Tell me about DC only TIG welders...

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So if any  of you have followed any of my past here, you may know that I have been MIG welding with good results (in my mind) and after completing some schooling I have taken a liking to TIG. Now. I picked up tigging aluminum ALOT faster than steel, but enjoy both none the less. I just recently built a rack using MIG on mild steel for a small hand gun locker for a cop in his personal vehicle. He loves it and says he would refer me to his other cop buddies but he would like the same design with TIG welds. Now, I can lay down a pretty decent MIG bead on most joints. Same with TIG, but the only TIG machine that I have used has been a Miller Dynasty with HF start and a foot pedal. I stand to make some money here, but not Dynasty money. Would something like a thermal dynamics 95s for $400 be a wise investment to pull off a few of these jobs? It's all square tubing less than 2" and 1/8" wall. Using MIG I completed the first one in about 4 hours minus the time to mount it in the vehicle.Any opinions?
Reply:If your doing thin wall steel only, that would be fine. However, I think you'll out grow it in no time. You also mentioned welding alum. You are going to want A/C for that."SOUTHPAW" A wise person learns from another persons mistakes;A smart person learns from their own mistakes;But, a stupid person.............never learns.
Reply:That little Thermal Arc would be good for stainless kitchen repairs I guess, but it's too small even for the 1/8" pate that you mentioned.   It can probly do it with some patience, but not what I would choose.   I would look for at least a Maxstar 150, or Lincoln's equivalent version.If you're trying to decrease your production time per part, TIG is not the best choice.  MIG will always win the production speed race hands down.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Johnny got the bugJust got a Mig and now gonna get a TiggerEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Johnny5,I tend to agree that the small DC only tig will be quickly outgrown.  Not sure how much market there will be for a used machine in that price range.  Seems that most people looking in that price range tend to go with the "imported junk" because they're inexperienced in the first place and think they're getting more "bang for the buck".I would suggest the TA 185 as a starter machine.  Requires 240V service but gives you nearly the same capabilities (less a few amps) as a Dynasty 200 and can be had for about a grand less than the Dynasty.  I've never heard of anyone who was disappointed in that machine.  Also has AC capability for when you decide to move to aluminum.I'd recommend that machine over the Diversion 165 (which would also meet your immediate needs) because of the growth potential it offers.Remember the old addage, "You can't use Amps (capability) you didn't buy".Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll probably hold out for something a bit heavier duty. Theres only about 500-600 dollars to be made off of this gun rack deal, so I wont be missing out on all that much money. I may still be able to mig them for the guys if I grind them smooth and paint them, so we'll see.