Is TIG not an ideal process for thicker steel plate?

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I've been looking to learn TIG for some time and recently sold my small MIG so I can dump all my funds into a new setup.  I know it would be ideal to have BOTH a MIG and TIG machine, but at this point in time I'd like to put my time into learning to TIG.  I'm 98% set on a Dynasty 200dx due to the portability/space savings and the fact it doesn't need an enormous amount of power to run it.  I've read quite a bit on various projects and realized that everyone seems to be using TIG for thin aluminum and steel while they usually MIG the thicker parts.  The thickest I'm looking to weld would be 1/4" mild steel.  I've used the calculator on Miller's site and it says I'd need something like 275 amps to do a fillet weld on 1/4" steel plate.  Would I really be THAT much better off putting my money into a 212 or 251 MIG before I spend money on a TIG setup?
Reply:Skill level aside, the only shortcoming that TIG has is that it's a low deposition process (before someone points out drafty conditions, i'll get to that in a minute ). For thicker sections it's just too slow and so is often employed for the root run where it's precision can be important before filling the joint up with a different process for speedAs far i can tell the miller calculator works on the 1 amp/0.001" rule which isn't always accurate- even if the amps are available you wouldn't butt weld thick sections without a prep/root gap (which lower the amp requirements). A 200amp TIG will weld thicker sections than 1/4" steel but while it'll create enough heat to get fusion at the root there will come a time when it can't generate a big enough puddle to do the weld in a single passA 200amp TIG welder will cover the needs you described, it'll just be a little slower than a MIG set. It'll also come with a free stick welder built inOnly you can decide if you can live without a MIG. Having sold your existing one if you buy a TIG then until you learn to use it you'll effictively be welderless...
Reply:Opps, forgot to say running costs will be higher too. Pure argon costs more for example and you'll use more of it too- especially while learning
Reply:I recently finished a tubing bender made from 1/4" MS  and  1/2" MS and it worked fine.  I have a 225A machine and did not need that much pedal on 230A setting the welder maxed out at.I did bevel 1/8" on some parts for fusion purposes.  It was a bit slower, but this was meant as a first TIG project so I did not care about the speed.  You will also be putting a lot more heat into the parts from what I have seen.  I had some distortion I had to work with due to the heat but in the end it all worked out nicely and most of the distortion corrected itself when I was all done welding.Hope that helped!Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:You could lay a fine fillet weld on 1/4" steel at the 150 to 175 amp range.  Not to sure where the 275 amps comes from.  That sounds more like the 1/2" recommendation.Anyway...I personally own a Tig machine which will double as a stick welder for heavy/repair work.  The main thing to keep in mind about Tig is that your material needs to be cleaner than with Mig.  I have no intention of purchasing a Mig welder anytime so.  I use them at work but only do so when need be. (e.g. spin welding augers).  It really depends on the type of project and material you'll be using.You will be getting varied responses...some live by the Mig...others the Tig and then others will recommend both.  There is even an old timer on here (no names mentioned) who will probably recommend the Gas torch. One thing I do recommend is getting a little hands on with a Tig machine and the process its self.  It is completely different from Mig!Food for thought...- ASODBeauty in the Bead!
Reply:Having only a TIG setup is starting to seem like it might not be THAT bad.  Thanks for the responses.
Reply:Tig is fun and a versatile process.  If you learn it, you will be a better weldor all around.For the 1/4" plate, it can be done with a couple hundred amps.  I was welding a fillet 1/8 to 3/8 with 220 amps going as fast as I could.  150 amps would have done it, but I was doing piece work.  This year I pulse spray migged them.  Much Fa$ter.If you have the time, Tig is fine.  The bigger the plate, the more I want something else.  180 amps stick welding is plenty for most jobs.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Like hotrodder said, it comes with a free stick welder. So you're covered from welding alum cans to building a trailer. If you want it pretty, TIG it; if you're in a hurry, use the stick. If you're being paid to weld, slow is bad. Since I weld for fun, I'm never in a hurry.FWIW: I have a 17 air cooled torch which gets hot fast. One of the guys on another site uses a larger air cooled all day. I think a 26. Since this is a decision you'll have to make up front, I thought I mention it.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:The 200DX will weld 1/4" steel easily.  If you're going to weld a lot of it though, invest in a water cooled set up or the larger air cooled torch as mentioned above.  That little #17 torch that comes with the standard 200DX kit is not up to the task.
Reply:Originally Posted by ASODThere is even an old timer on here (no names mentioned) who will probably recommend the Gas torch. - ASOD
Reply:Originally Posted by hotrodderDon't be knocking oxy fuel  . It's the most versatile process there is. Weld, braze, cut, straighten/bend (heat shrinking) and it's even a universal 'spanner' to name but a few of it's uses
Reply:Originally Posted by hotrodderDon't be knocking oxy fuel  . It's the most versatile process there is. Weld, braze, cut, straighten/bend (heat shrinking) and it's even a universal 'spanner' to name but a few of it's uses