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I hope this is the right spot for this question.First some background, Dad is a career seaman and out on patrol mostly, so it's me and Mom at home, so to keep me out of trouble and off the streets, they have agreed to get me a welder for X-mas (yeah, it past, but the offer stands).I want a TIG machine, just don't know which one (Lincoln, Miller, Esab, etc.)I looked at all brands, it's just cornfusing, not just price, but options, power, and such.What are you guys using?And would you suggest one for me?I kinda like the 200 amps kind, though not stuck with it.Thx in adv.Tom
Reply:what's your budget?tell me that, and i'll recommend a machine. could be Harbor Freight. (nyuck, nyuck)
Reply:I don't feel like telling Mom to spend A LOT of money, but I certainly don't want a HF or Sears welder.I'm thinking we could spend about $4k for everything i'll need to be set up, machine, filler, Argon, torch, some metal to weld.Hows that sound?
Reply:The MSRP's are between 27 and 34 hundred for those 3 machines, with 34 being Esab and 27 Lincoln Electric.And I forgot to mention tungstens and a grinder for them, this si getting expensive!!!!
Reply:If the budget is there, IMO, I would go for the Miller Dynasty 200DX. You will have the flexibility of using multiple power sources and a VERY versatile machine. Get everything else you mentioned. I went for the contractor kit to get going quick, although others say buying the separate parts(torch, reg., leads, foot/finger control)may be cheaper. Take the time to read and understand what all of the different settings do, and you will not be disappointed.
Reply:Thx for the reply, although the Dynasty may blow the budget w/ a MSRP of 3470. I'll have to sell them on any quality machine that's for sure. Better to do this once I guess, than keep upgrading, which believe me will rest on my shoulders, so 'go big or go homw', right.any votes for Lincoln Electric or Esab?
Reply:Thermal Acr Arcmaster 185.  Just over $2,000 complete except the gas.  AC, DC, Inverter.  I have one and it does all it sez plus more.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:WHOA!!! you got me thinking now, never even went in that direction Thermal is good, just slipped my mind. That price would be great on the budget too. More supplies, heh, heh, heh.Thanx, DavidKeep it coming fellows, I'm open to discussion, but 2 grands is real nice.
Reply:Have you considered a used machine?  What type of input power do you have?  What part of the world are you in?  Leesburg??  Is that in VA or FL?Good luck in your search.  Be patient and consider all options that way you don't have to buy another machine in a year or two.  This site is very helpful for that....Happy New Year!BrianBrianLincoln Mig 215Miller 211Victor Torch SetMiller Maxstar 200SDMiller Syncrowave 250DX Tig runnerMiller Trailblazer 302 running on LPMiller Extreme 12 VS SuitcaseEllis 1600 BandsawMiller xmt350 CC/CVLincoln Vantage 300
Reply:I'll second the vote for Thermal Arc.   I'm very happy with mine.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Well it's apparent i'm not that loved as a son, cause my Mom just laughed, I mean LAUGHED at those prices, even the ThermalArc machine.So it's either settle for used, discount branded, or get a GOOD paying job and by it myself.Or wait till Dad comes home and beg him to change Mom's mind.Dammit, this sucks!!!!
Reply:I am with Dave go with the TA.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Don't feel bad bro.  So far, no one has ever bought me a welding machine, and I own about 10 of them.  Trust me, you will appreciate it more if you have to pay for it yourself.  My first real machine was about $2000 all set up.  That was about 15 years ago.   I bought it when I was in college.   It was tough to afford, but worth it in the end.  I still have that machine, it still works good and I still use it often.  Keep saving your money....MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I saved my pennies, and bought a brand shiny new Trailblazer, then told my boss to get...., well you know.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:X3 on the thermal arc 185.  great little machine for the price.
Reply:Blawnox I have a miller maxstar 200 dx for sale has the all featuers and come with the contractors kit which comes with the tig torch regulator foot pedal bought last april used it maybe 20 time brand new condition. I have pics just dont know how to post them.Everything for $ 1600.oo plus shipping. Only thing it doesnt weld alumiaum. My email is [email protected] if interested. sell just becuase I dont reely need the tig opton and bought sa 200.good luck lot to choose from elliott
Reply:Get a Mig or stick welder and learn how to weld. Tig is an advanced and expensive process. If you want to learn Tig on the cheap get an O/A rig and start out that way. Going from O/A to Tig is a very simple step. A Lincoln 225 AC runs $250 at Lowes and will weld anything you want, and if you can weld it with ac then you can weld it with dc. I have 8 machines with 4 of them being Tig capable. Any CC DC welding machine can be adapted to Tig very easily. Torch, flow meter, hose and shield gas are all you need. I get very little call for Tig welding, but I make boatloads off of Mig and Stick. There is much more demand for skilled stick and mig welders than tig and mig is only growing. Lincoln has even developed a new process for welding pipe that is neither mig nor tig, but is run like mig to replace tig. It's called Surface Tension Transfer or STT. I can't tell you much more about it than that as I haven't had much time to research it yet. I know of nowhere that hires strictly tig welders, but many hire combination welders meaning stick/tig/mig. I will hire people who don't know tig, but not those who only know tig.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:I may be interested in selling my Miller Syncrowave 180SD,  This is a "turn key" setup (less argon cylinder) and has been used very little...less than 1 year old....it still has the original tags and stickers from the factory!  This unit would come with everything you need to arc weld or tig weld steel and aluminum,  including regulator, torch, foot control, stinger, work clamp, and probably some start up consumables.  You still would be in the $1500 to $2000 dollar range but a very good start up machine in my opinion.  Not sure where you are located or what shipping would cost but maybe it is an option for you.  Not in any hurry to sell it but it is just sitting in my shop collecting dust and it might as well be doing somebody some good, plus i could use the $ in the winter months.  If you are interested pm me and i will get a price together for you.Thanks,  Matt
Reply:x4 for the TA  Keep saving your money.  Let your parents help out as much as they will and you can make up the diff.  Another option might be adult night tig class at an area vo-tech.  Let's you get your feet wet with out breaking the bank.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill