Inverter tig Setup

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I now I havent really been around long or contributed anything (mainly nothing nothing to offer yet) I have recently started a welding cert. course. I am know learning the ins and outs of stick welding. Next semester we start Tig and i would like to get a head start on everyone.  I know exactly what I want but I have two options. 1. Thermal Arc Dragster 85. or 2. HF 80 amp arc inverter welder 91110-1VGAhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91110 with TIG torch. I know my limitations with this small set up. Sheet metal and thin stuff, I have access to bigger at school, But i cant go bigger. I can only wire 110 to the garage. Main box is full no adding breakers, and the sub panel is only wired for 110/115. So my question I can get the HF setup for about $150 dollars less than Dragster 85. Should I spend the extra to get the Thermal Arc or will the HF work fine. I would also on a semi tight budget.ie no more than 450-550 for welder itself?  I have searched around and found good and bad about the HF Welders and just wanted to hear everyones opinion.Thanks again Cab
Reply:i would save some more and get a biger machinebut if you cant wait then Thermal Arc Dragster is what i would go withbut thats just meChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Thermal arc over harbor freight any day.David  Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I now I havent really been around long or contributed anything (mainly nothing nothing to offer yet) I have recently started a welding cert. course. I am know learning the ins and outs of stick welding.
Reply:you could also look into htp, they make quality units:http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig160.htmlhttp://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig130.html- John (satisfied htp owner)
Reply:I had the maxstar 150 for a while, and I really liked it. I would say to save some money, and get the HTP or consider a miller unit. The adjustability on the amps is much better, and the arc control is much better, hands down.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I am wondering about the ability of the dragster 85, could it handle 1/8", or would I need a Maxstar 140/150 for something  that thick. I would like to make  a hardtail for my motorcycle and some other heavier duty stuff other than sheet metal and don't really want to farm out everything . Thanks for the replies and comments I was thinking of getting the Thermal Arc over the HF. I just wanted to here everyones opinion.  CAB
Reply:Originally Posted by CabberI am wondering about the ability of the dragster 85, could it handle 1/8", or would I need a Maxstar 140/150 for something  that thick. I would like to make  a hardtail for my motorcycle and some other heavier duty stuff other than sheet metal and don't really want to farm out everything . Thanks for the replies and comments I was thinking of getting the Thermal Arc over the HF. I just wanted to here everyones opinion.  CAB
Reply:If you can afford it, go for the Maxstar (150STL lift arc only is fine unless you really need the HF and pulse of the 150STH). The extra current is real handy, and the ability to run stick is nice too (ya, I know the dragster can burn stick, but it is very, very limited). Several other options in the same price and current range, but I own the Miller, and my experience with several of the others has been less satisfying (limited sampling applied, and several of the others have had updates since the machines I tried).