Solid Mig/Tig Welder On A Budget?

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Hi Guys,I've decided I enjoy welding enough to commit some money to it.  So in addition to the welding table I plan on putting together, I think it's probably time to go ahead and upgrade the stick welder from the cheap POS chicago electric harbor freight special I got.I've heard lincoln is the standard, and I've heard that I should get one with a pedal (I guess it makes it easier to feed the wire).  I'd prefer to go gas-less, but I don't know if that's possible with anything besides stick?What are the advantages of MIG vs TIG and vice versa.Between building the table and getting a new welder, I'd like to get out for under $1k if I could, though am not afraid to spend a little more for a piece of equipment that will last me 30 years.
Reply:Originally Posted by jdlevI've heard lincoln is the standard, and I've heard that I should get one with a pedal (I guess it makes it easier to feed the wire).  I'd prefer to go gas-less, but I don't know if that's possible with anything besides stick?What are the advantages of MIG vs TIG and vice versa.
Reply:Looks like you could stand to do some reading research. Go and read the info on the processes here  http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/ that should get you a little closer.
Reply:Originally Posted by jdlevHi Guys,I've decided I enjoy welding enough to commit some money to it.  So in addition to the welding table I plan on putting together, I think it's probably time to go ahead and upgrade the stick welder from the cheap POS chicago electric harbor freight special I got.I've heard lincoln is the standard, and I've heard that I should get one with a pedal (I guess it makes it easier to feed the wire).  I'd prefer to go gas-less, but I don't know if that's possible with anything besides stick?What are the advantages of MIG vs TIG and vice versa.Between building the table and getting a new welder, I'd like to get out for under $1k if I could, though am not afraid to spend a little more for a piece of equipment that will last me 30 years.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterAny TIG will require argon gas regardless of who made it..Any MIG worth anything would require gas but fluxcore is an option here also..However fluxcore can get real messy in a hurry..Advantage?TIG no question.There are some things you just WILL NOT DO with a MIG or Stick that a TIG WILL do.Really really really really small stuff that needs finesse it's TIG or forget it....zap!
Reply:I find that there is some serious misconceptioms regarding just what TIG and MIG are in the minds of people who have little exposure to the processes.TIG- uses Argon gas (not cheap) and you hold the torch in one hand that feeds gas and generates the arc while feeding the filler rod with the other hand. Not easy (although some of the masters that post here make it look easy in a video). A foot pedal is common to control amperage with this process.MIG- basically big spool of wire is fed from machine up the gun line and out the gun nozzle. Requires shileding gas (unless you use flux core wire). One of the easier processes to learn.For your budget you might could get a good used 220v Mig setup from Lincoln or Miller or a new Hobart 210 or maybe a Miller 211...very similar machines and both good. Still would have to obtain tank and gas of course.Last edited by JD955SC; 02-20-2013 at 11:15 PM.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Consider a TA fabricator.  You can stick, MIG and DC TIG with it.  I believe the 181 is priced under a grand.  Resale value is OK if you ever want to upgrade.  The Miller Mutimatic looks great, has much better resale value, but is twice your budget.No one machine can give you everything you'll ever need, that's why so many are made.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Clean looking Dayton AC/DC stick welder with leads $150.  http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/3596768681.html"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:I started with a ThermalARC 185TSW TIG/.Stick (still have it) but after welding these past few weeks with my new Miller 211,  the TIG is going to act as a decent doorstop.I mean don't get me wrong if you like grinding tungsten every 5 minutes or you have very very steady hands, I guess it would be the better welder (the TA).I am just on fire with this MIG...welds are getting better and better each day, great penetration, straight welds, little spatter.Want to buy my 185TSW?
Reply:Originally Posted by IGBTI started with a ThermalARC 185TSW TIG/.Stick (still have it) but after welding these past few weeks with my new Miller 211,  the TIG is going to act as a decent doorstop.I mean don't get me wrong if you like grinding tungsten every 5 minutes or you have very very steady hands, I guess it would be the better welder (the TA).I am just on fire with this MIG...welds are getting better and better each day, great penetration, straight welds, little spatter.Want to buy my 185TSW?
Reply:Get a MILLER 211 and look for a used Miller 180 SD or a 200 syncro.  The 211 will be the mig and the others will give you tig and stick.
Reply:This thread seems to beg for an explanation of the acronyms.TIG = Tungsten (arc), Inert Gas (shield)MIG = Metallic (arc), Inert Gas (shield)For the old timers, this was probably too much old information.For noobies, it might shine a light.
Reply:Originally Posted by IGBTI started with a ThermalARC 185TSW TIG/.Stick (still have it) but after welding these past few weeks with my new Miller 211,  the TIG is going to act as a decent doorstop.I mean don't get me wrong if you like grinding tungsten every 5 minutes or you have very very steady hands, I guess it would be the better welder (the TA).I am just on fire with this MIG...welds are getting better and better each day, great penetration, straight welds, little spatter.Want to buy my 185TSW?
Reply:Originally Posted by seabee78If you don't try to use the tungsten as filler material then you really don't have to sharpen it every 5 minutes.  I have seen tungsten go several hours at work.  Using proper settings and technic a TIG is a good tool to have. Of course this is just my opinion:beer:seabee78
Reply:Originally Posted by IGBTwell, try operating the TIG foot pedal with your knee as you are kneeling underneath a bracket 8 inches off the ground holding the torch in one hand and the filler rod in the other hand....if your hands don't shake you are simply a better man than I.
Reply:Originally Posted by seabee78Wow:banghead: I too have used my knee or my elbow to run the pedal.  And i agree with you that is not an easy task.  I didn't say what i said to be a dick.  But if that's how you want to take it then be that way.  I was just expressing an opinion.  Which i believe i am currently still entitled in the country and this forum.seabee78
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelon
Reply:I'm no expert but your choice depends a lot on what type of welding you'd want to do (thickness, material, etc). Do your research. An educated decision is your best approach.. good luck.
Reply:Originally Posted by IGBTI mean don't get me wrong if you like grinding tungsten every 5 minutes or you have very very steady hands, I guess it would be the better welder (the TA).