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I'd like to get my hands on a ac/dc tig machine to do thin material up to 1/4 tops.  Finances as with most are limited so what should I look for and are any of the non big name brands worth looking into at all ( cheaper chinese for now and American built later ).  I plan on getting a lowes stick special and possibly a mig one to but tig is harder to figure out.Any suggestions?
Reply:For stick, look on ebay and CL. Look for a Lincoln Idealarc 250, Miller Thunderbolt, Miller Dialarc. I would wait till you can buy American. I wouldn't spend money on something that might not last then have to rebuy."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I opted for OA for thin material and a Hobart LX235 for stick and really love both of them.  I learned to weld on the OA (which you are well past I am sure), but found that having the cutting torch, ability to heat things and braze made the OA a priceless tool for my shop.The Hobart 235 is a great stick (ony one I have ever used though Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Good info.
Reply:Keep an eye out on CL. Older tigs like Miller 330 AB/P's come up from time to time for $500-800. Thats a lot of machine for not so much cash. The down side is the are large, heavy, and need a good bit of imput power. I've also seen Syncrowave 180's and 200's for just a bit over $1K used. Either of these options would give you a top quality machine that would last a long time.A couple thoughts to keep in mind that might help save a few bucks. You can do basic DC tig with any DC stick power source and an air cooled torch set up similar to several that have been posted here. You won't be able to do alum tig, but you can do stainless and steel. If you must have AC tig, keep in mind that most tigs will also run stick. You can take your money for a stick machine and add that to your tig fund to give yourself more options. I would pass on any cheap import. I see too many down sides. If you have issues, repairs and "waranty" service may be spotty at best. These machines also usually have a very low resale value. In the long run it will end up costing you more than if you simply waited a bit and bought a quality machine the 1st time around..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 Big65moparI'd like to get my hands on a ac/dc tig machine to do thin material up to 1/4 tops.  Finances as with most are limited so what should I look for and are any of the non big name brands worth looking into at all ( cheaper chinese for now and American built later ).  I plan on getting a lowes stick special and possibly a mig one to but tig is harder to figure out.Any suggestions?
Reply:The  Hobart LX235 is the same welder as the higher priced Miller Thunderbolt.  The paint is different, and the Hobarts are sold through retail stores; Millers are sold through welding supply dealers.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:If tig is the "goal", you're better off saving a bit and picking up a used Sync 180/200 or comparable Lincoln machine.  That will give you your tig as well as stick capability.To be honest, the guys who advocate using a buzzbox for DC tig are not telling the whole story.  I don't know if it's because they don't know (never tried it themselves) or because they've been hoodwinked by some other posters.Personally, I think trying to learn to tig weld without remote control, and with a gas valve mounted on the torch is a "primitive" approach.  Can it be done.  Yea.  But you'll never get the results you get with a true tig machine.  Tig welding, even with a machine designed for the task, is difficult enough to master without putting up a bunch of hurdles you've got to jump over before you get there.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Point taken, not being a "tiger" I was only trying to point him to a good stick machine.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Syncs sounds like the path to go then for used and around a grand.  Looking through the CL here and surrounding area's there arent any but its just time to save more money.
Reply:What about a Lincoln Square Wave TIG 175 Pro unused ( claimed ) on a cart with gauges and leads and foot pedal?  $1,300 a good price?