I want a Tig welder!

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I want to start practicing for tube work such as roll bars,cages,chassis,suspension work/parts etc. Also SS headers,sheet AL intakes/oil pans etc. Basically I will be working with Aluminum no thicker than 1/8" maybe 3/16" and as for steel no thicker than 3/16". Ill just mig everything else. This will be my first Tig welder as i am a beginner. What machine would suit me the best? Not to expensive either lol Help me decide guy!
Reply:Check out the Longevity 200sx. Or 200ex.   Both are AC/DC so they will do aluminum.  As a beginner get a simpler machine... the new Thermal Arc 186 is nice too.  U need AC TIG for aluminum. That bumps up the price significantly over DC TIG machines.    Look for an older transformer tig if u want to save $ and have a 50 to 100 amp 220vac power supplyIf appearance is important on. Stainless stuff u may want to consider a machine with pulse functions but that bumps up price again.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Covered so many times in the last month alone... and here we go again...If you want to do alum don't expect "inexpensive" unless you are willing to give up something. Options on AC/DC tigs...Larger used industrial machines like Miller 330AB/P's etc... Large, heavy, power hungry but relatively inexpensive $500-900 on average depending on what comes with them. Occasionally the rebadged units run a bit less."Newer" used machines like Miller Syncrowaves. medium sized, moderately heavy and still need at least a 50 amp breaker. Price range in the $900-1500 range depending on model, output and accessories. Usually more advanced options than the older models.Lower end machines like Miler Diversions, Hobart tigmates. Limited output, no stick capability. no advanced functions. price fair but you can get more machine for the same money used."Cheap" imports new.  Look good in price, but be aware many of these brands have a bad reputation for problems and very poor customer service. Don't expect to get them repaired easily down the road if/when thing fail. Many of these companies have a reputation here of deleting "bad" posts, so there isn't a lot of evidence to show there were issues.Newer "mid range" machines like the TA 186, Miller Syncro 200 etc. The TA 186 is too new to have a  proven track record yet, but previous model was quite good. Syncrowaves have a long track record of good performance. Mid priced $1650- 2300. more money, but from a proven company.Top end machines like Millers Dynasty. All the bells and whistles, but at 2x the price of the mid range machines..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:Take a couple min and search around on here..and google etc... your best bet is a Square Wave or Precision Tig 175 -225 etc...  keep an eye on Craigslist, Ebay and other auctions... You will want a machine with a pedal... Sometimes it's nice to have a mchine with more power than you need... also means you won't be pushing your duty cycle all the time..Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWCovered so many times in the last month alone... and here we go again...
Reply:Is it just me or this kind of trick look deju-vu?Problem is...They need to sell as much they can before Christmas so they start thread like this one and we always see the same new chicon stuff push forward...We are lucky some old members get back and point posters on the right direction each time....Is it time for a sticky on the subject before they get bored and stop answering the same crap?Last edited by OldSkull; 12-17-2012 at 02:04 AM.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749It might be a good idea to put a canned answer in a file, then just copy & paste when needed.I dunno......
Reply:Make it a sticky with a giant neon sign pointing to it.
Reply:Ok. Thanks for the help guys! If your tired of posting the same stuff then why did ya come on this thread in the first place? I see there are still some people on this forum who don't mind it. Or like you guys said maybe if there was a sticky this thread wouldn't have been made! Also I did research other places and when I read what "old Skool" welders would ask the newbies what they were gonna be using the machine for, so that they could help them find the best beginner welder to suit them. That is simply why I made this thread to tell you guys exactly what I'm going to do with it, can you help me please? Oh and I can have any machine I want, expensive to. It's called good credit and damn good job. I chose to be a little inexpensive on my "beginner" machine because I'm a "beginner". Have a nice day!
Reply:Originally Posted by fuze Oh and I can have any machine I want, expensive to. It's called good credit and damn good job. I chose to be a little inexpensive on my "beginner" machine because I'm a "beginner". Have a nice day!
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Geez, don't get all chapped about it man. We've been talking about making a thread use specific for awhile. Nobody's beating up on you for asking the question. It just gets asked a LOT.You'll find there are many on this board who will go to great lengths to help others out. Give them a chance.Things were vicious around here a few years back. Nothing like that now, just so you know.
Reply:I'm not chapped man. I guess I should have stated best "deals" on tig welders, and not "inexpensive" in my first post. Its ok, If i get help/advice on the forum great that's what I'm here for. If not no biggie, ill just wing it! Ill check out some of the machines stated in the beginning.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawhe could always go the the AWS forum.
Reply:I'll play since I'm less experienced with all the welder models than many here. You are asking to do a lot of different processes. Simple as this: if you are going to need versatility, you have to break out the check book. You may very well want pulse on your new machine for the SS work. In this case the expression "go big or go home" applies. Not meaning buy a huge machine, just a capable one.__________________
Reply:Fuze,  get a miller 200 dx with water cooler,  wire up that badboy on a 460V 3-phase line (if you have it), and don't look back.  If money was no object for me I would get that or a Miller Dynasty 350 w/ water cooler.  The 200dx is pretty much the best of the best for what you're gonna do.BTW, I have similar interests as you--I just recently finished modifying some longtube headers, working on modifying an oil pan, and I have an aluminum sheet metal intake manifold.   Granted I bought the manifold and didn't make it, but if I ever wanted to make one, I'd want a 200dx for it.
Reply:Steve is totally correct, was just joking around.     plus I already added my advice on your question..Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:For your purposes, it sounds like a Miller Dynasty 200DX is the best for you. You could start with an aircooled torch for now and upgrade to a watercooled later if you want. I don’t know if you were looking to buy new or used. Personally when I got mine, I bought new. My thought is TIG is hard enough to learn so I wanted to make sure the machine wasn’t going to cause me an issue. If you know someone who knows how to TIG, then they can test out used machines to make sure they aren't screwed up before you hand over any cash. If you do go for a Dynasty 200DX, the 2 pieces of advice I would give you is:1. Don’t buy the contractor kit. Save some money and buy what you want separately. I bought the contractor kit and don’t use the case or stick holder. 2. Make sure you have a 220 volt outlet available. You won’t get the full 200 amps out of it on 110.kidtigger24  They think I’m crazy, but I know better. It is not I who am crazy. It is I who am MAD!
Reply:Same boat here. Use a HF Mig 151 that works really well for the $250 I have in it, have a LOTOS plasma cutter that works amazing for $300 with a ton of consumables included that I haven't even used yet. So I know the TD, Hobart, Miller, Lincoln people will most likely bash my next purchase which will be the Longevity TigWeld 160SX which is on sale now for $714 knock off the 20% with code and delivered is $631.Now I don't know about the rest of you but I currently weld for hobby and dropping $1k+ on something I might use on the weekends isn't practical. Sure I'd love to have shiny blue Miller sitting in the corner or even a used one but I've looked for months now and haven't found any "name" brands for under a grand so I'm going AGAIN with a chinese model.This is pretty close to what Eastwood offers but I think a better machine and LESS money.If any doubt the chinese LOTOS plasma cutter, I have to tell you it's got a large pair of brass balls for such a little package and little price. I've abused it, over heated it duty cycle wise several times and it just keeps going. By far the best $300 I've spent cutting tools.Video is here, its a "Tommy Mac" style video so forgive my poor impression!Anyhow if the "big boys" really gave 2 $hits about us weekend garage warriors then they'd make something for us that was priced more competitive. If I made my living metal working I'd probably think differently but honestly for what I've paid for my machines, including this next purchase will total under $1000 and I have three awesome tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by fuzeI want to start practicing for tube work such as roll bars,cages,chassis,suspension work/parts etc. Also SS headers,sheet AL intakes/oil pans etc. Basically I will be working with Aluminum no thicker than 1/8" maybe 3/16" and as for steel no thicker than 3/16". Ill just mig everything else. This will be my first Tig welder as i am a beginner. What machine would suit me the best? Not to expensive either lol Help me decide guy!
Reply:Originally Posted by grumpycricketA tig newbie gonna weld roll cages, frames, chassis and suspensions! Anyone else see a problem with this? ! WTF!!!
Reply:Waresdog, I think the 160sx and 200sx are going to be good quality machines that fill the home hobbiest niche for an affordable and well made AC capable tig machine.   I will be reviewing the 200sx in depth next month...  looking forward to playing with that machine:thumbup:As far as the Lotos I would say u got lucky and got a good unit that works.   If you have not tried other MIG machines then u have no base to compare the HF unit to.   I would never buy a HF welder.   I even gave away one of their FCAW that was given to me.Last edited by soutthpaw; 12-28-2012 at 12:22 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarYea pretty much.  Someone should just compile a list of AC/DC TIG welders with links, and just post it up with links so people can just click away as easily as they click on the "Start new thread" button.
Reply:Originally Posted by warezdogSo I know the TD, Hobart, Miller, Lincoln people will most likely bash my next purchase which will be the Longevity TigWeld 160SX which is on sale now for $714 knock off the 20% with code and delivered is $631.
Reply:I would look at a decent 200 amp ac tig welder. Miller 200 DX is a really good machine. I have a HTP 221 that I really like. Was going to buy the Miller but decided on this. Really like it so far. Dont get to weld all that much due to time. I did a video on u tube if you search. It might help help. HTP has a good product for the price. I just ordered their auto darkening helmet to give it a try as well since I have been a happy with them so far. Just another option to look at.Hobart Handler 210 with SpoolgunHypertherm PM30 PlasmaHTP 221 Tig WelderHF BandsawHF Auto Dark Helmet
Reply:You should factor in resale value as well.  If you think there's a chance you'll need a bigger machine someday, it's actually cheaper for you to buy a used high quality name brand machine.For instance, over the past 2 years, I bought and sold a Syncro 250, a TA 185 and a Dynasty 200 Watercooled Tigrunner.  In the end, I got to use all three machine, experience all of the features, and easily sold all three for the same price I paid for them with very little effort.I sold the Dynasty on CL in 2 days IIRC. So factor that in as well.  You're not gonna be happy rather quickly with a 160 amp machine on aluminum.  You'll be limited to 1/8".  If you wanna upgrade, that 160 SX is gonna just sit there.  Noones gonna give you $300 for it when they can buy it new for not much more.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 MagnumOriginally Posted by Drf255You should factor in resale value as well.  If you think there's a chance you'll need a bigger machine someday, it's actually cheaper for you to buy a used high quality name brand machine.For instance, over the past 2 years, I bought and sold a Syncro 250, a TA 185 and a Dynasty 200 Watercooled Tigrunner.  In the end, I got to use all three machine, experience all of the features, and easily sold all three for the same price I paid for them with very little effort.I sold the Dynasty on CL in 2 days IIRC. So factor that in as well.  You're not gonna be happy rather quickly with a 160 amp machine on aluminum.  You'll be limited to 1/8".  If you wanna upgrade, that 160 SX is gonna just sit there.  Noones gonna give you $300 for it when they can buy it new for not much more.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255You should factor in resale value as well.  If you think there's a chance you'll need a bigger machine someday, it's actually cheaper for you to buy a used high quality name brand machine.For instance, over the past 2 years, I bought and sold a Syncro 250, a TA 185 and a Dynasty 200 Watercooled Tigrunner.  In the end, I got to use all three machine, experience all of the features, and easily sold all three for the same price I paid for them with very little effort.I sold the Dynasty on CL in 2 days IIRC. So factor that in as well.  You're not gonna be happy rather quickly with a 160 amp machine on aluminum.  You'll be limited to 1/8".  If you wanna upgrade, that 160 SX is gonna just sit there.  Noones gonna give you $300 for it when they can buy it new for not much more.
Reply:Not concerned with resale value to be honest, I mean I would be if I was dropping $2K on a Miller. I have two projects that I want done that would cost me more than the 160SX is delivered to my door. If it does what I need it to then I'll end up having it for many more projects like welding SS and as a bonus have a stick welder when I don't think my HF151 Mig will do the job.Again with this welder, the HF Mig, and the Lotos 50D plasma cutter I'll have just shy of $1100 invested. The MIG paid for itself the first time I used it and since then I have gone thru spools of wire and bottles of 75/25 so in my mind I'm WAY ahead of the game and if it shot the poo tomorrow I wouldn't be as upset,  I would be COMPLETELY PISSED off if I had dumped 2K into a Dynasty and it crapped on me out of warranty.Just saying for the weekend guy like myself Miller and Lincoln just aren't interested in our business. If I welded for a living I'd probably have a different line of thinking. Like I said I've now spent almost a year looking for a used syncro or dynasty sub $1k and found nothing that hadn't beed abused.
Reply:I think it comes down to available funds and being honest with yourself about usage and future needs.  For exaample.  U want to learn and do AC and DC tig/stick and want a plasma cutter for hobby or light commercial use. Dynasty 200 DX= $4k Hypertherm 45= 2K. So about $6k in equipment.  Many people don't have that to invest for a hobby. Longevity 200sx ac/dc tig $850 and forcecut 42I $1000 or less = $1850.  As u get 5 yr warranty you r set for 5 yrs.  Even if u sold the Dynasty and hypertherm in 5 yrs for something else you would prob. Loose about $1500 on your initial investment.   You would probably get 1/2 what u paid for the Longevity stuff when u sell in 5 yrs.  (Yes there is a good market for good chicom stuff used).   Realistically many considering a longevity or other chicom is highly unlikely to ever need to upgrade...Now if someone come here and already has an established or planning a commercial welding business it would be a whole different story.   U gotta have parts and service available locally and quickly when the machines are your livelyhood..Last edited by soutthpaw; 12-31-2012 at 01:16 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawI think it comes down to available funds and being honest with yourself about usage and future needs.
Reply:Missed the HOLIDAY2012 code but made offer and got the 160SX for $649 delivered, should have it this week and I'll put up some video of my tig'n for the first time and on aluminum at that.Looked at a syncrowave last weekend that was beat to crap, the torch was abused, and overall it looked like it lived its live in the back of a pickup truck.The price was $1500, he wouldn't budge, that sealed my decisionto buy the 160SX. Maybe after I get my current projects done in a few months I'll put it on CL and see what I can get for it and continue looking for a dynasty or syncro but in the NE they're not an easyanimal to find in good condition at a reasonable price.