Help on Tig Welder Selection

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Hey all...I really enjoy oxy/acetylene welding and have heard that tig would be similar.  I have only seen tig welding performed once but it looked pretty neat. I have considered scratch-start tig add-on for our buzz box but I am afraid the high contamination rate might be frustrating for a newbie... definitely the cheapest option but probably a you get what you pay for kind of deal...I am very intrigued with the Miller Maxstar 150 STL and STH welders- since Robert Finch's book says high frequency is where it is at I am leaning towards the STH but lift-arc sounds pretty nifty for cheaper...I am also considering a lincoln precision tig 185 but don't like the fact that it weighs 250 lbs! but you can weld aluminum...I will probably be using this to weld/repair tube frames on go-karts/kit-cars/make turbo headers/ mostly small fab stuff of the like... Should I just stick with my oxy setup or maybe add a henrob torch? My main complaint with oxy/ac welding is that it tends to catch stuff on fire behind what you are working on unless you use asbestos cloth which is hard to hold in place or position and you can't weld stainless as far as I know...Last edited by hpfiend; 01-03-2007 at 07:30 PM.
Reply:Wouldn't go with a scratch start tig.  Would look for an  AC/DC and I personally love MILLER WELDERSDonM > ASME High Pressure Vessel
Reply:I don't know how much you want to spend, but for a little bit over $2k I am very happy with my 200amp ac/dc invertig201 from HTP. I'd push yourself (money wise) if possible and get an ac/dc machine. That way when you fall in love with tig welding and get aluminum fever, you won't be kicking yourself.- John
Reply:Arrrr  Arrr  Arrr  More Power
Reply:The Miller EconoTIG might be something worth looking at...
Reply:Yep, a good tig machines aint cheap.  Best advice I could give with my limited experience is to stick with a name brand (HTP, Miller, Lincoln, Thermal Arc).  Get the most amps you can afford, make sure it is ac capable and has HF capabilities.  Built in water cooling is a nice feature but again=big heavy machine.  The fellas here feel that the Thermal Arc is one top notch machine and it sounds like the HTP unit is right up there as well.  The torches are standardized (dont know about that weldcraft craftsomthin).  So gas lenses, cups, diffusers and collets are interchangeable within the torch type i.e. 17, 20, 18 etc.Watercooling is almost a must for doing big jobs.  But if tubing and small stuff is your thing, aircooling works just fine.  Keep an eye on ebay for a good used one.  I wouldnt go any smaller than 185 amps.  Oh, and get the biggest argon bottle you can.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.