$800 Budget Tig vs OA (New Equipment)

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I've pretty much made up my mind that OA is best for me and my situation and lack of access and unwillingness to install an outlet where I'm going be welding---- But what new TIG equipment can I afford with my $800 total budget that can run off a standard house outlet? I know that with OA that I can afford all top of the line gear and that includes tanks for around $750. I have plans to mainly weld 1/16 square tube and lighter sheet for various hobby projects.
Reply:A decent sized bottle of Argon is going to be at least $200 with additional cups, collets, and tungsten $80.  Now your budget for a TIG machine is $520. I wouldn't even worry about TIG right now.  I havn't been doing this long, but with OA you will be welding almost like the TIG process minus the foot pedal.  It will let you experience the process and then you can decide if you want to buy a TIG machine later. You can also braze with OA and it's almost a shame to paint over those pretty little golden blobs of metal.Syncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:New for $800 limits you to pretty much China stuff, since it has to be 110V capable.  Eastwood TIGs seem to be hit-and-miss, mine worked fine for a few years before I sold it to upgrade.  The AHP Alphatig 200dx seems to be all the rave right now.  The latest model having AC Frequency control is pretty sweet for what it costs.  And of course, two brands that are approved vendors here, Longevity and Everlast, seem ok based on the Youtube videos I've seen.  But if this is your bread and butter where you will be making your living off of, no tig for $800 will fit the bill when you need top-notch customer support from the manufacturer. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:why bother with TIG? Why not go with a good MIG? in that price range you can get a Hobart 210 MVP. And if you do ever install a 220 outlet, you will be prepared for much heavier stuff. They retail for around $850 and you can frequently find them cheaper during sales and specials.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:well for DC only as you are not doing aluminum there are a lot of budget machines to choose from...   some good deals to be had used also...  tanks can often be found on craigslist under $100.   then just take it to be filled.   be sure no company name is stamped on the neck ring though.   Tungsten can be had from a place like weldingcity for under $20 for a 10 packTiger 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:I recently bought a 140 amp stick machine that can run off of 110 or 220. Cost around 300 bucks.I took a chance, and got one from Longevity. I can't speak to its longevity yet, but I am very pleased with it.With the addition of a "dry rig" aka scratch start tig rig from one of a number of sources, I am sure it would make a fine tig machine.As Southpaw said, there are a number of manufacturers making good entry level machines that can be had on your budget. Some, like the everlast, even have lift start, which is nice to have.As mentioned also, there are several nice MIG machines in your price range. From those, in your price range all totalled, my choice would be either the Hobart Or Klutch, both available at Northern tool.Last edited by geezerbill; 03-16-2015 at 07:26 PM.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:I'm not overly interested in MIG although I have considered it to be a logical and economical choice. TIG/MIG for the most part won't work well for me because I plan to do most, if not all of my welding outside where shielding gases tend to blow away. I have more of an interest in the precision of TIG or OA. I might go OA and then add a cheap inverter and convert it into a TIG machine to play with in the future.
Reply:Thermal Arc (TWECO) and ESAB both have small DC tig machines. Miniarc 161 from ESAB fits your budget
Reply:This is slightly over your budget but does give you all 3 in one with a 110v plug-in. It's something to consider. Also you can use fluxcore wire and not need gas for MIG welding outside.Just another option...http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...cker=3573-2658-DoogieMiller 350PMiller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/ Excel PowerLincoln LN25 suitcase welderXMT 304/22a feederMiller Syncrowave 350LXMiller EconotigHobart Handler 140(2) Uni-Hydro 42-14Hypertherm 65 plasmaWEBB Gap bed lathe
Reply:actually if you use flux core wire, you can MIG anywhere (technically FCAW, not really MIG, but the same machine and you don't need gas). I do MIG and TIG outdoors with gas, when the air is calm. The problem with OA is it will put a LOT of heat into your work and warp things. I think you have a better shot of controlling warping with a MIGMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:I don't have a very good memory, but I don't think I remember ever hearing precision and O/A welding used in the same sentence before. (silver solder, yes)While the 100% argon you will be using to TIG weld may be a bit heavier than 75/25% that you would use for MIG, I am pretty sure it will blow away just about as easily.Remember though, you will probably need a 20 amp circuit for your 110 if you want to get all you can out of a 110 machine.But, if you are going to be welding mostly 16 ga stuff, you may be running at low enough amperage to get by on a 15 amp circuit.Mind if I ask what the extent of your welding experience is?Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:mwshines - Depending on where you are located, this would be a good rig for you (it's mine ).  Let me know if you are interested and we might be able to work a deal. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...foot-pedal-750 Originally Posted by geezerbillI don't have a very good memory, but I don't think I remember ever hearing precision and O/A welding used in the same sentence before. (silver solder, yes)
Reply:look for a used Miller Maxstar 150. I bought my 150 STH for $850, that was 5 years ago still welds like a champ.