Buying a machine for hobby welding?

admin

Evening,I'm fairly new to this whole welding thing, but i'm looking at buying a machine for hobby welding.I have experience in TIG, MIG and ARC welding, but mainly looking for a machine to TIG weld mild steel and alloy sheet metal. I live a long way from the states, so looking for something available in New Zealand (where I live).Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I figured I should do my homework before I bought anything, and this place seems like a good start.Thank you for your time,Seth.EDIT: I just saw the sticky thread, god i'm an idiot. MODS: feel free to delete this thread.
Reply:B careful what u buy.I bought a unit and it was not worth the box it came.don't buy online go to a welding store
Reply:What will your budget support?Vinnie
Reply:Not much Vinnie, maybe $300 US.
Reply:Good Hunting, but even a blind dog finds a bone sometimes.  I would concentrate my search efforts to whatever is available on the used market.  I am doubtful that there is anything new, and worth owning, within the budget you have mentioned.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Not a lot to work with. Good luck.V.
Reply:Try to find a used Lincoln SP125. Your best bet in that price range and a quality machine.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 03-21-2011 at 05:08 PM.Reason: spAWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:He wants a TIGVinnie
Reply:Originally Posted by Sbro238Not much Vinnie, maybe $300 US.
Reply:Y'all have to know that Kiwi household voltage is a bit diff then ours here in the states ... IIRC it is 230/240 vac @ 50 hertz ... And that includes the light bulbs ...I have been there, done that ... I have taken the scars and left the smiles to prove it ...  U.S. Marine extraordinaire ...Wars fought, tigers tamed, revolutions started, bars emptied, alligators castrated ...
Reply:I think you're going to need more than "a little bit of luck" finding a TIG machine for $300.Good luck.Does Kiwiland have a lottery?