Need Guidance on First Machine

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Hello all,I'm interested in getting my first TIG machine. What I'm currently interested in is a machine that has roughly 200 amps, DC/AC, HF start, and a pedal. Since this machine will be purely for hobby use I don't need a super expensive fancy machine but I'm a fan of buying quality even if it means spending a little more than settling for a sub-par machine.From looking at the lower cost brands like the Eastwood or AHP, I've noticed that the foot pedals on those machines has a potentiometer built into them and that is what controls the max amps when using the pedal. Quite frankly I do not like that design at all and prefer the traditional pedal design where the amps are limited by the panel.All of my experience welding has been on a Miller Diversion 165 and have enjoyed the simplicity of that machine for learning purposes. I would think that machine or the 180 would fit my needs quite well but I'd like more input on other options. If I can save money by getting a slightly lesser machine, I'm open to that, just don't want to lose too much quality. I've looked at the Everlast welders (I know they are quite controversial around here) and it would almost seem like one of them could suffice (if it actually worked). If you could possibly provide rankings of which brands/machines possibly with pros/cons that would help greatly. I have intentionally left out a budget parameter because I do not want to set an unrealistic budget hoping for a machine that simply can't be bought for that price, but I would like to keep it on the lower side. I've also considered some of the combo machines that can do TIG and plasma cutting. If there are any machines that can do both pretty well then one of those might also fill my needs. Anyways, I hope I've provided sufficient information detailing my desires but enough rambling. Thanks for looking.-AlexLast edited by aervin; 09-01-2014 at 08:30 PM.
Reply:Well we know that you want a good machine, not something too cheap.. What do you plan to weld? (steel/aluminum/size) What kind of input power do you have available? Does it need to be portable? Used or new?Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I'd look at a nice used Syncrowave myself.  The Syncro 180's and 200's show up regularly and you can even find the Syncro 250's at good prices occasionally. An older used TA 185 would also be a good choice. New, one of the Tweeco/Thermal Arc TA 186's or the newer Syncrowave 210..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Plan to weld mostly steel with a little aluminum thrown in there, unsure if stainless would really come up. I highly doubt I'd have to go over a 1/4" probably 3/16" max (I know the general rule of thumb of 0.001" per amp). Power I have 110V and 220V available. The machines that can run off both seem nice for the versatility aspect. Portability would be nice for moving it all around the garage. I unfortunately generally have a stigma that new is better than used but a nice used machine wouldn't turn me off.I have looked at the TA 186 as well as the Diversion 165 as probably the top two contenders for new machines.I'll keep an eye out for used machines coming available.
Reply:What's your location?Go to the user CP and post it there.  A lot of guys hear of local deals and can alert you.Back to the OP, how much space do you have and HOW MANY amps of 220 do u have available?  Remember that portability looks great on paper, but it's not only the 40 lb inverter you need to bring with you-there's a tank, gauge, pedal, cables etc...Also, you're not doing any REAL aluminum work on 110v input.  Aluminum sucks up amps that 110V input just can't make.Last edited by Drf255; 09-02-2014 at 04:47 AM.
Reply:When it comes to buying your first tig , buy new. The Diversion 165 and the Hobart EZ-Tig 165i are basically the same but the Hobart includes a foot pedal and runs cheaper. The Thermal Arc 186 costs more but you get way more features.  I was torn between the Thermal Arc and the Miller Syncrowave 210 , I went with the Miller and glad I spent the extra cash.
Reply:A few things. On standard 20 amp 110v power even the best machines are fairly limited on alum. Figure 16 ga at best. Yes if you read the ratings on say a Dynasty 200, the output would tell you that you could do 1/8" alum on 110v power, but if you read further, to do so you'd need over a 30 amp circuit on 110v to do so. If you want to weld up steel exhaust tubing 110v power is fine, but 220v power is really the way to go.Now as to your thicknesses... To do 1/4" alum you'll need at least a 250 amp class tig. 3/16" alum is pushing my 200 amp tig to the max and beyond. It's doable, but you really have to have joint prep right and all the other factors have to align perfectly to do a good job. the 1 amp per .001 rule works fine for steel, but you need to add another 20% to that when you go to aluminum. Also maxing out the amps on machines like this will overheat air cooled torches in a minute or so. Water cooled is a necessity really once you start talking over 150 amps.The Diversion and Eztig are both nice machines, but both underpowered for anything past 1/8". Even then duty cycle is measured in seconds when you have the units maxed.Inverters like the TA 186, Dynasty's, and I believe the newer Syncro 210's, have a few advantages on thicker material.They allow you to better tailor the arc characteristics to allow you to do things you can't do with tranny machines. Down side is you pay for that ability..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:A lot of great info so thank you for that. I'm not sure what amps the 220 is running I'll have to check on that.I'll just have to be realistic about the thickness of aluminum I can actually handle with which ever machine I end up getting. I doubt I'd have much aluminum welding to be honest, but for my first machine I'd rather have one that doesn't limit me to only DC.For now I'm thinking the front runner for me is the TA 186 but I'll definitely keep the others in mind as well and keep an eye out for deals and such.One other random question. I've never used anything but foot control so is the torch control ever really useful and if so when and where and why?Thanks again,-Alex
Reply:I'm a newbie to TIG but have found torch control is nice for tacking.
Reply:My Lincoln Square Wave TIG 175 has been a great machine. They show up on craigslist pretty regularly. It's nice that it has a standard DINSE for the torch/stinger and you can do stick with it. The SSC pedal is really nice. And the post flow timer is long enough to do thinner titanium. You ought to consider it.