Buying my first TIG welder

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I'm looking at my first TIG welder, and I'm fairly convinced I want to get an inverter type AC/DC unit.  Since any welder in that category is going to be a HUGE investment, I want to make sure I'll be getting a welder that will serve my needs.  Space is at a huge premium in my shop, and the potability of the inverter welder smake them extremely inviting, as I can bring it to work with me, rather than shuttling pieces home to work on them.So far, It looks as if the Dynasty 200 DX will be my weapon of choice, as it can work at limited amperage from a 120v outlet, which is a huge plus in my book.  I think the Lincoln Invertec 205 will do that as well, but I'm not sure.Anyways, I'm looking for the cheapest way into this, so would I be making a mistake by buying just the supply, and finding the support components (torch, regulator, cables) elsewhere, used perhaps?  $500 seems awful steep for a foot pedal and the rest of these items.  Also, has anyone had any blow ups with inverters?  I have been a service technician for the last 14 years, and have seen my fair share of bad inverter power supplies!  I guess that means I can fix it myself if it blows up outside the warranty period, though...Whats a day without flippin' like a trout?
Reply:Sounds like a great choice of welders.  They just got a bunch of the Dynasty 300's into the lab when I took my TIG class and they're quite a versatile machine.  I was looking into gettting a Dynasty 200 but couldn't quite justify the $$$ for a hobby machine.  They had CK watercooled torches with the swivel heads and I really got used to being able to swivel the tungsten into any position that I needed to get into.  I had the chance to pick up a Thermal Arc 250 GTS (an inverter) off eBay for a good price so although it didn't have AC or 120V capability it had enough power and features to get me going.  I was able to adapt my old 17V air cooled torch to the DIN connectors, share my MIG regulator and I built up a foot pedal from scratch.  I'm looking at moving up to a CK swivel torch in the near future.  I wouldn't recommend building a foot pedal even though mine didn't cost anything in materials and it works just the way I want it to.  A few too many hours went into that project.  I've seen new aftermarket pedals for something like $125 complete with connector which is usually quite a bit cheaper than one from Miller.  I'm sure that the torch they give you in the TIG kit is a good one but if you buy it yourself you may find one you like better.I'm sure you can save some money and get just the style of accessories you want if you look around a bit.  Of course there is probably something to be said for unpacking a complete system ready to plug together and start welding.  I'd say shop around and then make your choice.As far as reliability I've only seen a couple of postings about the inverters going kapow and it's generally been the cheap Harbor Freight types.  When I bought my Thermal Arc I also figured that I could fix it if it had any problems since I've also got an electronics background.  Well, I'm glad that it works just great and I really love it.  When I opened it up for a quick visual prior to plugging it in I hadn't seen a package that packed and tight in a long time.  It reminded me of the old VCR units, something packed into every cubic inch.  The TA is a really small package, the Miller is a lot larger so maybe it's a bit more service friendly.  Also seems like most of the schematics you can find in the manuals or out on the net don't go all the way down to the individual component level, some of the details of the circuit boards aren't documented for you.  Some of the prices on the replacement boards are quite high so I'm going to continue to cross my fingers that mine keeps running or that I'm able to find some complete schematics before I need them.TinkerCentury 135GS, ThermalArc 250GTS
Reply:I like the Dyn too.  Lets not forget that its also an excellent portable stick welder and easy on the input power as well as multi voltage. Its going to work great where extension cords are needed.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I've had two harbor freight units blow up on me within a halfhour of starting to stick weld with both of them. HF was very goodabout sending a return label and crediting my Visa card.The irony of the situation is I was really enjoying laying downsome beads with the little 80 amp unit. Had they held up, I wouldhighly recommend them provided one knew the limitations of an80 amp inverter.I asked the customer service rep if I could talk to someone on thetechnical end that would be able to find out why these things areblowing capacitors. What a waste of time. HF could care less about correcting the situation or getting some type of quality control at the Chinese factory or here in the states. They are inthe business of sales period. I don't know how many of thereblown inverters being sent back it will take before they wake up.These could be great sellers if they would last beyond a few hours. It's my understanding that the original ARC ONE welderinverters sold by HF were mfg'd by an Italian company, but thecurrent ones are Chinese knock offs. Anyway, if they ever getit right, I'll be the first in line to buy another little 80 amp inverter.
Reply:I heard Campbell Hausfield is coming out with one,, 90A I think. 3 or 400$.  All that seems tempting but I think I would hold out for a Maxstar. Its dual voltage so when possible you could run at 230.  I know it sounds like a lot of money, but if it works and is reliable it would make a difference. If you want to weld cheap and want to weld well get a Stickmate for 400.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Well, it looks as if I'll be waiting a little while longer for my new welder.  I'm going to go to the local technical school and see what the TIG course costs.  Perhaps I'll be able to get a better idea of precisely what I want.  I would do well to receive some fresh instruction anyway, as the last time I used a TIG was 12 years ago in high school.  The instructor brought in his own unit, and it was a great experience for those of us who earned the priviledge to use it.  A lot of the kids could care less, but there were about ten of us in the advanced class who really got into it.In the meantime, I'm going to keep an eye out for a good deal on a used machine to work with that wont crowd me out of my shop area. Whats a day without flippin' like a trout?