Wanting to try a TIG welder

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Hi guys, I'm kind of new here. Only experienced with MIG. Well from me just playing around with in building random projects.I own a Chicago MIG Ive had for over 5+ years and its worked great. Also has a Lincoln stick that Ive never used and a torch that I play around with learning on.I want to get into TIG because It has cleaner welds and would be better for some of my projects I want to build.My question is that I'm looking for a cheap TIG to learn on. Now I know you dont want to go cheap on these welders but I just need something to learn on.Ive seen a Harbor freight one but didn't know if those were decent to learn on or what?Maybe looking at a pawn shop to find a used one would be better but what brands are good?
Reply:What do you have for a stick machine? if you have a DC capable stick, you can set up a basic scratch start tig rig with what you have.I've seen a few rebadged older industrial tigs go dirt cheap on CL on occasion. I've seen the name brand ones go as low as $400 in working condition as well. Lots of options depending on what you want to spend and how much power you can supply to them. Miller and Lincoln are the two biggies that are usually easiest to find. Esab, Kempi, Airco, Canox, Thermal Arc are a few others that aren't as common, depending on your location..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:Check craig's list for machines. Posting your location may help too. A member may have seen one for sale near you.
Reply:im in kansas city, mo.Ive checked CL but not any low priced machines.
Reply:There's a guy listing a Miller CST 280 and a Miller S22P12 feeder for $600 total down from $1000 that I see listed. Seems a strange combo, a stick/tig machine and a shop type mig feeder. I'm not sure if he's got the number on the feeder wrong or if he's just cleaning house. I'm wondering if it's an S32 rather than an S22 feeder which might make more sense. You'd have to text him for picts.http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/4275507379.html$600 for a CST 280 in good working condition is a steal. Buy it and sell the feeder for whatever you can get to reduce the cost. You'd need to add the tig parts to what he has, so figure you'll need the torch and torch parts, plus the reg and hose minimum. You can always add a pedal later.If I was closer and had some free cash, I might be tempted just for the resale value to go look at the unit. An S32P12 used will typically bring $450-600 in working condition alone. The S22 feeders a bit less since they are more common and need a shop type CV power source.The CST 280 doesn't have all the advanced controls say the Maxstar 200 has, but it's a good stick/tig unit. Without the tig parts, you'd have to test it in stick mode, but since it doesn't have a ton of advanced functions, I wouldn't be too concerned as long as it stick welded fine.The guy with the Maxstar 200 SD listed has all the parts including the pedal to do tig. Price is on the high side in my opinion unless you really need a 110/220v capable machine. If he drops the price down closer to $1200-1400 or so it's worth a good look however. That's about the range I usually see Syncrowave 200's going for used. The one Syncrowave 200 I saw listed, the guys on crack if he thinks he can get almost new money for a used unit. It's been listed for a while, so he might eventually come to his senses and lower it to a reasonable range.http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/4281891980.html.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:Originally Posted by irishluckHi guys, I'm kind of new here. Only experienced with MIG. Well from me just playing around with in building random projects.I own a Chicago MIG Ive had for over 5+ years and its worked great. Also has a Lincoln stick that Ive never used and a torch that I play around with learning on.I want to get into TIG because It has cleaner welds and would be better for some of my projects I want to build.My question is that I'm looking for a cheap TIG to learn on. Now I know you dont want to go cheap on these welders but I just need something to learn on.Ive seen a Harbor freight one but didn't know if those were decent to learn on or what?Maybe looking at a pawn shop to find a used one would be better but what brands are good?
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckim in kansas city, mo.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopGO Chiefs
Reply:Well mainly I just want to start practicing and playing around with a TIG to learn until i can afford a better quality machine.I know some people like to save up and by a really good welder to jump into but im not in the position to spend over $1000 for a TIG with the job I have right now.If I'm going to start a career in welding Id like to start practicing now so I can get good at it and start a career in welding.
Reply:I was asking the same question as you not to long ago. I had TIG experience, but didn't own a machine. I ended up getting a Miller Diversion 165. I paid around $1,500, new. Or..... go down to HFT, and pick up one of their 240V arc/tig inverter machine for around $400. I've used HFT one before, I was impressed. I wouldn't make a living with it. But, to learn and get better with a TIG, yeah. Just my 2cents. Proverbs 4:23My company welds.
Reply:Originally Posted by BuzzBoxI was asking the same question as you not to long ago. I had TIG experience, but didn't own a machine. I ended up getting a Miller Diversion 165. I paid around $1,500, new. Or..... go down to HFT, and pick up one of their 240V arc/tig inverter machine for around $400. I've used HFT one before, I was impressed. I wouldn't make a living with it. But, to learn and get better with a TIG, yeah. Just my 2cents.
Reply:Also what about a LOTUS, Everlast or Accurate tools?
Reply:You're buying disposable machines.  Not even an issue of a decent machine that's not as durable.  Those machines are notorious for being DOA. Resale value is zero.  If they break in the warranty period, they are just replaced, not repaired.  There's a reason that Miller is able to sell Dynasty 200's for $3000+ like hot cakes.  It's not because people love spending money, it's because the machines are worth it.  If you buy one of the above, your throwing away $500, not saving $2500.You can get a good used transformer machine under $1500 if you hunt around.  If you have the power to feed it, it's your best bet.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:The CST 280 that DSW listed is a great bargin and for the price, if it works you can't go wrong. That machine works well as a DC power source for Tig on steel and stainless. It would be a lot better investment then a disposable welder, you could sell that for no loss in a year or two.
Reply:drf255 and generally others...Yes, I work with and for Everlast.  You have made several erroneous and wrong statements.  You better be sure of what you say. Are we perfect? No, but you are way off base here.  You are rolling in the past and like to regurgitate information that is old and recycled like telling people about the boogeyman. Plus let's just say you become legally liable for your wrong and defamatory statements without experience...I'll  leave that tidbit at that.  (have you ever operated or owned our current line of product?)1.  The units are not replaced as a rule.  They are repaired. We've been repairing our units since 2010 in house.2. DOA's have been a thing of the past since 2009.  It is rare to be dead out of the box, extremely rare.  We cover shipping for 30 days both ways to cover this anyway...and have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee if the customer isn't happy.3.  There's a reason we sell out of stock...like hot cakes as well...it's because people don't enjoy spending an extra 2000.00 and realize the value and an opportunity to learn the trade or expand their business.  There are customers laughing all the way to the bank at this comment.  Where did you see an Everlast selling for low money?  Show me...I beg you. Not only do our units sell out, resale value as a percentage of what you pay is extremely high, in some cases that I have observed, near or at original purchase cost.  But I suppose in your mind if a customer pays 1200.00 dollars for a unit, and then resales it for 1100.00 a year later, that's a low resale value versus a person paying 4000.00 for a unit and resale value is  2500, to 3000.00 a year later.  Sure the guy is getting MORE money for it, but percentage wise, he's taken a much larger hit.  I'm not going to sit here and reply to every twobit reply back to my statements.  You can scrape the bottom and raise your own ruckus.  You can shout about deleting information and everything you want now.  But the hypocrisy is dripping from your fingers as you type.  The 'other' sections are filled with customers complaining about problems and issues...or there wouldn't be any posts in those forums except people raving about their product...which curiously you don't find a lot.  But you are living well in the past with your comments about us.  I remember that just a few years ago too, that people were saying, that Everlast wouldn't make it and it would close it's doors and the 5 year warranty was just a tactic.  Year after record breaking sales year they kept pushing that.  Well, it's been 5 years since the 5 year warranty was introduced...still going strong..er.  Yet people are still trying to say that too.  Fear is a wonderful tactic.Last edited by lugweld; 01-12-2014 at 09:00 AM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugwelddrf255 and generally others...Yes, I work with and for Everlast.  You have made several erroneous and wrong statements.  You better be sure of what you say. Are we perfect? No, but you are way off base here.  You are rolling in the past and like to regurgitate information that is old and recycled like telling people about the boogeyman. Plus let's just say you become legally liable for your wrong and defamatory statements without experience...I'll  leave that tidbit at that.  (have you ever operated or owned our current line of product?)1.  The units are not replaced as a rule.  They are repaired. We've been repairing our units since 2010 in house.2. DOA's have been a thing of the past since 2009.  It is rare to be dead out of the box, extremely rare.  We cover shipping for 30 days both ways to cover this anyway...and have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee if the customer isn't happy.3.  There's a reason we sell out of stock...like hot cakes as well...it's because people don't enjoy spending an extra 2000.00 and realize the value and an opportunity to learn the trade or expand their business.  There are customers laughing all the way to the bank at this comment.  Where did you see an Everlast selling for low money?  Show me...I beg you. Not only do our units sell out, resale value as a percentage of what you pay is extremely high, in some cases that I have observed, near or at original purchase cost.  But I suppose in your mind if a customer pays 1200.00 dollars for a unit, and then resales it for 1100.00 a year later, that's a low resale value versus a person paying 4000.00 for a unit and resale value is  2500, to 3000.00 a year later.  Sure the guy is getting MORE money for it, but percentage wise, he's taken a much larger hit.  I'm not going to sit here and reply to every twobit reply back to my statements.  You can scrape the bottom and raise your own ruckus.  You can shout about deleting information and everything you want now.  But the hypocrisy is dripping from your fingers as you type.  The 'other' sections are filled with customers complaining about problems and issues...or there wouldn't be any posts in those forums except people raving about their product...which curiously you don't find a lot.  But you are living well in the past with your comments about us.  I remember that just a few years ago too, that people were saying, that Everlast wouldn't make it and it would close it's doors and the 5 year warranty was just a tactic.  Year after record breaking sales year they kept pushing that.  Well, it's been 5 years since the 5 year warranty was introduced...still going strong..er.  Yet people are still trying to say that too.  Fear is a wonderful tactic.
Reply:To the op. What kind of stick machine do u have? With a dc stick welder you can hook up a scratch start tig setup. It would be a cheap wY to start. You need the argon tank and meter. A gas hose. The hose goes to a power block and then to the torch. You then attach your stick lead to the power block. There are stickies here and YouTube videos on how it works. Probably would be the cheapest option if your machine is capable- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Irish, Like others have pointed out, you mentioned you have a stick welder and with that already have tig capabilities.Scratch start isn't a "lesser form" of tig welding, thousands of pipefitters and millwrights use this method religiously.You keep reverting back to HF stuff, and in all reality that would be fine for you, for now.But I would suggest you search for a High Frequency box or adapter either on CL or ebay.  they can be had for $300'ish, and would fully compliment your arc machine.From what I read though, you're itching to get started asap within your financial means, and the HF would be fine.Last edited by dubl_t; 01-12-2014 at 11:27 AM.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I am looking to start ASAP. Its a passion of mine of just fabricating stuff and would like to own a shop one day but I wont go anywhere if I dont start practicing now and get better.The stick welder I have is a Lincoln AC 225 amp Stick welder.You guys said it has to be DC so this wont work as a TIG will it?Also I went ahead and contacted the guy on CL about his miller cst 280 to see if he still has it and maybe can do some trading.UPDATE:Got ahold of the guy off CL about the welders, he still has them. Trying to bargain with him. He will only take $600 for both welders. You guys think that is a good deal for the miller cst 28 and the miller mig welder s-22p12?Last edited by irishluck; 01-12-2014 at 03:54 PM.
Reply:Correct it needs to be a DC stick machine to do tig. It's not worth adding all the extras to try and do AC tig with a basic machine like you have. You'll dump more money into the system than it would cost you to buy a decent AC/DC tig and you'll end up with a poor 2nd rate machine at best with very limited functions only "good" for alum. Alum tig off a machine like that is next to impossible without a great deal of skill, and the fixed taps makes heat control just about impossible to dial in..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:Anyone know if this would be a good deal? This just posted up on CLhttp://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/4283849386.htmlIts a Miller/Century/MW Tig and stick welderAppreciate the info DSW. The guy on CL with the millers is actually in NE and said he comes down to KC every week so if he still has them by this weekend then he'll bring them down for me to buy.
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckAnyone know if this would be a good deal? This just posted up on CLhttp://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/4283849386.htmlIts a Miller/Century/MW Tig and stick welder.
Reply:What about the Lincoln http://topeka.craigslist.org/tls/4242092501.html
Reply:My 2cents again........ If,... if I were you, but I'm not...... I would pick up a HFT Tig. TO LEARN ON, AND GAIN EXPERIENCE. Like I said "I wouldn't make a living with it".. HFT has a good rep on honoring warranties (Mine does, not sure about yours/yalls). If anything happens, do what I do, go in and raise hell . I wasn't a fan of the boot on the torch, cheap.  I bought my father a 180A Mig from HFT about 3 years ago, still works great, he uses it 4-5 times a week. But, your call... Originally Posted by irishluckI was looking at 2 of them at HF.http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...out-98233.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/welding...der-66787.htmlSo you think to just start out and practice on until I get more financially stable these would be alright?I mean I have a Chicago MIG from HF that Ive had for over 5+ years and its done pretty good for me.
Reply:Wow, so much welding lingo I need to learn =DHigh frequency box. Ac machine rectified to DC. Scratch Start.Anyways. Your guys have given alot of feedback. Ill be looking a varies machines but unfortunately cant afford a $2500 machine right now or anytime soon.Hopefully I can pick up that $600 one of craigslist for the TIG and MIG. But will also be considering the HF one just to play with.Best of luck!  Originally Posted by irishluckWow, so much welding lingo I need to learn =DHigh frequency box. Ac machine rectified to DC. Scratch Start.Anyways. Your guys have given alot of feedback. Ill be looking a varies machines but unfortunately cant afford a $2500 machine right now or anytime soon.Hopefully I can pick up that $600 one of craigslist for the TIG and MIG. But will also be considering the HF one just to play with.
Reply:Originally Posted by pigeonpoopThis old fart is holding out for a full house HTP 221 complete with cooler.Been savin up my overtime, but those danged HTP 221 things stay out of stock.Do I know the first thing about TIG? Nope, but I want to jump in with the best for the money when I do.
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckWow, so much welding lingo I need to learn =DHigh frequency box. Ac machine rectified to DC. Scratch Start.Anyways. Your guys have given alot of feedback. Ill be looking a varies machines but unfortunately cant afford a $2500 machine right now or anytime soon.Hopefully I can pick up that $600 one of craigslist for the TIG and MIG. But will also be considering the HF one just to play with.
Reply:Good luck Irish, and don't forget your gonna need a bottle of argon, regulator, consumable and rod to "get started".Rein in your ponies and shop used.  One benefit of buying used is a stronger re-sale, plus the seller is usually willing to help shorten the learning curve.  I don't know how many hours I've spent teaching others who bought welders from me, and I was glad to do it.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarWarranty aside, the 165A DC TIG from HF isn't that bad if you do the pedal addition that user "MarkBall2" has outlined in the Harbor Freight subforum.  I bought "his" unit 4 years ago, and it's still going to this day as he is using it now.  Without the pedal, it limits a great feature that most pedal'd TIGs have of being able to control the current on-the-fly.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonEverlasting Longevitude
Reply:I tried to look up this scratch start thing everyone keeps mentioning but haven't really found any good information on it.What is that?
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Welder-People.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:AH scratch stick is when you hook up to a DC Stick welder. Got it.SO to start off to just learn and get the feel of things, a HB or everlasting TIG with some kind of foot control, finger control or something to regulate the power.And if possible I'm going to try a find a good used Miller or Lincoln on CL instead so I can start off with something good!But whatever I get, It needs to have a foot control or some type of finger control.Are those 3 in 1 machines any good or worth looking at? The TIG, Stick and Plasma cutter rigs.Lots of great information here!
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckAre those 3 in 1 machines any good or worth looking at? The TIG, Stick and Plasma cutter rigs.Lots of great information here!
Reply:We are a company that sells REAL welding machines. http://store.millerwelds.com/commerc...?CatID=Welders
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckAre those 3 in 1 machines any good or worth looking at? The TIG, Stick and Plasma cutter rigs.
Reply:Oh trust me, I would love to get a miller TIG but I just cant afford to get a new one at the moment. That's why I'm stuck with used or something cheap to just practice on.Here in KCMO there is some place that will do apprenticeships for welding and I'm going to try and get on with that so I can start learning everything and get real good at welding.
Reply:In your situation I would go used or hf imo. I would not buy from a company that trolls threads of people looking opinions and has deleted/shut down owner started threads about issues.Idealarc 250AC 225SVictor OA-older made in USA stuff.And a crap ton of other stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1We are a company that sells REAL welding machines. http://store.millerwelds.com/commerc...?CatID=Welders
Reply:Are bottles necessary for TIG welding?
Reply:Yes. That's what the "Inert Gas" in TIG means. You'll need a cylinder of 100% argon..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:IS this something that all TIG's are capable of hooking up or do some you have to basically rig it together on some TIG's?I'm still new at this TIG thing so still learning. Thinking I'm going to pick up a rig this weekend just not sure which one yet!The miller that someone on here found on CL for me pretty much is sold. As much as Id love to buy a new miller or something like that I cant because there way to expensive and I dont have that kind of money just yet.So I'm stuck looking at the harbor freight one or something like that to just tinker with and play with.Or maybe if there is one that is just a step up from the Harbor freight one that I could look at.Last edited by irishluck; 01-17-2014 at 10:15 AM.
Reply:I also just found this for sale on here and wondered if this was a good welder?http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...51D-1-For-SaleAnd a econotig on CL.http://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/4262064782.htmlAlso if anything I'm looking at a thermal arc as well. Its pretty close in my price range and I haven't really heard anything bad about them.
Reply:Anybody know how good Are the Tri Arc 160 in tig process???  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2Millermatic 212
Reply:I know a few of you said that a harbor freight tig would be okay to learn on but what about a thermal arc? Would you think they are better than a harbor freight?This is the one from thermal arc I have been looking at.http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcstwe95s1.html
Reply:That little TA is a nice stick machine and it will also do basic scratch start tig if you add the torch and reg. That TA is way better than any HF unit I've seen. For the money I think it's a nice little unit.Down side as a tig unit is it's not set up to run a pedal. That's not required, but it does help some when learning, especially if learning on your own..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 agree with DSW - I've used that model TA and it welds very well - the tig arc was really nice Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Well it says it comes with the TIG torch so I'm assuming it basically comes with everything I need except the argon bottle right?It looks like a great setup and for the price its at, looks like its going to be my unit I can learn on.I came onto a little cash so I can finally pick up a unit like this.Wonder I could find a used one for cheaper?DSW, you said its not set up for a pedal but can it made to use a pedal at all?
Reply:Originally Posted by irishluckWell it says it comes with the TIG torch so I'm assuming it basically comes with everything I need except the argon bottle right?It looks like a great setup and for the price its at, looks like its going to be my unit I can learn on.I came onto a little cash so I can finally pick up a unit like this.Wonder I could find a used one for cheaper?DSW, you said its not set up for a pedal but can it made to use a pedal at all?