Buying My first welder, but not a n00b to welding

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so i spent a decent amount of time in college leaning how to TIG alum and SS and i realize now that i really miss it and want to get my own machine. My budget is somewhat limited to a cheaper machine that can do AC/DC and has a 115/220v input.i was looking to go with the eastwood tig200 as it seems to be the best bang for the buck as i cant afford the diversion 180 and there really arent any other dual input voltage welders out there less then ~1500.im also going with this helmet:Lincoln K3030-1 Hemisfear Viking Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 2450 Seriesseemed to be the best bang for the buck and was a little better then the speedglas 100v.i plan to mostly tig alum <1/4" and would like the 115v input in case i need to go to a friends house and help them out with a project.anyone else have any recommendations? whats a good tank size to start with? 80cu?
Reply:Welcome to the site  ( use the search feature  to help) post your location  might be a good machine close to you that the members had seen for sale local service and repair down the road is worth more than a cheap price for a machine myself would look for used ( name brand ) more bang for the buxyou might want to do more research--- it has been talked about every week here. ---- some NOT so good luck with import weldersif you go that route good luckidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:i am from the DC metro area (will add to profile) and i am generally a fan of expensive things for cheap but i cant seem to find anything halfway decent. most of the 115v tigs are $4000ish so even finding one at a good deal isent in my price range. i have done alot of reading on here about the eastwood unit and i think the fact that their customer service is so good makes me a little more settled.im gona stop by the local welding supply today after work and have a talk with the guy to see what kind of advice he can offer.
Reply:I bought the eastwood but it showed up broken but they took care of it and paid for return shipping. I was going to get another but I just ponyed up and got the 180. If I were you, try the eastwood or save up for the miller 180.I was looking into that lincoln helmet and almost pulled the trigger but found a miller performance series helmet (all black) for $180-$190 shipped and love it. Best of luck with whatever you decide!Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:can you post a model # or link to that miller helmet?btw is there a reason the specs on the eastwood are better then the miller? eastwood says the 115v input doesent really limit the max amps but only the DC%.also does anyone have any comments on the HTP gas lens kit that comes with the 4 different sizes? seems like a steal rather then buying all the pieces individually from weldcrafthttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_767wt_1060
Reply:I honestly don't know. I can tell you that my miller 180 will not go past 125 amps on the 115v input which I never go that high anyway because 5 monkeys and a banana wired my house when it was built.I do find it hard to believe that you can go 160+ amps on only a 115v input, but that is based on my limited electrical knowledge. I mostly slept in those classes This is the exact helmet I bought. The ones with graphics were a lot morehttp://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda2.htmlTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI honestly don't know. I can tell you that my miller 180 will not go past 125 amps on the 115v input which I never go that high anyway because 5 monkeys and a banana wired my house when it was built.I do find it hard to believe that you can go 160+ amps on only a 115v input, but that is based on my limited electrical knowledge. I mostly slept in those classes This is the exact helmet I bought. The ones with graphics were a lot morehttp://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda2.html
Reply:I always buy htp consumables, and have never had a problem with quality. I highly recommend them.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by superskaterxesbtw is there a reason the specs on the eastwood are better then the miller? eastwood says the 115v input doesent really limit the max amps but only the DC%.
Reply:well i decided to take some good advice and wait for a used diversion 180. i put up a WTB add in the FS section so if anyone see's one let me know!
Reply:Originally Posted by superskaterxeswell i decided to take some good advice and wait for a used diversion 180. i put up a WTB add in the FS section so if anyone see's one let me know!
Reply:Check craigslist daily seems like a lot of people get good deals every now and again.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer