Hobart Tigmate vs others

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Hello, My name is John Martin. I have a Hobart Tigmate machine in good shape. Bought it used practically brand new. Been using it for a couple years now for my car projects.Here is the situation, when welding thin metal (steel for example) my foot control does not taper off the arc the way I would like. It will only come down so far and then just cut off. By the time it cuts off, the arc is still fairly hot. This is even with the amperage set really low. When I use my friends Lincoln welder ( a 175amp I think), I can have the amperage up really high, even for thin metal, and the foot control will still taper the arc down to the smallest little arc. I really like how far down I can take the arc with his Lincoln welder. Basically, I am wondering if this situation is due to my machine not being as high of quality or because of my foot pedal. I know the Hobart Tigmate is a decent entry level machine, but I am just wondering if changing out my foot pedal would make a difference? Or could it be something else?
Reply:Originally Posted by DiabolicZHello, My name is John Martin. I have a Hobart Tigmate machine in good shape. Bought it used practically brand new. Been using it for a couple years now for my car projects.Here is the situation, when welding thin metal (steel for example) my foot control does not taper off the arc the way I would like. It will only come down so far and then just cut off. By the time it cuts off, the arc is still fairly hot. This is even with the amperage set really low. When I use my friends Lincoln welder ( a 175amp I think), I can have the amperage up really high, even for thin metal, and the foot control will still taper the arc down to the smallest little arc. I really like how far down I can take the arc with his Lincoln welder. Basically, I am wondering if this situation is due to my machine not being as high of quality or because of my foot pedal. I know the Hobart Tigmate is a decent entry level machine, but I am just wondering if changing out my foot pedal would make a difference? Or could it be something else?
Reply:Yes, that is the exact machine I have. Thank you for your help. I will give it a try when I get a minute, and report back with what I find out. By "pot", I assume you mean the potentiometer? Since it can be adjusted, then I guess I will either make it worse at first, or make it better right off the bat.
Reply:From what I understand is that your machine has a limited low end.  I believe your lowest setting would be around 20- 30 amps then it goes to 0. It could be your finally out growing your machine and its time to upgrade.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jay OFrom what I understand is that your machine has a limited low end.  I believe your lowest setting would be around 20- 30 amps then it goes to 0. It could be your finally out growing your machine and its time to upgrade.
Reply:Ok, I was searching out "Hobart Tigmate vs. Miller Econotig". They are the same machine. They both only go down to 30 amps DC and 20 amps AC. The guy talking about them recommended jumping up to the syncrowave 180 as it's low end is 10amps.Jay O - So, you were right. It is the "limited low end" (30 amps) that is the problem.