Would like to buy my first TIG

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Hi guys,I'm looking at getting into my first TIG. I have been welding for a number of years and have a Lincoln Mig at home. I am going to be starting the second half of my car build which is going to involve some stainless pipe for my exhaust and other areas. This brings me to wanting a TIG, Id like to know what machines I should look into that would be good for my needs. I can't see my self doing any aluminum welding at the moment but having the option might be nice. Id like to keep the price at $1000 or under. Thanks.
Reply:Here's an option:https://www.google.com/search?q=Mill...w=1264&bih=857Old School........Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:There are so many options for under $1000.  Do u want new or used.   Name brand or considering Chicom?   Honestly if u r just testing the waters for TIG get an everlast, northern, eastwood etc for $2-300.  That way u get some experience, can sell the machine later when u have a better idea of what you want....  maybe loose $100 off what u pay new.  Miller/Airco/Sureweld 330ABP is just an all out awesome powerhouse indstructable machine if u got the power to run it.   Ill bet ya now if u start tigging it won't be long before u want to do aluminum and thus will need AC machine.    Several can be had for $1000 budget u stated...   look at Thermal Arc, HTP, ESAB etc for quality new machine that does not have the red or blue premium.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Saw a recent vintage Miller Maxstar 150STH locally for $800.  Just ordered a Thermal Arc 161 STL for $649. A used Syncrowave 250 or Dialarc 250HF is an option if you can meet the input power requirements.Or a TA 95 TIG kit:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/THERMAL-ARC-...item20b7489d86Last edited by Oldendum; 08-26-2012 at 04:42 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawThere are so many options for under $1000.  Do u want new or used.   Name brand or considering Chicom?   Honestly if u r just testing the waters for TIG get an everlast, northern, eastwood etc for $2-300.  That way u get some experience, can sell the machine later when u have a better idea of what you want....  maybe loose $100 off what u pay new.  Miller/Airco/Sureweld 330ABP is just an all out awesome powerhouse indstructable machine if u got the power to run it.   Ill bet ya now if u start tigging it won't be long before u want to do aluminum and thus will need AC machine.    Several can be had for $1000 budget u stated...   look at Thermal Arc, HTP, ESAB etc for quality new machine that does not have the red or blue premium.
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonGGI don't want anything that's junk. I want something that's going to perform well for what ill be using for. (Mostly thin wall piping) I will also be learning the whole tig process so a machine that is good to learn on would be nice. I see a lot of these tiny "inverter" machines can someone tell me what the difference between them and your average large tig?
Reply:You also need to post up your location.  This is a good deal with alot of extras and a welding table.  Durable machine that appears to be in great shape.  If you change your mind, you could easily get $600 back for the machine alone.  Cables can cost $1-2 a foot these days.http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/3231164202.htmlTA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255You also need to post up your location.  This is a good deal with alot of extras and a welding table.  Durable machine that appears to be in great shape.  If you change your mind, you could easily get $600 back for the machine alone.  Cables can cost $1-2 a foot these days.http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/3231164202.html
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonGGI don't want anything that's junk. I want something that's going to perform well for what ill be using for. (Mostly thin wall piping) I will also be learning the whole tig process so a machine that is good to learn on would be nice. I see a lot of these tiny "inverter" machines can someone tell me what the difference between them and your average large tig?
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255You also need to post up your location.  This is a good deal with alot of extras and a welding table.  Durable machine that appears to be in great shape.  If you change your mind, you could easily get $600 back for the machine alone.  Cables can cost $1-2 a foot these days.http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/3231164202.html
Reply:I would look for a used Lincoln Squarewave to go with your Lincoln mig welder...tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonGGI am located in Saskatchewan Canada. I am definitively not looking at buying a tig so I can save money in exhaust work. I enjoy metal fabrication and I would like to add to my arsenal of equipment. I do most of my work at home and don't have 220v in the home garage. I do have 220v at my shop though. I want a machine with a foot pedal and only steel capabilities at the moment.
Reply:What are peoples views on this machine?http://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-...dc-welder.html
Reply:Originally Posted by brucerI would look for a used Lincoln Squarewave to go with your Lincoln mig welder...
Reply:its a longevity machine with a different label..Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Ever consider an HTP? They have free shipping right now, it's a tig/stick, 230v, 130amps.http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...Code=70131DCHFTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Based on the OP's initial choice, I think they are looking for an AC/DC machineTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I tig with a Lincoln AC/DC225. It is a very crude way to do it, but if you can learn to take care of your tungsten and not contaminate welds on this kind of setup, other machines will come easy.MM211Rigid chopsawDelta Drill Press
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonGGI don't want anything that's junk. ...
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonGGWhat are peoples views on this machine?http://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-...dc-welder.html
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI have one.  It's a decent intro-TIG.  I been doing some exhaust work with it; never had any issues with it.I also have a HF 165A DC TIG that I would like to get rid of.
Reply:It's also the same as a longevity welder, just a different name. Take a look at the eastwood thread on here. They don't engineer their own products as they claim. It's just funny how some people will buy chinese from a company like eastwood but in the next breath will slam on longevity, not knowing they are the same welder with a different color on the outside.
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfIt's also the same as a longevity welder, just a different name. Take a look at the eastwood thread on here. They don't engineer their own products as they claim. It's just funny how some people will buy chinese from a company like eastwood but in the next breath will slam on longevity, not knowing they are the same welder with a different color on the outside.
Reply:I understand that, but I do have an everlast PP256 that I love. I did have a problem with a chip due to HF back feeding, but spoke with ray and he sent me the chip and socket, along with the capacitor to fix the problem. 5 mins of soldering and it was good to go. A little price to pay to have the capabilities that this thing has. I move every 3 years or so and weight is a huge issue with me. If I can pack a few separate things into one and get what I need out of it, perfect.My point here is just that it went from people slamming on longevity and everlast because they were chinese. As soon as eastwood started selling the exact same thing as longevity, then people had to find something else to b*tch about because eastwood is an american company that has sold to just about ever car enthusiast out there. Customer service is a perfectly legit reason to choose a company. But when that same company tells me they "engineer" their own products then recommend you use green tungsten on an inverter, the really show their ignorance and single themselves out. They may have great customer service, but at this point that's all I see they have going for them.
Reply:I also understand the suggestion of opening a new machine, I have done it and taken care of a simple problem and saved a lot of time, but i also have 2 Red Boxes just out of Warranty and they want 95% of new price to repair both , with no suggestions of what to repair only comment i got from the repair center we see a lot of these 110/220 relays hang up and burn up machines.Suggestion run it on 220V or 110V only.Needless to say no more red machines and i now have 2 green machines a tig and plasma, 2 blue ones MM200 and a Stick and a Harbor Freight 110 Mig which has run longer than the Clarke ( made in Italy it replaced) the Clarke lost a rectifier that is no longer available after a few years running.I once stumbled into a welding supply store in Thailand and was gawking around.  They had all kinds of machines, mostly Chinese.  When I pointed out the made-in-Japan Panasonic unit to my son, the lady of the house perked up and was more than happy to hand me a brochure and chat.  They know quality.  Over there, there are guys in the street with little workbenches who will fix it while you wait, or you can go get a cup of coffee. Different world and we can't play in it."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by cbmkr56I also understand the suggestion of opening a new machine, I have done it and taken care of a simple problem and saved a lot of time, but i also have 2 Red Boxes just out of Warranty and they want 95% of new price to repair both , with no suggestions of what to repair only comment i got from the repair center we see a lot of these 110/220 relays hang up and burn up machines.Suggestion run it on 220V or 110V only.Needless to say no more red machines and i now have 2 green machines a tig and plasma, 2 blue ones MM200 and a Stick and a Harbor Freight 110 Mig which has run longer than the Clarke ( made in Italy it replaced) the Clarke lost a rectifier that is no longer available after a few years running.
Reply:HTP had (has) some Clarke parts."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Bud, you need to give us some more info.... Just a shot in the dark, how think are you planning to weld? Just a guesstimate. Dc ? Ac? Ac/dc?  Steel or aluminum? Both? Foot pedal? Hand roller? 4t ? Scratch start ?I can put a tig setup together for about  .... 200-250 bucks if I play my cards correctly, and i can weld steel and stainless, with a very basic tig rIg. Now I have no amperage control while welding but you. Can control the enough with arc gap and filler.....Or I could buy something with a pedal(2t)....You need to decide what you want it for, and look at the long run, cause  300 bucks may be the difference between welding aluminum or not.....Food for thought ...Miller bobcat 225g  - spoolmatic 1Mm250 - 30a spoolMiller spectrum 375Thermal arc 95 Everlast Ex 250As the boiler turns, these are the days of our lives
Reply:Talked to USA weld ,HTP about the Clarke,No parts available , I told them the part number,They quickly asked where did you get the part number, I told them i had a manual and parts breakdown of the machine needless to say they did not and wanted me to send them a copy of  the manual,I asked were they willing to pay shipping and give anything for a copy, there reply was no.To say the least no copy left,I do have the rectifier out and plan on repairing it this winter when the weather keeps me inside. I tried a couple of places to get schematics of the bad Invertec 140, 160 machines with the bad boards with no success, The schematic would allow easy repair of the boards.Talked to a couple of board repair places and they could not help.
Reply:Originally Posted by astaindsoul5446Bud, you need to give us some more info.... Just a shot in the dark, how think are you planning to weld? Just a guesstimate. Dc ? Ac? Ac/dc?  Steel or aluminum? Both? Foot pedal? Hand roller? 4t ? Scratch start ?I can put a tig setup together for about  .... 200-250 bucks if I play my cards correctly, and i can weld steel and stainless, with a very basic tig rIg. Now I have no amperage control while welding but you. Can control the enough with arc gap and filler.....Or I could buy something with a pedal(2t)....You need to decide what you want it for, and look at the long run, cause  300 bucks may be the difference between welding aluminum or not.....Food for thought ...
Reply:IF you are welding aluminized exhaust, TIG is not the way to go. It will pop and contaminate your tungsten. One of the few duties a 110 mig is ideal for.