Starter tig welder (gtaw) for stainless steel

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I'm looking for recommendations on a good starter tig welder to practice stainless and aluminum. What's a okay to good one under $1,000 or less?Last edited by Kinda_Welder; 3 Weeks Ago at 08:20 PM.Reason: to add a question mark to make the sentence a question
Reply:Stainless is not a big deal, But ALUMINUM is a bit of a "catch"...Aluminum requires AC (add to the cost) and, because it conducts heat away from the weld so well, needs double the Amperage of a simpler machine (again, costs more and might require a Water Cooled torch).So, the big question would be, what Thickness of Aluminum are you going to want to be able to weld?
Reply:I agree with Batur.Mig can be a better choice for thicker metals . Aluminum it about 14 gauge 0.75" and stainless is about 20 gauge.Mig has speed over TigDave

Originally Posted by BaTu

Stainless is not a big deal, But ALUMINUM is a bit of a "catch"...Aluminum requires AC (add to the cost) and, because it conducts heat away from the weld so well, needs double the Amperage of a simpler machine (again, costs more and might require a Water Cooled torch).So, the big question would be, what Thickness of Aluminum are you going to want to be able to weld?
Reply:So I'm planning on practicing on thinner stuff on the aluminum. I went to hobart about 3 1/2 years ago and that was the 2 things in stainless and aluminum. I never got the hang of and I couldn't remember what welders models they used for the tig aluminum. I do remember they was miller so they would probably be well out side of my price range.
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

I agree with Batur.Mig can be a better choice for thicker metals . Aluminum it about 14 gauge 0.75" and stainless is about 20 gauge.Mig has speed over TigDave
Reply:thank you for the info I'll keep an eye out for one.
Reply:I would like to clarify I'm only planning on using the welder I get just for practice not professional for a job. Mostly on small pieces of metal not really building anything so the machine does not have to be professional grade.
Reply:OK, so then you have a LOT of choices

Everlast, Primeweld, HTP, even Harbor Freight, all make good A/C Tig machines, under 200A would probably do everything you need, no need for Miller and their overpriced welders and repairs...
Reply:The Primeweld 225X is a very nice AC/DC TIG welder with lots of features, under $1K and excellent customer support.  The company is here in the U.S. and the machines are imported.  I have yet to read a bad word written about them anywhere.  A buddy just bought one based upon my recommendation and he's absolutely thrilled with it.  Many people here have reported similar experiences unlike many brands and ever comment I've seen about their customer service has been positive.I've used the new Harbor Freight ProTIG 205 and it welded fine, but I thought the HF start was weak and there are many reports of units dead out of the box...and they're $1,200.  Everlast...well, I own one but wouldn't recommend anyone buy one...for a number of reasons.  They're based in the U.S. and the machines are imported, but the customer service is terrible...now Lugweld is going to chime in and say things have been corrected, but he gets paid by Everlast and the problems continue to be reported on every welding forum I know about.Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Thanks for the info that's the sort of advice I was looking for.
Reply:You wouldn't know anything about the weld pro digital 200 gd?
Reply:I think you'd be Much better served from a company with a longer track record like one of the ones I mentioned. WeldPro might be just great, not sure I see any kind of an advantage from them though (and why would you want to be the Guinea Pig?

)
Reply:

Originally Posted by BaTu

no need for Miller and their overpriced welders and repairs...
Reply:UR starting with stainless and ending up at aluminum, 2 different critters.  A grand to do 200A with new features is really cheap. Dynasty is 5K.   1K isnt a big reach these days.   I got a bud just got a new snowmobile. They didnt ride 50 miles local this year and had to go out of town on a trip to see any fluff for a weekend but, lives hand to mouth and the new machine,, was 15K.  I go wow, he wishes he coukld have got another,,, ha. why,,, cause he got a discount, dont realize,,, no matter how good a deal it is it still cost 15K.   Spending a grand on a welder isnt squat.  It wasnt all that long ago the import cost a lot more and was not as good.Last edited by Sberry; 3 Weeks Ago at 05:53 PM.www.urkafarms.com
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Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Funny....I've had over 40 Miller welders and none of them have required an expensive repair.  I guess you get what you pay for.
Reply:

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

The Primeweld 225X is a very nice AC/DC TIG welder with lots of features, under $1K and excellent customer support.  The company is here in the U.S. and the machines are imported.  I have yet to read a bad word written about them anywhere.  A buddy just bought one based upon my recommendation and he's absolutely thrilled with it.  Many people here have reported similar experiences unlike many brands and ever comment I've seen about their customer service has been positive.I've used the new Harbor Freight ProTIG 205 and it welded fine, but I thought the HF start was weak and there are many reports of units dead out of the box...and they're $1,200.  Everlast...well, I own one but wouldn't recommend anyone buy one...for a number of reasons.  They're based in the U.S. and the machines are imported, but the customer service is terrible...now Lugweld is going to chime in and say things have been corrected, but he gets paid by Everlast and the problems continue to be reported on every welding forum I know about.
Reply:Bite the bullet get a good one to start off with it will be easier to use and you will benefit more from itRetired Old GuyHobart 210Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Tombstone Evolution 14” Saw
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Originally Posted by NotaVegetarian

Bite the bullet get a good one to start off with it will be easier to use and you will benefit more from it
Reply:

Originally Posted by BaTu

Maybe you've been Lucky...They Gouge you $1,100 for just ONE Board on an $1,800 welder, F'em


Reply:

Originally Posted by shovelon

Got any suggestions?
Reply:I agree 👍 It size can be a pain too.Myself it was not doing what want to do (line of work). Dave

Originally Posted by NotaVegetarian

Yes the ones y’all recommend as a good one.  Have had several Harbor Freight and other off brand MiG welders.  My Hobart may still be at the lower end of brand names, however it’s a nice welder.  My Lincoln is a nice machine.  Wish I had bit the bullet and bought one of them first, instead of trying to save a dollar.  Have always told my kids when buying what you want is to spend the extra dollar and get what you really want or you will never be happy with it.  I know nothing about TIG welders.  Buy a good one.
Reply:

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

We all know you don't like Miller, but they are hardly alone in having expensive board costs.  I have a broken Lincoln TIG that was given to me.  The power board is $1,200 and that will show whether the $1,500 main board also needs to be replaced.  The Lincoln tech folks told me both boards are usually smoked when this happens, so $2,700 to fix a $4,500 machine.