Tig equipment needs

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Hi,Im very interested in welding, particulaly Aluminium fabricating.I have a lathe which i use for making small parts for motorcycles and other odds and ends, but i want to be able to weld ally too....I have done my level 1 in tig welding (stainless) although it was a while ago. I can weld with oxy acetelene too, just to keep my hand in. So what is the best way to do it, are cheap ac/ dc sets any good. any thoughts are welcome.I know a level one tig course and a bit of oxy welding is probably a far cry from making quality parts but surly it got to be a start!!!Cheers Geoff
Reply:Best bang for the buck is an inverter welder, when you balance the cost (High) vs the power use (LOW), vs the materials you can weld (Unlimited) and then factor in the machines' features (Advanced). You can get a Lincoln Precision tig, or a Miller econotig or Synchrowave 200 for a pretty low price. They don't have a lot of features, but do small aluminum jobs well.For inverters, the HTP, Miller, Lincoln are hard to beat.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I have to agree, with one minor exception. I'd leave out the Econotig myself. As a bare bones tig, it's pretty underpowered for alum, and when you look at the extra options and extra power, you might as well get the Syncrowave 200 for just a liitle bit more money. I debated over an inverter (Dynasty 200) vs the Sync 200. Cost pushed me to the Syncrowave. I have a feeling in the long run I'll end up with a Dynasty in the end, but too learn on at the time, I couldn't justify the price the way business has been..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks for the advice had a quick look at the sets they look great, but expensive ($2000) is that the one you ment ?
Reply:Originally Posted by geofflapThanks for the advice had a quick look at the sets they look great, but expensive ($2000) is that the one you ment ?
Reply:...Ill take your word for it. think Im going to have to wait a while on this one and save up for a few years (lol)thanks for your thoughts !
Reply:If nothing else keep up with your classes. The machines the tech school had are way beyond anything I could afford for a long time, Dynasty 350's with water cooled torches. Most instructors like it when students have projects of their own to work on. Use their toys.The other option would be to look at used machines. I've seen some monster AC/DC tigs from major makers dirt cheap lately. The down side is they are big, heavy, and need a lot of power to run. On the up side many are 300 amp + machines and often come with the cooler. I've seen some big millers for $600 and up on CL. If you think you might choose this road, you might PM Steve (7A749) here. He sometimes has some nice older refurbs he sells with waranty.Last edited by DSW; 01-04-2010 at 07:05 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWIf nothing else keep up with your classes. The machines the tech school had are way beyond anything I could afford for a long time, Dynasty 350's with water cooled torches. Most instructors like it when students have projects of their own to work on. Use their toys.The other option would be to look at used machines. I've seen some monster AC/DC tigs from major makers dirt cheap lately. The down side is they are big, heavy, and need a lot of power to run. On the up side many are 300 amp + machines and often come with the cooler. I've seen some big millers for $600 and up on CL.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloFor inverters, the HTP, Miller, Lincoln are hard to beat.
Reply:good stuff thanks guys