Who makes a heavy duty TIG welder that holds up?

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Im planning to weld aluminum 1/8 to 1/4" thick. Some steel aswell a little thicker.Is it possible to have one type welder for all or should I be thinking of having aTIG and a MIG. The welds on say 1/8" flat stock will be corner welds around 5" long.I will put a few of them down a 4ft section. I don't need it welded all the way down andit will keep the heat down.Ive been looking at Miller have a local dealer here that sell's gas aswell.Any computer controlled machines like the plazma cutter's are getting. For straight long repeat welds.Just wonder?Last edited by videorov; 01-27-2009 at 08:27 PM.
Reply:Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart. Excellent reliability from industrial grade machines.Give all details to your local welding supply store about what you are doing and an experienced person will be able to help you. DONT go to a big box store.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:What Donald said plus stay away from the 'fortune cookie' brands if you want a unit that is heavy-duty and stands up.  It's not unusual for those units to arrive in the mail DOA.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Well I would say if your looking for industrial application TIG's go to Miller. We have a Miller Syncrowave 350xl and just sit it aside for smaller jobs! We just got a Miller MaxStar 700 and are in the process of setting it up for automation. The Syncrowave lineup is GREAT.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Heyyyy!Wait a minute... You are forgetting the grandfather of Heli-Arc...ESAB...Its yellow but a good fellow.  You can't go wrong with the people who invented the process.(although at the time it was under a different name.)  Seriously  take a look at their machines.  They have the multi task type machines as well.  You just might be impressed with their prices.  They are #3 seller in the US>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:Oppsie oh yeah forgot them. Went with Miller since that is who set up the shop other than Jim Colt and crew setting up our automated 10'x40' Plasma Table.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:ESAB had to buy Linde, just like K-Mart bought Sears.  Huz-yer-daddy??   9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Yup, my Esab Heliarc 252 is a tough sucker.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55What Donald said plus stay away from the 'fortune cookie' brands if you want a unit that is heavy-duty and stands up.  It's not unusual for those units to arrive in the mail DOA.
Reply:dup postLast edited by crawler; 01-30-2009 at 09:15 AM.Reason: dup postMillermatic Passport PlusMillermatic 200Millermatic 350P with PythonXMT 304 /w S-64 feeder and 12RCDynasty 300 DXVictor O/APremier Power Welder for my trail junk.
Reply:Originally Posted by crawlerDoes Everlast fall into that category?  I've seen lots of post from users having problems with their welders.Definitely stay with USA made welders (Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, ESAB) if you care about warranty, support, quality, and reliability.
Reply:Look,Even US made welders have foreign compenents from time to time.  Being imported isn't all to the issue. Integrity and honesty of the company is.A import company that I rate highly is HTP.  They import a lot from Italy.  Their products are phenomenal in quality and durability.  Their support and policies are unmatched.Their Tig machines are feature packed.ESAB has some of their products imported from Sweden. It is in fact a Swedish company.They manufacture products in Florence S.C. as well and much of their line is US built.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:Ditto on what Rojo and Lug said. I had problems with chinese made units from two different manufacturers. ESAB is a VERY well establish company with good customer support. And HTP also falls into the good company to deal with range and thhey have great prices.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldLook,Even US made welders have foreign compenents from time to time.  Being imported isn't all to the issue. Integrity and honesty of the company is.A import company that I rate highly is HTP.  They import a lot from Italy.  Their products are phenomenal in quality and durability.  Their support and policies are unmatched.Their Tig machines are feature packed.ESAB has some of their products imported from Sweden. It is in fact a Swedish company.They manufacture products in Florence S.C. as well and much of their line is US built.
Reply:HTP deals direct with its customers.  Never had a part that I needed that they didn't have.Shipping was prompt.  I have gonedown many times (as in yesterday) to my LWS and they didn't have anything in stock for my machine.  Whose fault was it?  I own both ESAB and Lincoln.  The majority of the stuff I need has to be ordered.If you are in the business and own several welding machines, you learn to anticipate the parts you will need.  Consumables and the like are easy to stock in your toolbox and who just buys 1 consumable at the time?  Sure I can see the issue if you are just buying one consumable at a time.  But the fact is a lot of your HTP consumables interchange with national brands.  Just ask them and they can tell you in a pinch.In fact if you have any name of welder, plama cutter or something else, HTP carries an OEM quality part for it as far as consumables, guns and torches go.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