TIG machine recommendations ?

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I am looking at acquiring a TIG machine in the next six months or so and I am seeking recommendations.  I don't need or want a giagantic or superpowered machine that can weld armor plate on a Sherman tank or repair track plates on a NASA Shuttle Transporter. I am just a hobby weldor patching up this and rigging up that for some friend, neighbor, or relative who needs something fixed that requires a bit more than a spoonful of PC7 epoxy but is too small a project for most commercial welding shops to sneeze at. My current equipment includes a Lincoln MIG 140 and a Hypertherm Powermax 30.  I am looking to complement this set with a similarly sized TIG.  I am open to suggestions and recommendations.  Let the discussions begin!Thanks!!-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:First question, will you want to do alum with it, or are you happy with just doing steel and stainless?The answer to that question will tell you if you need an AC/DC machine, or can get by with just DC. I'll also assume you want to start by looking first at new machines rather than complicate the discussion at first with used.I definitely wanted to do alum tig. It's the primary reason I wanted to learn. That meant I needed an AC/DC machine. I narrowed it down to 2 choices. A transformer based Scyncrowave 200, or the inverter based Dynasty 200. I skipped the smaller machines as they didn't have remote for a pedal and were too low in power to do alum ( I really could have used a bit more umph on alum than I bought) Price decided me for my syncrowave over the Dynasty at 2x the cost complete, even though I would have preferred the extra options and portability of the inverter.If you don't plan to do alum, I'd probably look at either a small machine like a Maxstar, or a bigger multi purpose machine like the XMT. The maxstar gives you the portability and plenty of functions with the fancier units. The XMT on the other hand would give you more power in tig and stick, and a good heavy duty power supply if you ever wanted to go to a heavier mig..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:A little Maxstar 150STL or STH would be an excellent choice for welding steel and stainless.  It can operate on 110v and 220v power and is about the same size/weight and power requirements as your Powermax 30 plasma cutter.  Comes with a quick change multi-voltage plug too, like your plasma.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Mondo- my needs were similar to yours and I did a lot of research. I chose the Syncrowave 200 and am VERY happy with it. DSW is right that the Dynasty has lots of cool features, but you pay handsomely for them and really, the extras aren't anything you need, just extra fluff.  There are a LOT of happy Syncrowave owners out there.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:I started TIG with a Lincoln SW175. Great AC/DC home shop machine with decent top end output. They show up occasionally on Craig's List for reasonable $$.RexLast edited by rode2rouen; 12-22-2009 at 05:30 PM.Reason: speelage
Reply:hey ray hows it goin? i cant be happier with my TA 185
Reply:I bought a Lincoln V205-T AC/DC machine, it's an inverter machine so it does not use a lot of power, kinda pricey though (hey, you only live once; besides, I'm worth it).It has a lot of bells and whistles that you (or I) probably don't need though, so that would be a consideration for sure (as mentioned above).Regards, good luck, be happy.Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:I think the Miller Syncrowave 200 or the Lincoln Precision Tig 225 are the best option with prices in mind for a hobby or small shop tig. Both have all the features you need including AC/DC.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadhey ray hows it goin? i cant be happier with my TA 185
Reply:I figured this inquiry would stir up a small flood of info.Yes: I want to weld AL as well as steels.I am not limited to 110V.  I can power the machine from a 220V 20A circuit.New?  Yeah, I like to buy new tools, especially sophisticated ones.  I like warrantees.  I rarely have to use them but they are handier than US Savings Bonds when you need 'em (except bonds that have matured, perhaps.)  But I can be entertained by used if price and condition are right.Small and compact is important, capability to support a water cooled torch is also desired, but doesn't have to have that immediatly - could be an add-on.Thanks for the replies!   But like I said, within six months, so I'll keep reading the comments if y'all keep 'em coming!TIA!-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Mondo:        220 volts is nice but ONLY 20 amps???  I'm thinking you need to factor in the cost of some electrical work as well.  Especially if you're going to be welding aluminum which requires a surprising amount of amperage for even thin stuff.   And you probably already know this, but I'll mention it just in case:  You can't just swap in a 50 or 60 amp breaker in place of the 20 amp (many have tried).  The wiring on the 20 amp line is smaller gauge, designed to hold less than 20 amps.  The breaker is designed to protect the wires- If you tried pulling 50 amps through that same circuit, you would end up with molten copper and possibly a burned-down shop.    I put in a 60 amp breaker (and appropriately-sized wiring) for my Syncrowave 200 and Lincoln AC225 buzzbox.  I can't recall offhand what size wire was required- possibly 6/3. Some go with 50 amps which should also be sufficient for all but the highest settings.   I checked the Syncrowave 200 manual and they indicate that at 150 Amps output, the machine draws 54 amps.  They recommend an 80 amp breaker for normal operating use (or 60 amp slow-blow).Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Mondo,          It seems like you should really consider the TA185. As far as warranty TA offers 5 years. As far as size the machine is 16"l x 14"h x 8"w (approx.) and weights a little over 40 lbs..  As far as features inverters have more adjustments then trannies and the TA185 is easy to setup, kind of like adjusting a car stereo, no hidden menus.  As far as comparing to Lincoln or Miller the TA should be able to stand toe to toe with them, and yes the miller has the most bells and whistels but most users won't ever use them or know what they are for.  I would do the search and read al the info you can find .
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoYes: I want to weld AL as well as steels.I am not limited to 110V.  I can power the machine from a 220V 20A circuit.
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireMondo:     I checked the Syncrowave 200 manual and they indicate that at 150 Amps output, the machine draws 54 amps.  They recommend an 80 amp breaker for normal operating use (or 60 amp slow-blow).
Reply:Originally Posted by MondoWeldbead!   I wish I could remember names.I have been doing only some welding, more heating and beating to fab replacement parts for things like antique sleighs and fireplace cranes, but mostly playing with a '35 Atlas 12 x 24 lathe I acquired last January.Was that your little machine at Zapster's TIG demo/forum in June of '08?  As I recall it is a pretty powerful little box.   Any stories to tell about it?-Mondo
Reply:>>Zapster's TIG demo/forum in June of '08<<Has there been anymore of these types of events?  Are there any plans for another event of this type in the future?Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:as i recall it was september and i aint heard zap offer another one...
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI think the manual's a little off...  I run my whole garage off a 50 amp breaker.  Lights, electric heater, air comp, and sync 200...
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadyeah thats the one. only good to say. i think you were witness to the worstthing  "it" ever did( i did it)..when i plugged the torch in the wrong hole and blew the snot out of the tungsten..live and learnYes, I witnessed an excellent learning experience that day! i bought an old lathe this summer(39 south bend) and gotta get into learning how touse it..
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireMondo:        220 volts is nice but ONLY 20 amps???  I'm thinking you need to factor in the cost of some electrical work as well.  Especially if you're going to be welding aluminum which requires a surprising amount of amperage for even thin stuff.   And you probably already know this, but I'll mention it just in case:  You can't just swap in a 50 or 60 amp breaker in place of the 20 amp (many have tried).  The wiring on the 20 amp line is smaller gauge, designed to hold less than 20 amps.  The breaker is designed to protect the wires- If you tried pulling 50 amps through that same circuit, you would end up with molten copper and possibly a burned-down shop.    I put in a 60 amp breaker (and appropriately-sized wiring) for my Syncrowave 200 and Lincoln AC225 buzzbox.  I can't recall offhand what size wire was required- possibly 6/3. Some go with 50 amps which should also be sufficient for all but the highest settings.   I checked the Syncrowave 200 manual and they indicate that at 150 Amps output, the machine draws 54 amps.  They recommend an 80 amp breaker for normal operating use (or 60 amp slow-blow).