Is it foolish to get a tig welder as a first and only welder.

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I want to know if anybody has started on tig or just does tig after starting with stick or mig welding, and what you think about getting a tig welder as a first and only welder.I have never welded except for using a spot welder 35 years ago in shop class to make a box (and some kung fu stars when the shop teacher wasn't looking,)  I have read welding books cover to cover, read forums, watched hundreds (way more than that) of videos and watched a friend mig weld and another do some black smithing.  I have an anvil, vise, gloves, shield, propane torch, welding books, and some scrap, all of which I have been slowly acquiring for this moment.  I want to fab some household items ie. lamps, shelf brackets, table, motorcycle brackets and parts, art projects, etc.  I want the welds to look good and be solid.  After all my studies, it appears to me that although tig requires more tasks to be done simultaneously i.e. hold torch, control torch heat, hold filler rod, than mig does, it would give me more control and also would be better for delicate work such as on a sculpture or on smaller pieces of metal such as 1/8 round etc.  Am I nuts?   My unexperienced mind tells me to go for it and expect to be frustrated for a while and have a steeper learning curve vs starting with a mig but that in the end I would be glad that I didn't get a buzz box, then flux cor mig, then gas mig, then a tig.  I like the idea of being able to very the torch and not have to worry about setting wire speed and have the ability to dab the filler in when I want to while moving the torch and varying power.   At least thats how it is in my mind.. ha!  Again, am I nuts?Also is it true that most tigs can be turned down lower or more easily for very fine work?Thanks.Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Look into the 3 in one welders and you have Mig, Tig and stick the best of all worlds. I have the Thermal Dynamics 252I and the smaller unit is the 211i. Great welders and fairly reasonable.GalenMiller TrailBlazer 302 EFIThermal Dynamics 252i w/WeldCraft WP 9F tig torch and foot controlThermal Dynamics Pak 52Millermatic 250 w/Spoolmate 30aLincoln SA-200 gas driven welder from grandfatherBlacksmith shop
Reply:I've started plenty of students right out on tig. I'll grant you those with previous experience welding have an advantage when learning. However other than the fact that it takes tig guys longer to pick up all the basics because there are so many more variables to control with tig, I don't see them having any real disadvantage over someone who is starting out on either mig or stick..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:NO, AS LONG AS...it does what you want to do.  The first welder I was ever trained to do was TIG.  If all I ever had to do was that same thing (butt welding thin sheet steel), I wouldn't have needed anything else.  TIG is very versatile, just relatively slow.I have no idea what sorts of projects you do...TIG might be just right for you.For me, the right answer for 'just one' process in my studio was Oxy-Acetylene, which is relatively inexpensive and tremendously versatile (but also tremendously slow and puts a LOT of heat the metal, which causes it's own problems).  KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:If my TIG were my only machine, It would probably collect a lot less dust, and I'd probably be competent to use it my now.....
Reply:Definitely at least get the TIG. It will weld anything and everything. I've only ever had a TIG welder for motorcycle/jetski/automotive odds and ends and I've never ran into a situation where I needed a MIG or stick welder.
Reply:The nice thing about most Tig machines is they will do stick too so you will actually have two process capability if you need it. Plenty of people have a stick welder as their only welder so a Tig and Stick welder should work well for youHobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by JD955SCThe nice thing about most Tig machines is they will do stick too so you will actually have two process capability if you need it. Plenty of people have a stick welder as their only welder so a Tig and Stick welder should work well for you
Reply:Originally Posted by JD955SCThe nice thing about most Tig machines is they will do stick too so you will actually have two process capability if you need it. Plenty of people have a stick welder as their only welder so a Tig and Stick welder should work well for you
Reply:i bought a tig as a first machine cause thats what i really wanna get excellent at. and i have gotten better at it.If the conversation isn’t money, then I’ll see you later.
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanwhat you think about getting a tig welder as a first and only welder..
Reply:Most if not all TIG machines can also stick weld so you'll have that base covered as well. And if you get a TIG machine with AC and HF, you can weld aluminum.The Syncrowave machines are time-tested and very reliable, though they use more power than inverters...
Reply:"Motor cycle brackets and parts" sound to me like aluminum but I could be wrong. In that case you need an AC/DC tig.To me it seems like a welding machine is just a small piece of everything you need (or want) to be able to fabricate something. Regardless of what welding process you want to learn i think an autodarkening helmet makes it a lot easier.
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S."Motor cycle brackets and parts" sound to me like aluminum but I could be wrong. In that case you need an AC/DC tig.To me it seems like a welding machine is just a small piece of everything you need (or want) to be able to fabricate something. Regardless of what welding process you want to learn i think an autodarkening helmet makes it a lot easier.
Reply:I started on TIG.  My first welder was a small campbel hausfeld 110V stick welder, but I quickly returned it because I immediately saw how TIG welding was a much better alternative for my automotive projects than stick welding.  I knew I was in for a long journey but I stuck with it because I had to in order to make myself the car parts I wanted to make.  You need to be determined and only you can know if you are that determined or if you are easily deterred by failure. 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:the only issue I have is what if you try it and end up not liking it? Investing in a TIG machine is a big investment for something you have never tried before. I would start off with a lower investment until you are sure you like it.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:The first welder I owned was the Dialarc HF - used primarily as a TIG welder (HF == high frequency, came with pedal, gas valves, and water cooled torch+ water cooler - About $1000 15 years ago).  Before that, I had taken a welding course (stick and gas welding) so I wasn't a total newb.  What sold me on the TIG was that it could pretty much weld anything - and quite frankly, most of my welding was on cars and the steel is pretty thin.As for the 3n1 machines.  I have yet to see a 3-in-1 that has a real full featured TIG.   I believe they are all DC only TIG, with lift arc or scratch start.  In an ideal world that is not the machine to learn TIG welding on.   There are budget considerations and 3 n 1s are a cheap way to go, but there are lots of compromises.  Choose carefully.A lot of this all depends on budget.  Top quality TIG machines can cost a lot of money especially when new.  Buy a brand-name machine used and you can get any part you need and if you tire of it, pretty much sell it for what you paid.Miller 211 MIG + Miller 200 Dynasty and you will never need another machine around the house (or car/light truck).  If you are building trailers, tractors etc. you will want a bigger MIG.   If you can do without Aluminum TIG, get a cheaper TIG.I may be spoiled, but there are enough times that I really need to burn in 3/16" steel.  I like to do that hot and personally believe a 200 Amp machine is necessary - even if light duty cycle.  So I say that is the minimum on the MIG side.  I've done a lot of TIG in the 0-150 Amp range.  I could live with 150Amp.  Maybe a bit bigger to do some stick welding, but even that, a solid 150 Amp machine will handle 99% of what I do around the house.Last edited by con_fuse9; 05-01-2014 at 06:44 PM.Reason: typoCon Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Another consideration: If you plan to do a lot of aluminum, be sure to look at the duty cycle of the machines you're considering, because alum takes a lot of heat, and the inverters, although more expensive, typically don't have anywhere near the duty cycle of the transformer machines.
Reply:Got my first paying job at a boat trailer shop and used stick. That was 1964.....Didn't really ever use anything but stick and OA for years till I went to work at a production job shop building parts for a bus line( MIG).....Later purchased a tig machine (Miller Econo tig) and had three different machines since then....So my answer would be buy what you can afford and make sure you have a bunch of work for it to do.....    Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:of course stick was the first process I ever ran, but that was in highschool and running a bead was the main goal.professionally, tig was the first process I was able to really pic up on. I was subjected to mig, flux-core, dual-shield, stick, and dc-tig was what I got good at first. holding a close arc is all there really is to learn, the rest is pretty self explanatory.bosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:I see a eztig 165 for 1300 with cart and some rod like new condition on craigs.  Can I do 1/4 inch steel with multiple passes. I'm not going to make  trailers or structural stuff just some hobby stuff, lamps, sculptures.. etc. I cant have a 300lb machine either. will I wish I spent another 300-500 and got a squarewave 175 or some other machine?  a bit leary of getting thermal arcs or esab as no local store services them around here and lws just rolls eyes if its not miller hob Lincoln etc.  thanks for all the help.Last edited by summerman; 05-06-2014 at 12:16 PM.Reason: mistakeBe nice and pay it forward.
Reply:The problem with TIG is that if you don't have enough amps, you might not even be able to form a puddle (mostly an issue on aluminum).If you can form a puddle, it might take a long time to do so and in the mean time your heating all the metal - better off with a blow torch.  Now, 1/4" is thick, heavy steel.  That machine is rated at 3/16" and probably more comfortable at 1/8" - which, for ornamental type stuff is plenty.  And for the occasional heavy stuff, you switch to stick welding.Looking at Craigslist in the area.  I'd probably lean more to either the Syncrwave 300 (big machine, requires big power, and that one's bare bones) or the Precision TIG.  One thing about smaller TIG welders is they often have proprietary connectors.  Makes it tough to swap out foot pedals etc.That being said, the ad for the Square wave 335 is interesting.  I can't find anything about a '335'.  I suspect he meant 355.  In which case, its a bad *** machine.  If its in decent condition, with water cooler, that might be the bargain on the list.  The squarewave 355s are from about year 2000 and are fully featured TIGs - all the bells and whistles.  Lincolns are/were similar to Miller but typically at a better price per features.   Do your homework, comparable prices on Ebay etc. and offer less (with sound reasoning) and see what happens.  Bring a trailer or a pickup truck + lift/hoist.  Remember you're going to want a big power line, so budget some electricians time.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:My situation prevents a 300lb machine otherwise I would love to buy a huge old solid monster.  I love old solid built stuff.  That is one reason I want a welder in first place as I'm tired of buying cheap items thinking..."why didn't they make that solid steel or heavier duty etc.  I want to make things that last.   I have a project that I have to get done soon so I'm scrambling to get going.  Its basically a 6"x 6" box with some 3/16 rod welded on here and there.  It needs to be solid but doesn't need to hold any weight. Will the eztig 165 do for that?  I'll also be making a welding table soon after getting it.  Thanks again to all who replied.Is there anybody in the Auburn Syracuse area willing to show me your tig and perhaps let me try it?  Thanks.I can see why so many buy the Chinese boxes... It looks like I can pay 500-900 and get all I need with bells etc. If it lasts 3-4 years its $200/year rental.  Maybe an everlast is what I should get as much as it is against my instincts.  I also hate to pay just for a name.Hmmm...Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanMy situation prevents a 300lb machine otherwise I would love to buy a huge old solid monster.  I love old solid built stuff.  That is one reason I want a welder in first place as I'm tired of buying cheap items thinking..."why didn't they make that solid steel or heavier duty etc.  I want to make things that last.   I have a project that I have to get done soon so I'm scrambling to get going.  Its basically a 6"x 6" box with some 3/16 rod welded on here and there.  It needs to be solid but doesn't need to hold any weight. Will the eztig 165 do for that?  I'll also be making a welding table soon after getting it.  Thanks again to all who replied.Is there anybody in the Auburn Syracuse area willing to show me your tig and perhaps let me try it?  Thanks.I can see why so many buy the Chinese boxes... It looks like I can pay 500-900 and get all I need with bells etc. If it lasts 3-4 years its $200/year rental.  Maybe an everlast is what I should get as much as it is against my instincts.  I also hate to pay just for a name.Hmmm...
Reply:Shovelon,Indeed you do see me clearly.  Frustration of the search.. The question is at what point is the balance between the two arguments tipped.  For a pro and hobbyist it may be different.  I have 500 dewalt u.s. sliding miter saw.. for what I have cut with it I could have used the 179 Home Depot Kobalt no return throw away when brakes saw, and put the extra away.. perhaps for a welder.. choices choices..  I agree with you.  I just have to wait and see I guess and make the choice wisely.  I would love a tig225 miller or hobart for 50-70 percent of new but not easy to comeby when you need one soon. Again, thanks to all of you. Sincerely.Be nice and pay it forward.Originally Posted by summermanI want to know if anybody has started on tig or just does tig after starting with stick or mig welding, and what you think about getting a tig welder as a first and only welder.I have never welded except for using a spot welder 35 years ago in shop class to make a box (and some kung fu stars when the shop teacher wasn't looking,)  I have read welding books cover to cover, read forums, watched hundreds (way more than that) of videos and watched a friend mig weld and another do some black smithing.  I have an anvil, vise, gloves, shield, propane torch, welding books, and some scrap, all of which I have been slowly acquiring for this moment.  I want to fab some household items ie. lamps, shelf brackets, table, motorcycle brackets and parts, art projects, etc.  I want the welds to look good and be solid.  After all my studies, it appears to me that although tig requires more tasks to be done simultaneously i.e. hold torch, control torch heat, hold filler rod, than mig does, it would give me more control and also would be better for delicate work such as on a sculpture or on smaller pieces of metal such as 1/8 round etc.  Am I nuts?   My unexperienced mind tells me to go for it and expect to be frustrated for a while and have a steeper learning curve vs starting with a mig but that in the end I would be glad that I didn't get a buzz box, then flux cor mig, then gas mig, then a tig.  I like the idea of being able to very the torch and not have to worry about setting wire speed and have the ability to dab the filler in when I want to while moving the torch and varying power.   At least thats how it is in my mind.. ha!  Again, am I nuts?Also is it true that most tigs can be turned down lower or more easily for very fine work?Thanks.
Reply:Well, just to add on here... decided I would get the ez 165 so I called the guy on craigslist.  He said that he had used it some more since posting and decided to keep it.  I laughed.. He was a nice guy and just laughed that I missed an opportunity and thought if he decided to keep it then it might be a good welder and at least I'm on the right track.  Live and learn..  the search keeps on.  Still trying to figure out if I can move a syncro 250 up and down my basement steps and to my dads barn.. lol.  Cant wait to start welding!Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Originally Posted by MOE1honestly man i went and bought a miller diversion 180, paid 1500 for it used it for 3 months, got an offer on it for what i paid, then i bought a brand new thermal arc 95s, tig and stick. that was an awesome little machine i did alot with, kinda wish i still had it. now im considering a 181i.
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanStill trying to figure out if I can move a syncro 250 ...
Reply:Originally Posted by summerman Still trying to figure out if I can move a syncro 250 up and down my basement steps and to my dads barn.. lol.  Cant wait to start welding!
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinNow you're on the right track! I bought a Sync250 and never looked back. Great machine!My Dad used to live near you, on Rt. 5 in Weedsport/Brutus...beautiful area for about 3 months of the year!
Reply:If your just looking to do artsy stuff I think the miller econo / hobart ez tig will be a great choice since you said you wanna stay blue or red for local service.  If/when you decide you need a bigger machine with all the bells and whistles you will recoup most of your purchase price on one of those.Miller 211 MIGThermal ARC 186 TIGHypertherm Powermax 30 Plasma
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanMy situation prevents a 300lb machine otherwise I would love to buy a huge old solid monster.  I love old solid built stuff.  That is one reason I want a welder in first place as I'm tired of buying cheap items thinking..."why didn't they make that solid steel or heavier duty etc.  I want to make things that last.   I have a project that I have to get done soon so I'm scrambling to get going.  Its basically a 6"x 6" box with some 3/16 rod welded on here and there.  It needs to be solid but doesn't need to hold any weight. Will the eztig 165 do for that?  I'll also be making a welding table soon after getting it.  Thanks again to all who replied.Is there anybody in the Auburn Syracuse area willing to show me your tig and perhaps let me try it?  Thanks.I can see why so many buy the Chinese boxes... It looks like I can pay 500-900 and get all I need with bells etc. If it lasts 3-4 years its $200/year rental.  Maybe an everlast is what I should get as much as it is against my instincts.  I also hate to pay just for a name.Hmmm...
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanShovelon,Indeed you do see me clearly.  Frustration of the search.. The question is at what point is the balance between the two arguments tipped.  For a pro and hobbyist it may be different.  I have 500 dewalt u.s. sliding miter saw.. for what I have cut with it I could have used the 179 Home Depot Kobalt no return throw away when brakes saw, and put the extra away.. perhaps for a welder.. choices choices..  I agree with you.  I just have to wait and see I guess and make the choice wisely.  I would love a tig225 miller or hobart for 50-70 percent of new but not easy to comeby when you need one soon. Again, thanks to all of you. Sincerely.
Reply:I've thought about it some more and I think it's foolish to get a "real" tig as a first and only weldingmachine. Especially since it would have to be an AC/DC tig for alu work.My reasoning it that it is too expensive for what you can do with it and as someone who has no tools for metalworking you are going to need to invest into a lot of things besides the welder. And without any kind of experience it is hard to know what you are going to need before you actually need it. And maybe you don't even like tig welding as a hobby...So I suggest a small inverter stick welder with lift-tig capability. With that you can do most of the things you need in steel and stainless and you have a very portable machine. If you want a "real tig" later on you have had the chance to build up your skill level first and are in a better position to know what you need as your next machine. And since you have a small and portable machine it will always be of use and if you decide to sell it will not be hard.I'm not sure what's available in the US. I have a Lincoln Invertec 150s which is a 220V machine, 150 Amps and was new around 550 USD without leads but it's not available in the US I think. I'd get a quality brand of some kind and I'll get it new with warranty. Without any kind experience I don't think it's a god idea to buy something used.
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.I've thought about it some more and I think it's foolish to get a "real" tig as a first and only weldingmachine. Especially since it would have to be an AC/DC tig for alu work.My reasoning it that it is too expensive for what you can do with it and as someone who has no tools for metalworking you are going to need to invest into a lot of things besides the welder. And without any kind of experience it is hard to know what you are going to need before you actually need it. And maybe you don't even like tig welding as a hobby...So I suggest a small inverter stick welder with lift-tig capability. With that you can do most of the things you need in steel and stainless and you have a very portable machine. If you want a "real tig" later on you have had the chance to build up your skill level first and are in a better position to know what you need as your next machine. And since you have a small and portable machine it will always be of use and if you decide to sell it will not be hard.I'm not sure what's available in the US. I have a Lincoln Invertec 150s which is a 220V machine, 150 Amps and was new around 550 USD without leads but it's not available in the US I think. I'd get a quality brand of some kind and I'll get it new with warranty. Without any kind experience I don't think it's a god idea to buy something used.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHmmm, but on the other hand if you buy quality, you can sell quality. If you start with a junker or a jury rigged arc welder, then well, let's say when you are ready to get serious, what do you get out of your investment, other than tears. Tig welding for the first time is like drinking your first beer. If you drink swill you will never know what nectar of the gods is. If you start with say a Modelo Dark, or better yet a North Coast Brother Thelonious dark ale, well swill will only piss you off. I say start quality and move on from there. No better tig to start with is the Miller Sync 210. Stupid easy, rock solid, with an excellent resale value. Nectar of the rods.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHmmm, but on the other hand if you buy quality, you can sell quality. If you start with a junker or a jury rigged arc welder, then well, let's say when you are ready to get serious, what do you get out of your investment, other than tears.
Reply:seems to me you have two choices: spend $2000-$4000 on a decent red or blue label machine that will TIG weld and may or may not stick weld, OR spend like $300 and get a used Miller Thunderbolt and a scratch start TIG setup off of CL/Amazon/ebay. I think since you have never welded before and aren't even sure you are going to like it, you need to keep your investment LOW. Likewise, I say that a $299 chinese inverter that does stick and lift TIG would also be a good choice. Get your feet wet and build skills before you sink thousands into a welder. and a DC scratch start/lift arc TIG will still TIG weld steel, and let you build your skills. Me personally I would go with the low investment route until you learn more.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Local airgas guy has diversion 180 with bottle for $1700 plus tax, last years model, 2 yr warranty.  Other lws says he can get me a thermal arc 181 at internet price.. He gave me their lws,s techs number to call and he told me that he loves the thermal arcs.. has one.. it works great.. bells whistles.. 3 yr warranty..  It will be one of those unless I can find something else.  cl has few tigs in this area that aren't old and huge.  Don't have space and I need to move it around..  For some reason I would like an esab..  Going to scrap yard monday am before work then stop at lws.  Hopefully Ill be short on cash and long on welder after leaving there.  I would get a esab or thermal arc 95s etc size one but can't find it locally and prefer not to buy on web.  Haun Welding lws has been helpful and there is a free class on tig I'm going to attend they give. Its been fun but I can't wait to melt some metal!!!  Might not go blue or red but will go local.  I've wasted more money on less useful things to me so I'm getting over spending a bit more..  I'll let you know.  Thanks again for all the advice and opinions. Keep 'em coming!Last edited by summerman; 05-10-2014 at 03:43 PM.Reason: typoBe nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanLocal airgas guy has diversion 180 with bottle for $1700 plus tax, last years model, 2 yr warranty.  Other lws says he can get me a thermal arc 186 at internet price.. He gave me their lws,s techs number to call and he told me that he loves the thermal arcs.. has one.. it works great.. bells whistles.. 3 yr warranty..  It will be one of those unless I can find something else.  cl has few tigs in this area that aren't old and huge.  Don't have space and I need to move it around..  For some reason I would like an esab..  Going to scrap yard monday am before work then stop at lws.  Hopefully Ill be short on cash and long on welder after leaving there.  I would get a esab or thermal arc 95s etc size one but can't find it locally and prefer not to buy on web.  Haun Welding lws has been helpful and there is a free class on tig I'm going to attend they give. Its been fun but I can't wait to melt some metal!!!  Might not go blue or red but will go local.  I've wasted more money on less useful things to me so I'm getting over spending a bit more..  I'll let you know.  Thanks again for all the advice and opinions. Keep 'em coming!
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanWhy did you get rid of the 180 and then get the 95s?  What was the differences you saw in what you did with it?  What type of stuff did you do with each and finally why the 181?  Thanks
Reply:Placed order for thermarc 186 from lws. Spoke to their tech with 30yr experience and he had and loved his. He'll come over to give instructions 3 hrs $100. He said diversion 180 had less features but it really was a solid machine that was right onwith the auto settings.  His thoughts were that the additional settings on 186 was only a slight advantage. Lws will service it during and after warranty. 3yrs.  Can't wait till Friday! Hope I don't electrocute my eyeball! Thanks everyone. I'll post after I use it some. I would have purchased esab 161 or smaller therm if anybody had one.  I just said f&?& it and ordered it.!Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Well, got the 186.  Set it up in basement, had to make a plug conversion to plug into the dryer plug.  Ran a few runs on 1/4 plate. Looked shallow.  ran at 90 amps hf start. Boy do I have a lot to learn!  Just used the on off button dial so far. No pedal tried yet.  Think my tungsten needs to be sharper.  Wide arc.  Only had time to mess with it for about 15 min.  Will do more later.  I see the suggested setting for different thicknesses. What about when you want to weld a, 1/8 pice of rod to 1/4 plate?  Do I use a setting in middle of 1/8 and 1/4?  It's challenging but so much fun.  Can't wait till I get some semblance of efficiency.  I'm gonna have the coolest paper weight.Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:That was much too cold. 125-140 on 1/8" material, so on quarter inch you are much too low.Here is online miller tig calculator - pretty helpful. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.phpGood luck and have fun with your new welder Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Dave,  Thanks.  I found that (Miller guide) right after posting and figured that was it.  I was a little nervous to crank it up at first. Will try tonight.  Anybody else with a 186 out there I can ask a few questions about the different on switches that come with the machine?  Also what is everybody using to sharpen the tungstens?  I bought a cheap HF grinder for 25 to use just for that.  Also what should the tungsten look like after using it?  What is this ball on the end that I hear about? My tungsten just looks blackish.  Thanks.Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Post flow keeps your tungsten silver.Here are some pics to show differences in tungsten prep. (Balled tungsten is how some do aluminum)Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thank you! Thank you! thank you!  That is awesome! It explains so much.   I am so excited about learning to weld.  Its like Christmas 45 years ago when I got a Huge Tonka Truck! Welding makes me feel like a kid again.Be nice and pay it forward.
Reply:Originally Posted by summermanThank you! Thank you! thank you!  That is awesome! It explains so much.   I am so excited about learning to weld.  Its like Christmas 45 years ago when I got a Huge Tonka Truck! Welding makes me feel like a kid again.
Reply:After apprenticing in a metalworking shop as a teenager, I picked up a used Syncrowave 250 local last year as my first and only, reasoning as you did. Even buying it right, it's a big outlay for hobby/garage work, but I look at it this way, it's better than a bank account. Show me a machine 20 years older than mine that doesn't have value? I knew I was going to hold onto this hobby for years though.I've never missed not having a dedicated mig/stick machine, but I don't do production work either. I've had an absolute blast learning how to TIG in the meantime. I just coerced it to do 5/8 aluminum plate yesterday, and was so pleased I maned up for the bigger box first rather than throwing away hundreds on a 'starter' unit.