New 2 Tig

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Hello all. I’m going to be new to Tig and while I know that the big names of Miller and Lincoln are top shelf, I’ve used a Lincoln 180 ProMig for a few years now, I’m going to begin to learn to Tig. I’ve noticed that there are and endless number of “economy” machines out there and that they’ve improved their quality over the years, but it’s difficult to believe any of the comments with so much paid ads going on disguised as “honest reviews” under the table and this forum seems to be well-versed and honest in the threads I’ve read. So, with all that said, I’m considering the Yes line of Tig welders, specifically the 205 and 255. Are they any good for a beginner; do they last through the learning process and into intermediary learning and should I begin to learn with a foot peddle or just add in that proficiency later? Thanks for your input.
Reply:Welcome to the group  Dave

Originally Posted by Bukeroo

Hello all. I’m going to be new to Tig and while I know that the big names of Miller and Lincoln are top shelf, I’ve used a Lincoln 180 ProMig for a few years now, I’m going to begin to learn to Tig. I’ve noticed that there are and endless number of “economy” machines out there and that they’ve improved their quality over the years, but it’s difficult to believe any of the comments with so much paid ads going on disguised as “honest reviews” under the table and this forum seems to be well-versed and honest in the threads I’ve read. So, with all that said, I’m considering the Yes line of Tig welders, specifically the 205 and 255. Are they any good for a beginner; do they last through the learning process and into intermediary learning and should I begin to learn with a foot peddle or just add in that proficiency later? Thanks for your input.
Reply:Check out these videos and draw your own conclusions. https://www.youtube.com/c/bigtb1717/...y=yes%20welderMe personally I would pass. In fact, if you have a stick welder already, you would probably be better off ordering a cheap 17 torch with a valve, and setting yourself up for scratch-start TIG as your intro to the process. I did that with my old Hobart Stickmate and it worked quite well for steel. That won't work for aluminum however.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:But there Are good manufactures that you'd be happy with I'm sure....Look at HTP, Everlast, Primeweld, to name a few. Others are good also but, Not Yes welders!


Reply:Nope, mig only and I’m getting Tig for aluminum so I need AC. Thank you though.
Reply:

Originally Posted by BaTu

But there Are good manufactures that you'd be happy with I'm sure...Look at HTP, Everlast, Primeweld, to name a few. Others are good also but, Not Yes welders!


Reply:TIG must be divided into Steel, or Steel/aluminum.Those needing to weld only steel, or stainless can get out of this a lot cheaper. A steel welder doesn't need as much power. Not a lot of high tech in steel welders.Those needing to weld aluminum need more power & AC. If helium were still practical, we'd still be happy with 60 cycle sine wave transformer welders. Manufacturers have spent 40 years looking for a welder able to weld as well with argon. They have come close.Welders now have square wave, balance control, frequency control, pulse, & now amplitude is available on some. Fine tune these parameters, you may weld as nice as your grandfather did with helium. I'd still trade them all for a lifetime supply of helium.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:So yea,,, you talk Aluminum and you're in a Whole New Ballgame...To weld just 1/4" Aluminum (and that's not all that Thick) then you're gonna need a 250A machine, and a Watercooled Torch & Cooler (well, you can actually get away with connecting to a sink if you had to) and you're looking at $2k and UP.If you're sure you'll only be doing 1/8" and thinner, you can go with a 200A machine and an good Air Cooled Torch for 1/2 that maybe.