entry level TIG

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ok, i just moved to phoenix to go to MMI, but in high school, i would weld on the TIG for 2 hours a day. i really miss it, and have some things i would like to weld. what is a cheap, but good TIG machine for a college student who is on a budget? will be welding steel, and possible aluminum. nothing exotic. thanks
Reply:I would look for a used Econotig.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The econotig, while a fine machine, would only be worthwhile in the used market.  Look at the Diversion if a brand-new American made machine is what you want.Otherwise, look at used machines, Italian made machines, and Chinese made machines, in that order.  I have been happy with the Chinese machine that my father purchased, but I know that the documentation sucks, and the failure rate is unacceptable if you need it on time.
Reply:The Econotig is no longer made, so it has to come from the used market, which I why I said 'used Econotig'.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I would recommend a Longevity.   Yes it is a chicom machine thr documentation is improving evety day.   The failure rate is low.keith The older the boys, the more expensive the TOYS!!Previous owned;Linde 300 Amp welderMiller Gas drv welder, Tumbstone,Dayton Miller ac to dc converter,High frequency unitLongevity LS60PCurrrently owned;Longevity WeldAll 200PI
Reply:There are plenty of used machines out there, it just depends what you have for power and space. You say your on a college budget, that varies for many people, about what are you looking to spend?Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband
Reply:KHK,Is there some particular reason you feel it necessary to boldface your Longivity welder?Do you even still own that machine.  I thought Simon traded it for you.  If it was so good, why did you get rid of it?Just looks like a newbie, being a billboard for a piece of Chinese POS.You do post a lot ( and really say little), but that freaking "advertisement" for that company is beginning to wear on me.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Simply keep an eye on craigslist here. I see good deals pop up all the time if you watch it close enough. I would concur with Sundown's latter comments as well.
Reply:I guess it depends on your budget and what power you have available. The Diversion is a really nice well made machine thats fairly easy on the wall socket. The econotig is going to require more imput power, perhaps more than you have available. I would stick to one of the LONG established companies like Miller, Lincoln, Esab, Thermal Arc, etc. The Itallian made machines seem pretty nice as well, but parts availability may be hit or miss. Same goes for the multitude of welding machine importers like harbor freight, and even the ones on here. I always look at parts availability after the warranty expires, and with the constant model changes with imported machines, I dont know how any company could keep up. But since your going to MMI, I dont need to tell you what you already know about tools! They are like cars, a used rolls royce is still better than a brand new kia. Plus you guys will probably be laughing at all of the junk imported knock off motorcycles and scooters at school, and the last thing you would want in a no name welder to go home to. Yeah it looks like a Yamaha......from 20 feet away, and all of the parts interchange, which is good cause your going to be using a lot of them!Good Luck!
Reply:One good Italian imported tig machine is the HTP Invertig 201.   www.htpweld.comMM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:You'll be real lucky to find a good TIG machine on C/L in phoenix at an affordable price. I have been watching welders on there for a long time. Most of the time they are listed for 80% of new to more than the new price. Try to find a transformer ac/dc stick welder. You can buy a tig torch adapter for it and that will give you capability to TIG steel and SS. For Aluminum you can try to find a High frequency add on box, but the people selling them think they are made of gold at which point you'd be better off buying a new tig machine. A new Diversion can be had locally for about $1000 at Phx welding on 19th ave.
Reply:Do they still have AWECO out there?  I used to go to the one in Sunnyslope.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I am by far, no pro.  But I can say you can find some decent deals on TIGs on craigslist and the like.  It all depends on your budget and what you like to use.  It would seem more likely to find something a bit older without the many fancy options of something like a miller dynasty 200DX.  I have been shopping for a TIG for months myself, I am sure your selection varies greatly upon where you are, from my point of view places around detroit seemed to have the greatest selection.I recently purchased a miller 330 a/bp with nice wheels, a bernard water cooler, water cooled torch, flow meter, and the pedal for 950, I feel like I got a fantastic deal so long as the welder stands as working for a few years.I don't know your budget, but if you can afford it I would go with something like a lincoln 355 or a miller dynasty 300DX.  In college, you might be limited as to what you can use, maybe size and electrical requirements are prohibitive towards your selection, if that is the case then you might be pretty stuck with the inverter style TIGs.
Reply:I'll add my vote to CraigsList.  But just like eBay, you just have to be patient.  And if you're looking for a deal then you need to make up for it by spreading out your searching area.  Took me 2 weeks to find the TIG machine I wanted on CraigsList and felt real lucky in doing so.  Was ready to drive 200 miles to get one that was a lot more expensive than the one I got.FuelBoy-----------Lincoln SP-135 PlusLincoln Precision TIG 225
Reply:Go here: http://www.searchtempest.com/results...xAsk8=max&doa=for Welders searched from Yuma.  Phoenix is included in this search.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:AWECO (Az Welding Equipment Co) is now a Praxair. I am not sure if they bought them out, or what happened but  it has been quite some time since it did.