need a mig/tig welder

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didnt know how to search for this answer so ill just ask. is there a welder that will do both, that dosent cost an arm and a leg?. any suggestions on brand/ model? im just gonna use it around the house but I really like building stuff. always wanted a tig.  the main reason I want a tig is because I want to weld aluminum. tried it with the mig and it didnt work to well. mabey it was me   any help would be appreciated.steve
Reply:I don't think any of the 3 or 4 main manufacturers make a mig/tig combo. welder. Usually they are seperate.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Well, there are several, but I can't think of a one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...Lincoln PowerMIG 350 is multiprocess, but DC only (so no aluminum,) from what I hear.Look at Miller's XMT inverters.  Or most high-end engine-drives.What were you using when you didn't like MIG aluminum?  Don't say a 120V MIG...  Even the 175A-class machines don't do it well.  You need at least a 210A class machine with a spoolgun to enjoy it, and it can't be too thin.
Reply:I know of several DC multi process machines.  Most cost a lot and are only a power supply, you will still need a wire feeder for mig.  HTP did have a Stick, TIG, and self contained MIG unit that wasn't too expensive.  It was a DC only machine, so for all intensive purposes, you wouldn't have been doing too much TIG on aluminum (you can DC tig aluminum, but it takes lots of prep work).  To my knowledge, there isn't an AC/DC tig/mig multiprocess machine.Patrick
Reply:actually it was a miller 135. im a body man and we had one of those hybrid honda cars and i had to weld in a new rear body panel and a lower radiator member. the welds went on like the consistency (sp) of solder. it was a nightmare,   it held just looked terrible.
Reply:Originally Posted by coolbeeractually it was a miller 135. im a body man and we had one of those hybrid honda cars and i had to weld in a new rear body panel and a lower radiator member. the welds went on like the consistency (sp) of solder. it was a nightmare,   it held just looked terrible.
Reply:You could run a voltage sensing (cc/cv) feeder off a ac/dc tig, however, that is probably not the optimal setup.  Mig and ac-tig just are not (often) found in the same package.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Originally Posted by coolbeerdidnt know how to search for this answer so ill just ask. is there a welder that will do both,