Which tig would work?

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I am looking for some suggestions on what Tig welder would be good for my intentions? I want a machine that is capable of welding stainless steel headers, custom aluminum intakes, moly roll bars, and other small automotive projects. It isn't for a business it is for a hobby so I don't feel I need to have a machine that can withstand a lot of use everyday. It is a once in the while thing. I am also looking for my best bang for buck as I don't want the most expensive one out there. Just some opinions on a well priced quality machine. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
Reply:I came real close to pulling the trigger on a Miller Econotig.  The Dynasty's are nice, especially the DX models. Lots of other choices from the different mfgr's too! Have fun shopping! City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Keep in mind that if you want to do Aluminum Get the most "oomph" you can afford..You'll need it.....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:The Econotig is good, but for a few hundred more you can step up to a Syncrowave.  How about a used machine? Whats the budget?Me!
Reply:Thermal Arc Arcmaster 185!DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:i am with David..
Reply:Originally Posted by David RThermal Arc Arcmaster 185!David
Reply:I looked at the econotig but wasn't sure if it would work for that. My budget is open but only want to buy what I need and not spend a lot on overkill. Under 2K would be nice. I never welded aluminum yet so that is my worry about buying the wrong machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterKeep in mind that if you want to do Aluminum Get the most "oomph" you can afford..You'll need it.....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by HamrheadWhy is that? Does aluminum require more amperage?
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterMore heat than metal..Not really amperage..Aluminum absorbs heat...You need to heat the whole thing to a certian degree on thicker material and that takes power..Pre-heat with a torch will do also but I'd rather let the machine do it for me.....zap!
Reply:I can weld 1/4" aluminum with my TA-185.  That is about it with out preheat.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Econotig or search classifieds and egay for weeks on end in hopes for a deal on a synch.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:What benefits are there between the econotig or getting a syncrowave?
Reply:Take a look at Millers site, http://millerwelds.com/products/tig/ it is good at showing the differences in the units:The Syncrowave 200's advantages over the Econotig are:Higher output current - 200A v. 160ALower min. current output 5A v. 30AContinual variable outputSquare wave output in ACPulsed TIGHF Arch Start (not sure if the econo has it?)More user set options...Me!
Reply:lincoln V205ChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Originally Posted by chopper5lincoln V205
Reply:They are not really that expensive but have a reputation for being very expensive, but I like the way ESAB labels their welder. With straight polarity and reverse polarity. We also use an ESAB plasma cutter and it is a very stable machine. I also like the way they use the more standard parts in the industry. And try to maintain a standard. I really like them for that. And their stuff seems very tuff. My friends at www.Coastweldingsupply.com have always stood by them. And I can see why.        Sincerely,             William McCormick
Reply:http://www.welding-direct.com/tig252helsys.htmlHere is some pricing on them from a supplier.        Sincerely,             William McCormick
Reply:Originally Posted by HamrheadWhy is that? Does aluminum require more amperage?
Reply:I went to the local welding supply to get a V205T.  Larry recommended the Thermal Arc 185.  I am happy as a clam with it.  Paid about $2,000 for a kit that had everything including the regulator, foot pedal, tungstens, cups......For the aluminum, It was a lot of 3 X 3 X 1/4" angle.  I could run one 1/8" filler rod before I had to set the torch down to cool off.  I had it cranked up all the way, 30% + wave, frequency way down low around 25 hz.  3/32 tungsten.  I ran it most of the day like that. I later added a water cooler.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The Thermal Arc 185 Dave has is a nice unit, I did not know you could get it complete for 2k.  There is something to be said for being able to move your equipment without having to invite 3 of your friends over.   I would look into it...Me!
Reply:http://stores.channeladvisor.com/wel...ms/TDY103073A1http://stores.channeladvisor.com/wel.../mil903701011?http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p002553.htmi have the 205 and it one nice welderi use a econo tig at work me not like,but if your going that way get the hobart from norhten tool itsthe same machinebut better price,but the max star or the Thermal Arc are betterLast edited by chopper5; 02-20-2008 at 05:23 AM.ChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:I'm starting to think I want the miller synchrowave 200. Found for under 2K.
Reply:I paid $1800 (I think) for my Sync 200 last year, I git the model with OUT the running gear saving a few hundred bucks... Then I made a cart for it.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=19033You will need friends to help you move it I love my Syncrowave as far as how well it welds, I have thought that an inverter would be nice due to the "portability", not that I am planing on moving it a lot but sometime it would be nice.  Also keep in mind you will need a tank with any welder.  The one in the picture is 80cf.Me!Nice cart! Definitely won't be buying the cart.
Reply:You can get the TA for about the same $ as a synch 200.  The TA has a full function pulser and will save you $ on ye olde utility bills.  Inverters are more efficient.  You can crank the out freq up to 150 hz for Al which will give you a more focused arc.  In stick mode the arc is way smoother than a xformer power source.  Now if you don't want the bells and whistles there is nothing wrong with the synch.  Your $ your choice.  There is no wrong decision.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill