TIG For Auto Work

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Ok so I bought a MM200 and now would like to get a tig.  I need it to weld regular and stainless exhausts and aluminum intakes and such.  What's the least expensive best machine?  I'm not against getting a 330 a/bp but that thing is huge.  Is there a better option?I can wait for a good deal if I have to.Thanks again Bill
Reply:The least expensive machine is the one you make the most money with. What kind of money are thinking of spending.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:I've got a bias but I honestly think that the best bang-for-bucks is this one: http://www.weldersupply.com/P/776/Th...Fabricator186AThere are two well advertised brands, green ones and black ones that offer equivalent specs for about half as much money. You'll have to hash that out yourself.MM210TA186TA95sLincoln AC/DC Tombstonegood old Smith torch setup 24v Readywelder mig w/spoolgunSB H 10 latheBridgeport mill6x12 K.O.Lee surface grinderK.O.Lee tool/cutter grinder
Reply:I would look for a good used or new syncro 250. great welder for auto work. B.J.
Reply:Originally Posted by Truck21 What's the least expensive best machine?  I'm not against getting a 330 a/bp but that thing is huge.
Reply:Thanks for all the comments.  I will not be using this for a job only for personal use so spending $1,500 will not be an option.  Looks like the Miller 330 will mot likely be the one.  As far as I can see it will weld aluminum intakes and exhausts.  DSW can you elaborate on the functions I will be giving up?Thanks to everyoneBill
Reply:I personally would not recommend the 330 or any of the older sin-wave machines.  Being able to weld aluminum at high frequencies with a decent balance control makes it much more similar to steel welding - IMHO much shorter learning curve.  With a pure sin-wave machine, the arc will be dancing all over the place.Syncrowaves are workhorse TIG machines.  A good bet if you can find a used one at a decent price.  One thing with syncrowaves, the 250s typically go for anywhere from 1500 to 2500.  The 350s can be had for just over 1200 +.  They are so big that they are not as popular - and they usually come with all the bells and whistles (pulse, timers etc).The miller Diversion series is actually a 120Hz machine.  Makes for a good aluminum TIG welder - plenty for car stuff (use a spool gun on thicker material).Aluminum is the killer here.  If you didn't say aluminum I'd say the 330 (or a 320 or a Dialarc HF) would be perfect.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I have a 330a/bp. I like it a lot.I have welded with a Shopmaster 300 (Miller) with a HF unit and it is even nicer. It is a SCR transformer machine instead of a Magamp machine, so it is smaller and lighter...not small/light, but smaller, lighter. The fact that it has a CV output makes it great for MIG too.The one drawback is that it lacks polarity reversing, but you can just swap leads...no biggie.One more thing...pedal is a must have imho for AL tig. try to get as much stuff with the power unit as you can...save you $$$ in the end.Chay