Best Tig for Sheet Metal

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I am looking for a tig to do sheet metal work, mainly autobody.  I do not need a large welder as I already own a Miller 252.  What I plan to do is sell my Lincoln 110 and then kick in a bit of cash to get the tig.  A couple key items of need here, I want something that I can change guns on, something that I can run on 110 in a pinch, and something that will allow a foot and hand control.  I am not overly concerned on price but want the best one I can get.  I will also need something that can handle exotic metals as I am going to be doing body repair on a 63 XKE Jag which has an alloy body of magnesium, steel, and aluminum, so it must be AC/DC.  What would you all suggest?  Open to any and all thoughts but remember, looking for the highest quality of temperature control, highest ability to do thin metals, and still maintaining the ability to use a 110 circuit since I am going to sell my 110 mig.Thanks in advance.
Reply:The 252 should work great on auto sheet metal work.  You mainly just need a tig for Stainless & Alum.That being said, go Miller, without question.  If you want 110/220 & aren't afraid of spending more money go for the Dynasty 200.  If you can go 220 full time & portability isn't a concern go with A syncrowave 250.  (a bit cheaper).If you are just doing small stuff stick with an air cooled torch, but anything serious should have a water cooled torch.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:There is no such thing as the "Best Tig" for welding anything..Especially sheet metal such as autobody panels..It's all in the OPERATOR of said machine....zap!Last edited by zapster; 02-06-2012 at 07:59 PM.I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:So while I genuinely appreciate that tig is nearing a skill based art form, was really looking for some thoughts on machines.  A key piece of the equation I may have not noted is that currently I am doing a firewall.  This means that I would like to have a weld that looks good on both sides, with no warping, limited need to grind, and on relatively thin metal.  I in no way think a sweet machine makes me a great welder but I also am a firm believer in using the right tool for the job at hand.  I LOVE my 252, but for the purpose at hand it just does not have the control I am looking for.  The other key piece is that the next project will be my jag.  From the reading I have done, my 252 is not going to fit the needs of a complex alloy like that.  Last thing I want to be doing there is messing up the body because I tried to use something that would work pretty well versus perfectly.  Keep the thoughts coming.......
Reply:The Dynasty200 is a great machine. I love mine to death. Engage the pulse for thin stuff and stainless, and you can't get any better. There is a large learning curve but the people here and on the miller website are extremely helpful and can give you the parameters.If the learning curve is to much, and you want to save some money, the Diversion 180 is stupid easy. Does AC and DC on 115 volt as well as 220.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Two votes dynasty 200..... Consensus or other thoughts?
Reply:I too have a D200Fantastic machine. If aluminum is not in the picture and you are looking at light gauge sheet steel 1/8" or less in thickness. The Maxstar Millers  are fine machines as well. If potability is not a need then old Syncrowave or Miller GoldStar are great too. Power hogs both compared to the D200. Always buy as much machine as you can afford.
Reply:What ever machine you will want to go down to 5 amps.  I have a lincoln V160S.  DC only, can take a foot pedal.   Really nice Tig Welder.  Its in my truck for a job tomorrow in a kitchen.  I  usually run it on 110 because restaurants have good power.   All the outlets are on 20 amp breakers.  I can use 80 amps no problem.  I also have a second torch for it with the amp control built in the torch head.  Its nice at times.  AC/DC, I think the arcmaster 185 is the best new machine for its cost.  Its rare to see a  used one.For body panels I would use a good quality 110 mig with .023 wire and C/25.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I have d 200dx h20 torch and homemade cooler real smooth not cheap but worth the investment.You will still get some minor warping  but it is more controllable and can be worked with some basic body work skills..Try silicone bronze with it real sweet.My2¢V.