Recommend me a TIG welder...

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I"m new to welding and I'm looking to purchase a TIG welder for my garage. I'm looking for something that won't break a bank. I'll probably purchase from either Amazon or eBay. A foot pedal is high on the priority list. I hope I can get something that can do both AC/DC as I want to have the option to work on aluminum and is dual voltage 115/220v. My price range is around $700Thanks, guys!
Reply:"Won't break the bank" is an incompatible specification with "won't break in the first month" for TIG machines.TIG is also the hardest process to master.MIG or flux-cored will get you joining metal faster and easier for much less up-front cost. What are you planning on doing with your welding skills?Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Why does this feel like an advertisement for certain welder importers? This question has been asked and answered many times.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Why does this feel like an advertisement for certain welder importers? This question has been asked and answered many times.
Reply:We both have MIG and TIG welders at work and there seems to be a significant amount less sparks with TIG than with MIG welding. Also, it's recommended to be by our welders moreso than MIG. The problem is that we use industrial Millers which are out of my price range.
Reply:Originally Posted by PcmakerWe both have MIG and TIG welders at work and there seems to be a significant amount less sparks with TIG than with MIG welding. Also, it's recommended to be by our welders moreso than MIG. The problem is that we use industrial Millers which are out of my price range.
Reply:Hah, I wish... though it is very possible. Whenever OSHA comes by, ANY and ALL equipment that fail to comply with their safety standards have to be taken off property ASAP. I've gotten a DeWalt circular saw, a DeWalt Angle grinder and a nice milwaukee rotary hammer drill because they all had slightly frayed power cords. As for the local stores, not many places here sell affordable TIG welders. It's the usual Lincoln MIGs from Home Depot, Lowe's... and the ones from AirGas are way out of my price range.I understand the concept of, "you get what you pay for," as I have nothing but high quality tools in my garage. But every TIG welder I've been recommended with so far are industrial-grade Millers or Lincolns. There's gotta be cheaper TIG alternatives for garage welders.Last edited by Pcmaker; 12-02-2015 at 04:53 PM.
Reply:lincoln has there new square wave tig/ stick welder about $1400.00Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Originally Posted by roadkillbobblincoln has there new square wave tig/ stick welder about $1400.00
Reply:Originally Posted by Pcmaker... I hope I can get something that can do both AC/DC as I want to have the option to work on aluminum and is dual voltage 115/220v. My price range is around $700...
Reply:Originally Posted by PcmakerI understand the concept of, "you get what you pay for," as I have nothing but high quality tools in my garage. But every TIG welder I've been recommended with so far are industrial-grade Millers or Lincolns. There's gotta be cheaper TIG alternatives for garage welders.
Reply:A used Miller Syncrowave 180 or 200 is a good choice.  I have owned both, both are good, both have AC and DC, work with any metal.  Watch craigslist.  However, probably over $1000, unless you are very lucky.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I would find a Miller Dialarc or similar and hookup a 100amp circuit in your workspace. I've owner 2 Dialarc's and they are good machines that don't break and make money. They also have plenty of amps to do just about anything that makes it's way into a general fab shop. It's more difficult to do aluminum with them, no balance or frequency control, but they do it well once you learn how to do it. For $1400 you can get a real nice machine with torches,cooler,pedal,machine and probably some extras. I just sold a 1984 model that was pretty much brand new with 2 torches, cooler, nice pedal, machines, all the stuff you need for the torches, and a couple of lbs or welding rod for $1600. Also, threw in a hour and a half demonstration on different polarities, amp setting, and sent them away with a bunch of weld samples.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumForget dual voltage and if you want to do aluminum think big.  Find an old Dialarc HF or Miller 330 ABP with the accessories for that price.  And wire your garage for a 100 Amp outlet.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave+1My Airco (Miller 330 abp) was $225 for the bare machine.  900 lbs of 1963 awesomeness Runs excellent on a 60 amp breaker - that will fill your needs for a long time.
Reply:Originally Posted by rafergusonA used Miller Syncrowave 180 or 200 is a good choice.  I have owned both, both are good, both have AC and DC, work with any metal.  Watch craigslist.  However, probably over $1000, unless you are very lucky.