Tig welder

A

afolk83

Club Member
Looking to purchase a tig welder. Just wanted to see if anyone had something they wanted to sell or offer input on what I should buy. It must be AC/DC. I was also thinking the dual input would be nice (110/220) but that's not a deal breaker for me. Any suggestions? This would be a personal use unit so not looking to spend $5k but also want to make it a one time purchase. Thanks for any input
 
Lincoln Precision tig 225 or the Lincoln Precision Square wave 175 or 200. The Square wave machine can be bought new for between $1,500 and $2,000 depending where you shop. The Precision 225 is closer to $2,500 or more.
 
I've been looking for a 220+/-20 volt tig for aluminum hobbies and camaromann puts it accurate for market pricing expectations.
 
Beigg said:
I've been looking for a 220+/-20 volt tig for aluminum hobbies and camaromann puts it accurate for market pricing expectations.
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If you get a helium/argon mix you can weld thick aluminum with 200 amps. A 75/25 helium/argon bottle with 200 amps can weld 1/2" thick aluminum. If you only have 100% argon and can't or don't have helium just buy a couple heat markers for a couple dollars and use a small propane or map gas torch to heat the aluminum. The temperature you heat it to will vary by the thickness you are trying to weld.
 
Gary so do you have the the Eastwood tig 200? I have always looked at it on their site and seems like a good deal. I just don't want to try to save let's save a few bucks now but spend more in a year when Im unhappy with it. Just curious if you have actually used a tig 200. Good point on the tank and extras also. Thanks for everyone's help.
 
afolk83 said:
Gary so do you have the the Eastwood tig 200? I have always looked at it on their site and seems like a good deal. I just don't want to try to save let's save a few bucks now but spend more in a year when Im unhappy with it. Just curious if you have actually used a tig 200. Good point on the tank and extras also. Thanks for everyone's help.
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Yes, I have one which I bought about a year ago. To me, it works fine, but then again, I've never tig welded with anything else, so I can't compare it to another one. I looked around trying to get a inverter Miller or Lincoln, but there weren't many of the smaller used ones out there. This was on sale with free shipping and I think I paid about $800 for it with the cart and helmet. So, by the time I bought some rods, the tank and gas I am into it for $1150ish. But, that was still less than the $1500 Millers and Lincolns and then you need to buy everything else to make it work.

FWIW - I am still a really crappy welder, but I needed for my car, more or less ;). I wanted to take some welding classes at Oakland near me, but they want you to take the full course at a cost of 4K. I just wanted someone to show me how to hold the torch properly and what to look for for starters. You don't even get to begin welding unless you take a bunch of pre-requisites first, like English! Huh? Well, since I already have a BSME, they were going to let me slide on that one, but I'd have to take a test before they would sign off...$50 for each test, I think...Welding is not going to be a full time career move for me.

Gary
 
grr456 said:
Yes, I have one which I bought about a year ago. To me, it works fine, but then again, I've never tig welded with anything else, so I can't compare it to another one. I looked around trying to get a inverter Miller or Lincoln, but there weren't many of the smaller used ones out there. This was on sale with free shipping and I think I paid about $800 for it with the cart and helmet. So, by the time I bought some rods, the tank and gas I am into it for $1150ish. But, that was still less than the $1500 Millers and Lincolns and then you need to buy everything else to make it work.

FWIW - I am still a really crappy welder, but I needed for my car, more or less ;). I wanted to take some welding classes at Oakland near me, but they want you to take the full course at a cost of 4K. I just wanted someone to show me how to hold the torch properly and what to look for for starters. You don't even get to begin welding unless you take a bunch of pre-requisites first, like English! Huh? Well, since I already have a BSME, they were going to let me slide on that one, but I'd have to take a test before they would sign off...$50 for each test, I think...Welding is not going to be a full time career move for me.

Gary
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I taught myself and I learned its 90% in the the setup of the components on the torch, filler rod, gas settings, and welder settings. Once those are all perfect the welds turn out beautiful and its easy.
 
afolk83 said:
Gary so do you have the the Eastwood tig 200? I have always looked at it on their site and seems like a good deal. I just don't want to try to save let's save a few bucks now but spend more in a year when Im unhappy with it. Just curious if you have actually used a tig 200. Good point on the tank and extras also. Thanks for everyone's help.
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A lot of the guys over on garage journal are talking about the alphatig machines as well. Just another one to consider.
 
Youtube is actually a great resource on TIG welding stuff. Especially for beginners like myself...
I have used a MIG for years and finally bought a tig....I will see how things go as I practice more and more...
 
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