Getting into TIG. Need recommendations.

admin

I dont have a TIG yet but Im looking around. Im slightly knowledgable about TIGs but not to the point where I know exactly what to look for. I really dont want to cross the $2000 mark when it comes time to purchasing one, but like all limits they are meant to be broken. Im pretty much starting from square one so any info and recommendations are welcomed. I need to be able to weld SS, AL, and steel and the appearance is important as well so what I know as a "pulser" is a must. Im curious as to which brand and model you guys (and gals) recommend. I need to clearly be able to weld as thick as 3/8" with no problems, in AL, SS and S. The occasional 1/2" may come up. I do a lot of fabricating from sheet metal to thicker metals such as cylinder head repairs. The place I will be welding is wired for 230v.Jer
Reply:It will be tough finding one with Pulse technology. Most are approaching the 2k mark, if not past it...at least to my knowledge of the Miller welders.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Welding that thick is going to take a machine greater than 200 amp on Aluminum I don't see how you're going to stay under the 2K unless you can get a decent used unit.  I looked and looked and unfortunately used units on ebay were going for darn near new prices.  I settled for a smaller unit and I've been pretty happy.Good Luck.Michael
Reply:I'm not a tig expert at all but I have done some research into the tig machine aspects of cost,power,and features.With the spec's that you posted, you are looking at around 4-5 grand for a bare machine and close to 6-7 grand for the machine plus all the goodies that go along with it to make it a tig package. Mind you that would be a popular brand like miller.If you want to be able to weld 1/2 inch aluminum with 220 volts you are pretty much stuck with an inverter (or your 220 volt source will have to be able to handle approximately a 100 amp draw) and as has already been stated you'll be over the 200amp mark.
Reply:The most bang for the buck is a Thermal Arc 185-TSW.  It's a great tig but will come up short in 3/8 and 1/2 Al.  The 185 and a bottle will put you right on your 2k budget.  For that thickness I would be looking at 300 amp Thermal, a Miller dynasty 300dx, Miller Synch 350 or a lincoln pt355.  Those machines are up in the 5 to 6k range.  Your best deal would be an old Lincoln tig 300 or Miller Synch 300 if you can find one locally.  I stress locally as shipping on the old large iron is a real deal killer.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:you could always look on e-bay..thats where i located the one i have now...whatever you get get a water cooled torch and save yourself the headache of having to let a air cooled torch cool off right when you get that aluminum head 1/2 done  cause that won't get it done....and i "done" plenty.. ...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:I know that the specs I listed are the most extreme I would ever encounter. The likelihood of me encountering those thicknesses are slim but I was hoping for the best. I will just have to keep my expectations a few notches down.  One of my friends just purchased this welder http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p003294.htm Free shipping and a 5yr warentee. Im not looking for the same welder unless nothing else really can compair to it but something with a similar or just as good "bang for the buck".
Reply:The one your friend just purchased is a good machine, and would handle all the applications that you listed.  As far as Miller, can't go wrong with ole BlueI r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Does a pulser really lay down better looking beads? if so, why? I have a half azz pulser on my PT 185 - not a true pulser, and I don't even bother to use it. The book does not go into detail about what it does. - I have messed with it and got some decent results, but in theory, I really don't know the benefit of it. I know it pulses the heat input and times your cycle of adding filler, but is it any better than just knowing your machine and how to control the pool? confused on the pulser. Not trying to hijack your thread, - I am sure you might find this useful too
Reply:This is what I have.  It's a neat little box.http://cgi.ebay.com/THERMAL-ARC-PRO-...QQcmdZViewItemDennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Im pretty much set on the Miller Syncrowave 200, although I think I just may hold off long enough to get the Syncro 250. Does anyone have an experiece with either. Pros/Cons in your own opinion? I like the fact that the 250 has the liquid cooled torch. One source I checked says the 250 comes with the pulser option standard, and some other sites say it doesnt. Ironically, the more expensive source said it didnt come with the pulser option. That may be the deciding factor on which welder I get.
Reply:pulser my ***...you gotta get to know whatever machine you have and it will treat you right...i'm gonna prove it with the hobart i know nothing about...but in short order i"ll make it sing..its not the machine its the hands ...in my opionion a tig is a tig is a tig.....zap!you'll see...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:Originally Posted by ARCIm pretty much set on the Miller Syncrowave 200, although I think I just may hold off long enough to get the Syncro 250. Does anyone have an experiece with either. Pros/Cons in your own opinion? I like the fact that the 250 has the liquid cooled torch. One source I checked says the 250 comes with the pulser option standard, and some other sites say it doesnt. Ironically, the more expensive source said it didnt come with the pulser option. That may be the deciding factor on which welder I get.