New guy Tig ?

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I am new to welding. I just bought a Lincoln Pro-mig 135 and doing pretty good with it(thats what my welding friends say) I talked to my wife and thinking of getting a Tig what do you recommend? I got a budget of around $1500. I know this is not alot for a good tig. Looking at the Miller econotig or the Hobart tigmate. any others for about the same price? thanks everyone
Reply:If you're on a budget, that is good. There are a few high quality yet lower priced machines in that range. The unit I went with is the Miller EconoTIG. Great unit, does everything I throw at it. I know once I post this, now 3 or 4 other people will chime in and say, "oh, if you can afford it just go with the Synchorwave 200 and spend a few hundred extra"....why? Not sure why people always do this? They tell you to spend the extra money but don't give specific reasoning...even when people specifically state they are on a budget. Thermal Arc also sells a nice TA-185 which is competatively priced. Anyway, if you're interested, I'm moving up to a Shopmate300 and won't need my EconoTIG any further. I'd love to keep it and have 2 TIG machines but MY BUDGET doesn't allow it.  EconoTIG - $1250 shipped. Thanks.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Micro, some folks don't understand the term "budget". You read in the "for sale" papers all the time about folks selling off stuff dirt cheap,"need to move this stuff" and such. While more machine is always better it usually makes more sense to live within your means...LOLBTW, when selling something be sure to list the extras that go with it, many times it's the extras that make it a real deal.Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:You're correct, many don't understand a budget or how to budget, that's why 80% of this country is in debt. Bigger is better, even if you don't use it, right? The start of the SUV craze, now look where we are with gas pricing. Plus, nobody drives 55 any further. Off my soap box, sorry for the hi-jack.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZone Bigger is better, even if you don't use it, right? The start of the SUV craze, now look where we are with gas pricing. Plus, nobody drives 55 any further. Off my soap box, sorry for the hi-jack.
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Reply:Olddad - I'm selling my e-tig because I have jobs that are larger than its 3/8" aluminum capacity...IMO. Do you always up-size when you hit McDonalds or B.K. just because you can...and it's only a little more money? Not me, I buy what I can afford...even if it's something as small as a value meal. Which brings me to another topic of why by 2015, 75% of Americans will be overweight, while 41% will be OBESE. Too much...America the EXCESS. Sorry, back on topic...People with SUV's do not haul stuff, I do. Ninety-nine percent of the time you see them driving around this land yacht...by themselves. As far as my vette it gets better gas mileage than you're assuming. How about 27mpg for a Corvette? I also consolidate my trips when and IF I need to take my truck, car or my girlfriends car out. Whew, must have struck a nerve. Is your nerve okay now? edit: BTW, I was agreeing with you! Some people don't understand budget, excess, limits, etc.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:micro, the bigger is better thing works in some areas and not in others.  comparing a tig to an suv is comparing apples to... well zap.  the key is, will you do anything beyond what the machine will do?  dont base it on skill level but more what the machine will be used for.
Reply:Sorry, IMO, it applies to EVERYTHING. This country is a country of excess. We always need bigger. Why would he buy a machine if he's never going to use it's capabilities. Shoot, while he's at it, he might as well buy a Trailblazer 302! That's my opinion, it's not going to change. Back on topic. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Micro, I wasn't disagreeing about sticking within a budget, just getting the most bang for the money. I've got 300A at 60% duty cycle on tap, will I ever use it ? Probably not but there is the potential for a local job that would need it, if I get lucky on that one I won't have to run out to get another machine. Am I within budget, absolutely, I believe in sticking with them.No, I don't up-size, but then I rarely eat at fast food joints anyway.Strike a nerve, yeah, I took your vent as a stick in the eye...lol...sorry about the misunderstanding. 27 MPG huh, wow, the wonders of computers. My last Camaro would make a SUV look like a Hybrid...lolAnything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:No problem, it's tough to interpret what people say on here. I really try to get along.  Yep, the tunability and precision of fuel injection is amazing...to say the least! My old drag car got 5 gallons to the mile. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Thanks everyone for the replys. another? What size breaker for the Econotig? Thanks
Reply:Look around on E-bay.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Look in projects and pictures for a test drive of the TA-185.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoBOjrThanks everyone for the replys. another? What size breaker for the Econotig? Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by BoBOjrThanks everyone for the replys. another? What size breaker for the Econotig? Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by BoBOjrThanks everyone for the replys. another? What size breaker for the Econotig? Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by David RLook in projects and pictures for a test drive of the TA-185.David