TIG machine to buy..... thoughts from you....

admin

Folks.I recently finished my CE course at ACC for TIG. I looked forward to the Saturday class like a wondering man in the desert looks forward to cold water..... I really had dreams about TIG welding.......Anyway... now that class is over.... and I no longer have open access to Miller machines with unlimited Argon and consumables........ I am looking for my own at home machine.....I am an Uber (not a pro) student.... I make wonderfully perfect student crap welds.......I have narrowed my search to the following (from about 12 machines):Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Maxstar 150 STHHobart EZ Tig 165iSo.... I have many reasons for this selection. I think my budget will knock the Maxstar TIG package out right away. I don't have $2700 ( I also have to buy an Argon Tank)......So... thoughts on the TA 201TS versus the Hobart machine (just a Miller Diversion that includes the pedal).....NOTE: as an at home type of guy... my Aluminum future is limited..... but I want HF and I really like TIG and Stick.... so I lean towards the TA machine... but... I may by misguided...... ie: no guide at all... I'm on my own now......)Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:I'd look around for a nice used tig. I see decent deals all the time..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:out of those 3 I would get the thermal arc.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Fexal I think my budget will knock the Maxstar TIG package out right away. I don't have $2700 ( I also have to buy an Argon Tank)......
Reply:What is your electric supply like?If yo have 100 amp service in your work area, you cant beat a used synchro 250.  Could probably get one for 1500.  I can't recommend a used TA185 ac/dc enough.  I sold mine after I located a used Dynasty, and it was every bit as good as the dynasty.  You only need a 50 amp plug for it, and IIRC, a 30 will work.  Build your own water cooler and get a 20 series torch and you're golden.   I think McGyver has a nice cooler build here.  The torch and cooler all less than $200.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Have you ever thought about a Lincoln Square Wave 175? Ac/Dc, HF, etc, and in your price range. Less than the Maxstar...But of those three, I would go with the TA personally...[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Thanks for the feedback. I hadn't even thought about Lincoln. I have 220v in my garage with a NEMA 10-50 receptacle but am changing that to a 6-50 next week to fit newer machines. I'm not sure where I got that price for the Maxstar..... Maybe mental math gone wrong......I'll take a look at Lincoln. My little MIG is a Lincoln and works great.... So thanks for the suggestion.Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:A used MILLER 200 may work too. Check craigs list a couple times a day. I got my MILLER 180SD machine with tig set up and cables for 800.00. Great BASIC machine. Turn on, push pedal, and weld. Oh, I would definitely get machine with foot pedal, once you use one you will not want to be without it.
Reply:This is what I would buy if I were you.http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/2881461297.htmlMiller Syncrowave 180 SD TIG Welder (LIKE NEW) - $1500 (Austin )Date: 2012-03-02, 5:02PM CSTReply to: [email protected] This Miller Syncrowave 180 SD was purchased new six years ago but has only been used one time (less than 4 hours of use) and is in PERFECT condition. It has been stored in a dry clean shop and has no damage or scratches. the system comes with everything in the photos plus a Miller cover. My price if firm so please only call if you are interested in the product.if seriously interested call steve at 512 three two eight 0194 or at 512 five seven six 6614    Location: Austin    it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interestshttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:The syncro 180 is a very nice machine, but that ones a bit high in price from what I've seen. I've seen those usually run between $900-1300, and the Syncrowave 200's run from $1100-1500 used..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 DSWThe syncro 180 is a very nice machine, but that ones a bit high in price from what I've seen. I've seen those usually run between $900-1300, and the Syncrowave 200's run from $1100-1500 used.
Reply:Thanks for the help on the Craigslist thing. That looks like a cool machine and I do like the foot peddle since that's what I used in class. I'll check the used market too. I'm super ready to get a machine.Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by FexalThanks for the help on the Craigslist thing. That looks like a cool machine and I do like the foot peddle since that's what I used in class. I'll check the used market too. I'm super ready to get a machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWThe syncro 180 is a very nice machine, but that ones a bit high in price from what I've seen. I've seen those usually run between $900-1300, and the Syncrowave 200's run from $1100-1500 used.
Reply:Just my opinion FEXAL, but for what its worth, iv'e been pounding on my Miller180 for yrs, and its been bullet proof. I fried one torch, and thats been the only problem ive had. If a used one is in your price range I would give it a good recomendation. Just my opinion tho! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Just FYI, I bought a used Sync 250 with a Bernard cooler, two tanks and a bunch of consumables for $1500.  They are definitely out there.  I think if I was going to buy new, I would seriously consider the HTP Invertig.  I haven't personally used one, but I don't think I have read a bad review.http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...ode=70221-12.5But honestly, used is the way to go.  Especially if you buy a Sync.  If you get a good price, you will probably be able to sell it for what you pay for it.  Then you can decide if you really want to spend the dough on a new inverter down the road while getting the practice.Last edited by kazlx; 03-14-2012 at 04:01 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeJust my opinion FEXAL, but for what its worth, iv'e been pounding on my Miller180 for yrs, and its been bullet proof. I fried one torch, and thats been the only problem ive had. If a used one is in your price range I would give it a good recomendation. Just my opinion tho!
Reply:ME TOOOOOOOOO ! like i said above about mine. Got it cheap and still going. Plus you have stick with it too !  I just like the BASICS of it; I guess kinda like the Miller diversion. Good luck in your choices.   MILLER BLUE
Reply:Fexal  , i am in the same boat then you ...do you have made your choice yet ?
Reply:He ended up with a Lincoln 175.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=102571
Reply:thanks kazlx