best tig to learn on?

admin

Currently i am considering 3 tig machines.Thermal arc 161S - Cheapest coming in at about $800.  Basic DC tig/stick w/ lift arc. 110/220 power. Maxstar 150 stl-  DC only, pulser, HF or lift start, can buy torch separately and get a 25ft torch for ~$1300  Also 110/220 power.  Weakest of the three though.Hobart ez tig(or diversion) - Seems to take some of the guesswork out.  Simple machine that has HF start along with capability to do alum.  Comes with foot pedal for ~$1300.  AC is not something i really need, likewise with the pulser and HF start.  More than anything i'm looking to learn and the TA 161 seems to fit that bill.    The only thing i have seen on the used market within ~200 miles is a new in box lincoln invertec 275 power supply for $1500.  Buying a torch and consumables would put me a bit over budget.
Reply:The best feature of tig welding is the ability to precisely control your heat input as you are welding. The Maxstar 150STL and Diversion both have the ability to use the machine with a foot pedal or hand control where the TA 161s does not and only the Diversion has HF. If you wanted to learn stick and be able to do some tig then the 161s would work for you but if it is primarly for tig then get one of the othertwo units or look at the TA 161stl. Keep and open mind on learning stick because with the Miller Maxstar or the TA 161stl it will give you alot of welding ability with the TA unit possibly be a better stick welder.
Reply:Thanks for the heads up about the 161s vs 161 stl.  I'm still learning all the terminology and such.  Now that you point it out i realize the 161S uses a gas valve on the torch.  Should've known there was a reason it was so cheap.  The invertec 275s is the same way. Bummer.Also noticed that the maxstar STH is the only with HF start and pulsed tig.  Stl doesn't come with either.Last edited by Matt922; 02-21-2011 at 05:03 PM.
Reply:Using lift arc is actually pretty easy to use and you shouldn't discount it. The pulse function isn't really needed and in the the Maxstar the pusler is non adjustable and you only have 4 choices of pps. It does help reduce heat input but is also ment to keep the puddle agitated.What is your actual reason for wanting to learn tig (ie what kind of projects)?Are you willing to give stick welding a honest try?
Reply:Originally Posted by Jay OUsing lift arc is actually pretty easy to use and you shouldn't discount it. The pulse function isn't really needed and in the the Maxstar the pusler is non adjustable and you only have 4 choices of pps. It does help reduce heat input but is also ment to keep the puddle agitated.What is your actual reason for wanting to learn tig (ie what kind of projects)?Are you willing to give stick welding a honest try?
Reply:I bought my first tig welder last year.  I had been stick welding for a few years and even got some certs at a local school in SF.  I too looked around for the best value.  I have used both miller and lincoln stick welders and we had a brand new miller mig at that shop mostly for spooling aluminum frames for signs.  I purchased a top of the line import welder.  This is just my two cents and I am in no other way affiliated with this company other than being a customer.  But the pp 256 by everlast is a very sweet little tig welder.  It has HF start and frequency and balance control in ac.  It has fully adjustable pulse, comes with a water cooled torch and a footpedal.  I have since purchased a nice air cooled torch.  The torch that comes with that machine is plenty sturdy but not easily maneuverable.  I use it primarily as a tig welder but the 60 amp plasma function is nice to have when I need it.  I have nothing but good things to say about the machines and the service.  I believe they have good people on that crew and I would buy another machine from them tomorrow if I needed one.  In fact I just ordered a new mig last week.  Just my two cents.
Reply:I would suggest learning on the best. Miller 250 Syncrowave  water cooled Analog.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by WrenchtamerI bought my first tig welder last year.  I had been stick welding for a few years and even got some certs at a local school in SF.  I too looked around for the best value.  I have used both miller and lincoln stick welders and we had a brand new miller mig at that shop mostly for spooling aluminum frames for signs.  I purchased a top of the line import welder.  This is just my two cents and I am in no other way affiliated with this company other than being a customer.  But the pp 256 by everlast is a very sweet little tig welder.  It has HF start and frequency and balance control in ac.  It has fully adjustable pulse, comes with a water cooled torch and a footpedal.  I have since purchased a nice air cooled torch.  The torch that comes with that machine is plenty sturdy but not easily maneuverable.  I use it primarily as a tig welder but the 60 amp plasma function is nice to have when I need it.  I have nothing but good things to say about the machines and the service.  I believe they have good people on that crew and I would buy another machine from them tomorrow if I needed one.  In fact I just ordered a new mig last week.  Just my two cents.
Reply:There is a used Dynasty 200DX on Red-d-Arc's used machines section for $1675...http://www.red-d-arc.com/category_pa...category_id=14I'm about to get a 200DX myself, but I'm going to buy new. Plan to use mine to take some pipe/tube tests, and to make some bucks with aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt922i've been throwing the idea of getting one around, but i just dont know if i have the guts to do it.  i probably would have picked up a syncro by now if i had a garage
Reply:I second the welding class......Plus you get to see what different machines weld  like to make a choice when you buy yours  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CI second the welding class......Plus you get to see what different machines weld  like to make a choice when you buy yours
Reply:Look into what local votec schools offer. Many will offer night classes, usually one night a week for the semester. This usually will get you the basics to get started..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:The best thing for you would be to hang out with a friend that has a tig machine of any make or style and buy him lunch and beers maybe a few dinners and in trade have him show you how to tig weld........Other than that "Go to the bank and get a loan" buy a tig machine you can afford and a place to weld with it......Good Luck  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfhThere is a used Dynasty 200DX on Red-d-Arc's used machines section for $1675
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt922Thanks for the heads up about the 161s vs 161 stl.  I'm still learning all the terminology and such.  Now that you point it out i realize the 161S uses a gas valve on the torch.  Should've known there was a reason it was so cheap.  The invertec 275s is the same way. Bummer.Also noticed that the maxstar STH is the only with HF start and pulsed tig.  Stl doesn't come with either.
Reply:ended up buying a maxstar 200DX still waiting for it to show up at my doorstep though