First Welder; TIG

[strubby]

I decided to post here, because I'm looking into affordable solutions actually within my reach. I'm a carpenter by trade and know how important good, reliable tools are. I buy only the best, but that's also because I use and beat them on a daily basis. I'm a hobbyist in the garage and like fabricating my own small parts for ATVs, trucks, Jeeps, etc. I got a Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 ARC welder for my birthday, but it really isn't what I need in the garage. I've been thinking about selling it (never used) and putting the money towards an entry level TIG. I need an AC/DC capable of welding aluminum, as that's the material I work with 60% of the time. I think TIG is the best way to go for the stuff I do, but realize it's going to take plenty of work time to be any good at it. I will use the welder maybe several times one month, then maybe not for another 4 months. I have ALL the other metal working tools, but have been sourcing out the welding, which is becoming a pain. I need to just bite the bullet and learn it myself.

Now, where do you think I should start? I'm not going to buy something tomorrow, and plan on doing plenty of reading before making the decision, but it's honestly hard getting only factual information. Should I stay away from combo units? I know I need AC/DC, but what about amperage? I like the thought of the unit being portable/easy to store, but many of them are inverter DC only. For someone just trying to learn on the web, there's a hell of a lot to read! I have no one in the family, or close friends to learn from, so here I am.

I was thinking about an Everlast, or possibly an Eastwood. Or would a different used machine be the ticket? Since I'm just learning now, buying a used one makes me nervous, but I realize it COULD make for a great deal. I'm not set on anything, nor do I have any favoritism, so I'm all ears. Basically I want a welder capable of doing anything I need to to in the garage, but won't be using it nearly enough to justify $1.5-3k. Thanks for any helpful comments.

[SundownIII]

strubby,

Frankly, you post makes little sense.

First off, you say you work with your hands and realize the value in quality tools. Then you mention Eastwood and Everlast.

Let me ask you. Would you rather buy a 5 year old Starrett tri-square used or a new POS square from Harbor Freight that was made in China? Which one, do you suspect is going to give you better readings down the road?

For your stated purposes, a used Miller Sync 180/200 or a Lincoln 175/225 transformer based tig welder sounds like a much better deal. Reliable units that you can get parts for and have serviced locally if you ever had problems.

The second "issue" is this belief that all you need is the proper machine. There's a reason tig welding is considered the most difficult of the welding processes to master. You're never going to become proficient at the process doing it a few hours per month. Tig not only requires "knowledge" of the process, but it also requires developement of "motor skills" which have to be exercised regularly if one hopes to remain proficient.

The other advantage to buying a brand name used welder is that the resale value will be much greater. If you decide that you don't have the time to make the committment to learning to weld properly, you can get most of your money back. This definitely is not true with the chinese junk. You'll also find that you "don't need" most of the "bells and whistles" that the importers tout to sell their junk.

[strubby]

I was afraid of a negative toned response like this, whether true or not. You see, I'm not set on getting a 'Chinese' unit, although they ALL use parts from around the world, nor am I set on not getting a used red/blue/yellow unit. I posted because I want to hear knowledgeable, unbiased responses. I'm sure there are plenty of people who get along fine with an 'underdog' unit. However, I don't know if it'd work or be best for me.

You are exactly right with the resale, and that certainly is something to consider. If I figure out exactly what I'm looking for and get a good deal on a 'better' used unit, I could probably sell it for nearly the same later in equal condition. I certainly need to learn more about different units if I go this route.

I understand TIG is considered the most difficult to learn and master, but it's really the only method that would be useful to me. If I don't get the hang of it, then I'll need to keep sourcing it out. I can do everything but weld the parts, and it's very irritating, as I like to start and finish all my projects myself. I say I may only use it every now and then, but knowing me, I'll get addicting and find excuses to go out to the garage and burn some metal.

I appreciate the response, and I'm sure you have to deal with people who think they can get the same tool for 1/3 of the buck daily, but that's not the case here. I'm not using it for professional use, and don't need it to work miracles, so I thought maybe there would be more options. I only want to buy one machine, that's why I'm here, asking questions and trying to learn.

[DSW]

We'd point towards threads on the problems others have had with machines like Everlast, but because the pay for a forum here, they get to have those sorts of post moved to their paid area where they are deleted. This plus some other shady business practices and poor customer service are why many aren't super keen on these machines. Those that have been here have read the posts by new guys who bought the stiff then had nightmares dealing with DOA machines, unresponsive customer support and so on. We really don't want to rehash all that stuff.

It's your money, but if you want a quality machine that will do alum less than $1.5K, you're only real option is used. That or roll the dice and hope you are one of the lucky ones who won't have issues. Note however when you do, don't expect any local place to even look at your machine. Your only option will be the dealer and you'll be at their mercy. When you post up you're having issues, break out the asbestos clothing because you're going to get told " we told you so..." in no uncertain terms.

[fire1hawk]

I'm afraid you won't get many knowledgeable unbiased responses to that question. Most the guys that come on here asking about everlast are rarely heard from again after their toy welder stops working. You will get the two or three that can't really weld but don't really know it come and defend them because their toy will actually strike an arc after they change half the parts on it

[strubby]

Thanks guys. I have time before I actually buy something, so what units WOULD you suggest then? I'd like to learn about the particular models if I'm going to look at used units. I'm sure I can get plenty of info by searching once I narrow it down. Will ANY AC/DC 200a unit work fine, or should I focus on certain models? In all honesty, re-sale if it doesn't work out for me is probably more important than I want to think it is.

[hog]

I bought a miller hi freq box on fleabay for 150 bucks and a weldtec torch for 100 and added to my hobart lx ac/dc stickwelder. Basic with no footpedal,but it works good enough for my bird droppings.

[kevinacaron]

P.m. sent

[DSW]

A good starter AC/DC tig? My vote would go towards a Syncroawave 200 new and a Syncrowave 180 or 200 used. Several guys here have picked up like new machines for as little as $900- 1300. If you go to Millers site, you can download the manual and it will tell you how to do the start up sequence to show you the run time and arc starts. If it's a moderately well used machine, have the owner demonstrate it for you both on steel and alum.

Another good option would be a Thermal Arc 185, but they are a bit hard to find used. I'd probably rank it a bit nicer machine than the Syncrowave by a hair.

[shovelon]

Good Luck on your tig endeavors. You are right, tig is the hardest of all processed to learn. That being said I would look for the absolute simplest dedicated tig you can find.

The saddest part is when a newbie receives his new tig, and has no clue what to expect. One little thing that is off, and you are stuck. That being said, I would recommend that you go talk to your LWS for guidance and get quotes on their entry level machines.

Personally I recommend the Miller Diversion 180 AC/DC tig. It is a dedicated straight forward tig only. Also because I hate transformer tigs.

[strubby]

Would the high frequency box be worth looking into for my Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC? I know it would be a very simplified TIG setup, but since I'll just be starting out and have lots and lots of practicing to do, it's an appealing idea. Would I even be able to do aluminum with that setup? If I get good at it and like TIG, I'm sure a $1,500 machine would be much easier to fathom. I know I'm making it harder on myself trying to find a budget TIG, since they seem to be the most expensive type of welder, but unfortunately I think TIG would be the most useful to me in the garage on the parts I make.

The Miller/Lincoln TIGs certainly hold their value. Not many seem much less than new units. Looks like I'll be waiting for the right deal for a little while.

[fdcmiami]

strubby, there are a lot of happy EL 250 EX owners out there. buy it online and save some shoe leather. don't be fooled about repairs, a lot of the posts on the miller board deal with repair issues. if you want to see some real pain read a post by someone that just got a 2k repair bill.

[soutthpaw]

What u need to do is take a class in tig welding. Then you will have a pretty good idea what machine u need or want.... plus 4 hrs or so every week for a semester or two tig welding under professional supervision and guidance will be worth its weight in gold. And probably in free consumables u will use. You can self teach yourself but a class is best way

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2

[shovelon]

Originally Posted by soutthpaw

What u need to do is take a class in tig welding. Then you will have a pretty good idea what machine u need or want.... plus 4 hrs or so every week for a semester or two tig welding under professional supervision and guidance will be worth its weight in gold. And probably in free consumables u will use. You can self teach yourself but a class is best way

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2

This is the best answer.

[blasphemy000]

I'm planning on getting an AC/DC inverter TIG machine here as soon as I get the money saved up and this is what I'm looking at buying: HTP Invertig 221H

At first I was looking into buying an Everlast 250EX, because of the price, but after doing much more research I've decided against a machine from them. Some of the things I have read makes me not want to risk that kind of money on a welding machine. On the other hand I've read nothing but good things about the HTP and their customer service. A water-cooled 221H system from HTP is a bit more expensive than a similarly outfitted Everlast unit, and the HTP 221H has 30 less amps of output than the Everlast 250EX but I don't think that will be a problem for me anyways. I don't have any personal experience with either of these machines. I haven't ordered my HTP yet, but I will be ordering it within the next couple months and I believe I'm making the right choice.

[Coupebuilder]

Originally Posted by strubby

Would the high frequency box be worth looking into for my Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC? I know it would be a very simplified TIG setup, but since I'll just be starting out and have lots and lots of practicing to do, it's an appealing idea. Would I even be able to do aluminum with that setup? If I get good at it and like TIG, I'm sure a $1,500 machine would be much easier to fathom. I know I'm making it harder on myself trying to find a budget TIG, since they seem to be the most expensive type of welder, but unfortunately I think TIG would be the most useful to me in the garage on the parts I make.

The Miller/Lincoln TIGs certainly hold their value. Not many seem much less than new units. Looks like I'll be waiting for the right deal for a little while.

I still like the Thermal Arc as the best unit for the money, but if you already have an AC/DC buzz box at home you can use it to tig weld. All you will need is an air cooled torch (with valve) , power cable adapter and gas regulator and correct shielding gas ...100% argon in your case. It will be scratch start but many outside guys use that style just fine.

[brucer]

thermal arc 200
htp 221
lincoln precision tig 225 (transformer)
miller syncrowave 200 (transformer)
used miller syncrowave 250 (transformer)