whats a good older tig welder?

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i dont really have the coin to drop on a syncrowave 200 when im moving in august to start school so whats a good older tig welder? ive been playing with 1 1/4 tubing attempting to make a motorcycle frame. id like to stick with miller.If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Have a budget?
Reply:im looking for sumtin nice and easy to use. between 400 and 750 i guess? if its possible. id like to be able to move it easy tho too, in and outta my truck.If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Not sure you will find a good miller for that price. Why not also consider a lincoln?Torchmate 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:What do you have for electrical service at your shop? If you have enough juice (like 100+ spare amps in your service @ 220~230V) you could possibly run an old Miller 330 A/B, which can usually be found cheap since they're massive single phase machines with their own gravitational field and nobody wants 'em. Failing that, keep an eye out for older Miller Dialarc HF's, or a Miller EconoTIG.
Reply:i may have missed it, but where are you located?http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/3056582240.html
Reply:Also, if you don't plan on doing aluminum ,You could look at a Powcon.  The cc only version are fairly cheap
Reply:Will DC lift-arc TIG do you?http://www.scottgrossstore.com/servl...S-Stick/Detail
Reply:ive been playing with 1 1/4 tubing attempting to make a motorcycle frame.
Reply:im in mass till august, and lincoln nice i guess if i could find a good deal. its all about the savings right now $$$If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:would i be able to set this up to do tig? 1 1/4 tubing and aluminum??http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/tls/3035525988.htmlIf the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1would i be able to set this up to do tig? 1 1/4 tubing and aluminum??http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/tls/3035525988.html
Reply:What about this:http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/tls/3055404447.htmlIan TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyYes, if you have access to 460v power, which you probably don't.
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyWhat about this:http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/tls/3055404447.html
Reply:Getting 460v is very expensive unless the building is already wired for it.The lincoln is probably an old 300/300. If so, it's better in every way, the water cooled torch and cooler is a major plus.  $700 for a complete setup with argon bottle sounds like a really good deal to me.look here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LINCOLN-TIG-...item2c657d02e6The unit for sale is proabably older than the one shown on the ebay listing, and will look different, but if it's a 300/300 it should have the same capabilities.Last edited by fortyonethirty; 06-04-2012 at 03:59 PM.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by fortyonethirtyGetting 460v is very expensive unless the building is already wired for it.The lincoln is probably an old 300/300. If so, it's better in every way, the water cooled torch and cooler is a major plus.  $700 for a complete setup with argon bottle sounds like a really good deal to me.look here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LINCOLN-TIG-...item2c657d02e6
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1 will it be able to do aluminum and 1 1/4?? tubing steel?
Reply:ok if the guy sold the lincoln ill call on the miller? would that be a good backup? if the lincolns sold?If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:I picked up my Miller Dialarc 250 HF for $50. I know that finding that deal was a once in a lifetime kind of thing, but the thing is that I see these often go in the $250- $350 price range. Mine is on a cart and weighs about 500# but will weld anything. AC/DC and HF for Alu. Miller also sold these as private label units, mine is in fact labelled as Acklands-Grainger N-250HF and is painted orange. Airco is another brand that you'll find these under. Keep an eye out for Linde and Canox machines, they usually go at a decent price as well. These older machines are usually transformer based and heavy, but will last several lifetimes and I don't think you can go wrong with one of these old workhorses. Don't forget to get a couple of 2x6 to ramp the unit into your truck. Good luck, patience and perseverance will take you there as well as the goodwill of others on this site!  btw here's a foto of the machine for reference Attached ImagesLast edited by bearston; 06-04-2012 at 07:00 PM.When a welder tells you to "stick it", what do they really mean?"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
Reply:Here's anothet thing, if you don't need to do Alu you could always pick up a buzz box and scratch start tig, probably the cheapest way to go. AC/DC buzz box will give you the most versatility. Can usually find buzz box for $100 on CL, add a used tig torch for another 100, rent a bottle when you need it (or you can get a cylinder for reasonable bux, your going to keep it anyways), yer ready to go. Probably the cheapest way to get going until you can afford a decent tig box, then just sell all this stuff for at least what you paid for it and put the dough into the new machine.When a welder tells you to "stick it", what do they really mean?"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
Reply:What's a good older Tig welder?  One you can afford. Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Don't buy that Econotig.  IIRC, that's been listed for a long time. The Econotig has a piss poor duty cycle.  Plus it's 460V, so unless you are wired for that it's useless.  Get a DialArc HF or a used Lincoln, Linde, Airco or ESAB.  I know the guy I sold my Synchrowave too is located in CT and is trying to sell a Eutectic from the 60's for less than $500.  IDK if it's still available, but if you PM me, I will give you his email.  I had a buzzbox and a Miller HF 251 unit.  It's nearly impossible to weld aluminum with.  In addition, welding Aluminum with TIG is quite difficult.  Get an AC/DC buzz box, a valved torch and a bottle of argon and make a poor mans scratch start tig for around $300.  When you are ready to do Aluminum, sell it and buy another welder.  You can keep your torch and bottle and get your money back for the buzz box.In addition, I hope you're not really attempting to fabricate a motorcycle frame.  It sounds like you don't have much experience and that sort of project (or eventual failure thereof) could cause injury or death to you and others.Last edited by Drf255; 06-05-2012 at 05:46 AM.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:330 AB/P.  Zap has one and he loves his.  They are available pretty cheap and will work forever.  If I was looking to buy a good Heavy Duty machine used, that would be the one I would look for and buy.Wheelchair BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:No way they are 460 volt single phase , all tig transformers are 220 volt single phase 50 amps will run most .For your price range don't expect to get an inverter AC welder.U can find a transformer or DC only inverter tig pretty easy in your budget.   Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2Tiger 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:alright guys and i made amistake i only need to tig weld mostly 1/4 tubing. what good size would do basic 1/4 in tubingIf the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Originally Posted by PavinsteelmanNo way they are 460 volt single phase , all tig transformers are 220 volt single phase 50 amps will run most .
Reply:All our transformer tig machines at work run on 575v 3 phase power. Same goes for the inverters.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:i dont need nothing fancy or special. just something thatll last a while and can do aluminum and scheduled .40 tubingIf the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1i dont need nothing fancy or special.
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1i dont need nothing fancy or special. just something thatll last a while and can do aluminum and scheduled .40 tubing
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawHere is your problem... "can do aluminum".   Requires AC current and a pedal for aluminum.  That makes it fancy and expensive.  A used transformer AC/DC machine or an Everlast/longevity/chicom are your only real options for your budget.  For DC only tig there are plenty of machines available in your budget, both new and used.   Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1im looking for sumtin nice and easy to use. between 400 and 750 i guess? if its possible. id like to be able to move it easy tho too, in and outta my truck.
Reply:OK....Let me see here....A GOOD, OLDER, TIG WELDER........How about Sundown III    He's old.......lolSorry Bro you aren't going to find what you want for what you want to spend.....Save your money and buy something worth a crap or your Aluminum welding will be......well you understand.....Last edited by B_C; 06-07-2012 at 01:15 AM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:I want a dc and ac tig machine, that is easy to move, that cost about $xxx.00, for such and such welding.
Reply:i second the miller abp 330. we have one at our shop and for an old machine i love that thing. i tig aluminum on that bad boy all the time, without a pedal.
Reply:Originally Posted by j440i second the miller abp 330. we have one at our shop and for an old machine i love that thing. i tig aluminum on that bad boy all the time, without a pedal.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawX2 on the 330 ABP.   I owned one and they weld real nice.   They do weigh in at about 850lbs though.    Make sure it has a pedal with it.  They are pricy to get afterwards.  $175 or so from what I have seen.   It's Zapster's machine of choice and u have seen his TIG work.Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:I managed to get ahold of a VERY decent Hobart Cyber Tig for $400 with a 300cf argon bottle some years ago. It has pretty much all the bells and whistles (hot start, up slope, down slope, pulse) It has been a great machine, needing no repairs at all in the 4 or 5 years I have owned it. I did have to build a torch cooler for it, but otherwise it was compete and came with a bunch of spare parts (Boards, coils, switches, gauges ect). It is a very power hungry machine, drawing 94 or 96 amps (Can't remember exactly) on a 220v single phase service. It also weighs around 800 pounds. Some of the older machines (Mine is a 1986 model) can be great machines and if taken care of can last a VERY long time. Keep your eyes open on craigslist and the local paper. It doesn't take a ton of power to weld schedule 40 steel pipe, but keep in mind that aluminum can take quite a bit of power do to the fact that it will "wick" alot of heat away. Get a machine with more power then you think you will need, that way to are less prone to outgrow it. Another plus for the larger/more powerful machines is that they have very high duty cycles at the low amperages. Good luck with the search.Hobart - CyberTig 300CTHobart - IronMan 210Lincoln - WeldPak 3200
Reply:Equipment and farm auctions are good sources if you are willing to risk it...  I got my airco branded 330 for under $200 at a farm/ equipment auction.  Came with leads, pedal, cooler etc.   It wass worth more than that in scrap and parts.      The old stuff is loaded with copper...    the auctioneer said it cam out of a diesel repair shop and was working when removed...  they had a ton of other stuff from the same shop in the sale too.Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2Tiger 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:Yeah, that 300/300 looks like it will move in and out if his truck with the greatest of ease, nevermind all the liquid in the cooler sloshing around.... SQUARE WAVE 175 TIG   DUAL MIG 151
Reply:Originally Posted by Spar-XYeah, that 300/300 looks like it will move in and out if his truck with the greatest of ease, nevermind all the liquid in the cooler sloshing around....
Reply:Originally Posted by LeLynnIt is true that the older large machines are not exactly portable. For some it is not an issue, for others it may be. But if he wants a quality machine, cheap, used is his only real option. Sure he can go new and get an offshore built machine, some have tig/stick/plasma capability. And they do come with a "Warrenty" but I'll take my old 800 pound machine any day of the week over one of those new Chinese built machines. I know that some people have had good luck with the cheap new machines, but if it were me, id rather take my chances with an older machine. Most are bullet proof and what repairs may need to be made, can most likely be made by the owner, with a little guidance from members here. I'd love to have a new machine myself, but to get a quality machine that will do as well as my old CybeTig, I'de be looking at dropping a serious penny. some day, but not any time soon. I'll stick with my oldschool beast of a machine and wait untill I can justify/afford to spend that kind of money. And in the end, I'll most likely sell my old Hobart for near what I have into it. Good luck with whatever option you decide to go with, but I would listen to some of the guys here giving you advice. Many are quite knowledgable and experianced. Many have run these old machines and will tell you that with a little care and maintenance these old machines can be passed on to you grand children.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonNice.I had 4 Hobart Cyberwaves. They were built tough. Mine we're 3 phase and could punch a hole in 1/4 alum in 2 seconds. But ITW, the parent of Hobart stopped producing repair parts so out the went.
Reply:Powcon 300 ss
Reply:I picked up on Craigslist a Miller 180SD with lots of additional accessories (in addition to the usually supplied TIG torch, stinger, ground clamp and regulator) including an additional TIG torch (17V style so I can use it for scratch start with my Idealarc 250 as well), lots of tungstens, cups, collets, etc., an additional dual regulator/flow gauge, another stinger/whip setup and many other odds and ends as the guy was moving and in a "generous" mood, all for $700.  The welder looks brand new, the spark gaps didn't need adjusting and looked like they had never been touched.  That's the beauty of buying used: sometimes a lot of other unlisted stuff comes along with the machine!By the way the 180SD "only" weighs ~ 220 lbs.  It does a great job on aluminum as long as you don't need to do heavy structural stuff.  But for tubular frames, etc. it works very well.The deals are out there if you look and are not in a hurry!Mike
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