Pick a tig for me!

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I would like to get a Tig machine. Like to be able to do both aluminum and stainless. Like to stay probably below $1500, prefer closer to $1000. I see the smaller portable jobs. Probably be good enough for me. Any suggestions.
Reply:im in the same situation, i have been looking at the thermal arc 185, something portable would be good and it looks like a good deal for around 2k, but i was wondering what its capabilities are..will it weld 1/4" aluminum?-NateMiller Trailblazer 302gMiller Spoolmatic 30aLN-25 x 2Idealarc SP200Hypertherm Powermax 600
Reply:Originally Posted by \\NV.Welding//im in the same situation, i have been looking at the thermal arc 185, something portable would be good and it looks like a good deal for around 2k, but i was wondering what its capabilities are..will it weld 1/4" aluminum?
Reply:i love my TA 185.  very adjustable heat.
Reply:The TA 185 will do it.  I like mine too.  You're not going to get one for $1000 though, or $1500 either.   If you wanna play, you gotta pay.  Nothin more to it than that.  Keep saving your pennies.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I got the money just didn't want to spend a whole lot at the moment. What about the Miller maxstar 150 I think it is.
Reply:It is a great welder but a dc only machine. No aluminum Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:Maxstar 150 is probly a good little welder, but you said you want to TIG aluminum and the Maxstar is DC-only.  Not that it's impossible to be done with DC, but AC is the accepted norm for TIG'ing aluminum.   Even so, the Maxstar 150 STH with TIG package is still in the ~$1500 range.  The Thermal Arc 185 is about the best deal going in a small ac/dc TIG welder.Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-25-2008 at 11:32 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Sorry Offroad, you and I musta been typing at the same time!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I'll check for a used TA185 maybe