Getting new tig machine. need suggestions

admin

I'm taking a couple of welding classes.  A tig and a stick course.  In the class we use both air cooled and water cooled machines.  All machines can do stick and tig.  I don't think I can justify a water cooled machine or its size.  Anyone have a good recommendation for a starter tig/stick machine?  Thanks.
Reply:If you won't be doing Aluminum, and don't need a big machine, the MAxstar150 kicks butt (150A, 120/240 input, about 12 pounds) I use mine for darn near everything, these days, from heavy equipment repair to ornamental work. Only use the boat anchors for things like 3/16 Jet rod, or air-arc gouging.A lot of people also like the TA185 (240V, 30+ pounds, full of features). I'v Never used one.
Reply:NickTig on aluminium will be a huge deciding factor on which type of machine to go with.  Thickness of the material you will be working with comes next.  Consider your capacity of the power panel you will be connecting the machine to also.  You might want to consider stepping up to the next size machine so you have some head room.  In this case bigger is better providing the dollars are avail.  Otherwise you kick yourself in the butt later on wishing you had bought the bigger machine. I was looking at the Syncrowave 180 and ended up with the Syncrowave 250 dx tigrunner.  I have been very happy with my choice.Hope this helps.BrianBrianLincoln Mig 215Miller 211Victor Torch SetMiller Maxstar 200SDMiller Syncrowave 250DX Tig runnerMiller Trailblazer 302 running on LPMiller Extreme 12 VS SuitcaseEllis 1600 BandsawMiller xmt350 CC/CVLincoln Vantage 300
Reply:Nick, I run a Precision Tig 185 w/air cooled torch, and haven't had any problems with alum. Just depends on how thick of alum. you will be welding.Last edited by Tinman; 02-12-2005 at 01:17 AM.Bruce
Reply:Portability for me is definitely important.  That means I'm probably looking at a more expensive machine.  I will be welding aluminum, but I don't know what size alum.  We haven't gotten to alum. yet in class.  Also, local welding supply place sells Lincoln.  I have no preference.  Perhaps I should wait and see where the class gets to before I take the plunge.  Maybe I would be better off getting a small tig machine and a seperate stick machine.  I still don't know enough about it all.
Reply:Nick,  The Precision Tig 185 is not what I would call portable, 212 Lbs. Unless you just want to roll it around in your shop.Bruce
Reply:No, I need to be able to carry it around.  Don't think the 185 will work.
Reply:I just demo'd a miller dynasty 200DX. It is an inverter machine and is only 45lbs. I was able to TIG alum. thick to thin with no probs with the freq. turned up. I was able to fillet .090 to .500 (yes .500 thick). After I got the freq. turned up (pinpointed arc). I was able to concentrate the arc on the thicker stuff. As soon as I saw a puddle the thinner and thicker stuff keyholed and I was able to fill it in nice nice. I had a 180SD machine and the 200DX blows it away. If you do look into this machine do not get the contractor kit. Just get the power unit, #17 air cooled torch, ground strap, and a regulator. You can always upgrage to water cooling later. I am picking my machine up later this week. I will post picks of the coupon when I take a pic. Hope this helps.   T.J.