Help - I Need Advice

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I have a $2000 Budget for a TIG machine. I will be welding thin materials Not "soda can" thin but "aircraft tubing" thin.I would like an AC/DC Machine but DC is okay.Thats pretty much it. It looks like the Miller Econotig is the best bet. Any other advice is greatly appriciated. I learned to weld years ago and it was with gas. I am ready to set up shop and want a decent rig for hobby/light work.Thanks again Everyone!if you know of a good web vendor that would be great too.
Reply:I have an EconoTig and my only complaint is that it doesn't weld thin stuff well (like .035 4130 tube. Mine is a 1994 model, the first year they came out, so it might be specific to the early models. It was basically the first "affordable" TIG rig for the home/hobbyist. I love the machine except for that quirk. It could also be that I'm not doing it correctly and the machine is fine, but I still gas weld all my aircraft stuff. I have had my A & P for close to 15 years I guess, and did a ton of work as an apprentice.Not a beginner, not a pro !
Reply:I just priced on a few weeks ago and a Syncrowave 200 was about 1800.00That's probably where I'd put my $$$$_________________Chris
Reply:If DC only is ok get Miller Maxstar 150 STH.  If you want to do aluminum get a Thermal Arc Firepower.Check this thread.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=7839DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Whats better about the firepower compared to the syncrowave 200?-------------------------------------------Hey Planewelder,Whats your take on normalizing tig welds in aircraft steel tube fuselages?Last edited by GWallace; 01-01-2007 at 12:16 AM.
Reply:I bought an htp invertig for a little over 2k. Very nice machine, 200 amps ac/dc.- John
Reply:The TA is an inverter.  More like a Dynasty than a Synch.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Okay guys the info is great. Now I am most likely going to go with the syncrowave 200 for all the features and I can get it shipped for 1700.One final question.. will the Syncrowave have the ability to do really thin stuff or will the Maxstar do better. I can always get both but not at the same time.Grant
Reply:I'd look around on E-BAY for awhile..i found my hobart there.. less torch for 600$..(but it was only 40 miles away so i picked it up)frees up all that extra $$$ for this that and the other thing...look before you leap..you need way more than just the machine to get going......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.