 is a better deal as well.my 2 cents.
Reply:Just found myself a demo unit (used one time on a wheelchair) from the local Airgas.  The rep was there, and I got a schweet deal on a 200DX with cart and upgraded contractor kit.  They KILLED Cyberweld on the whole deal out the door.  Drove it home today, and will be getting an 80l tank soon to get myself going...the Mrs will kill me for sure.Almost sprang for the TA185, but the 110 was important, and the deal made it just that much easier of a decision.  That, and it looks strong/blue.  Somehow, I just couldnt get over the plastic of the TA185.  I already feel as though I wont regret this!Anyone have any good recommendations on a good helmet?  Almost bought a Miller helmet, but figured some research would be good.  Im jonesing, but as always...Safety first!
Reply:TIG is pretty easy
Reply:Originally Posted by DirtyLittleSecretJust found myself a demo unit (used one time on a wheelchair) from the local Airgas.  The rep was there, and I got a schweet deal on a 200DX with cart and upgraded contractor kit.