TIG Welders

[louisb]

I am thinking of buying a welder in the next couple of months and have decided to step up to a TIG. I have done some MIG welding in the past but want better heat control and the ability to do a wider range of metals. (Aluminum and maybe Chromo) I don't really need an industrial machine but want something I wont outgrow too soon. These are the three I am looking at in order of preference:

Miller Synchrowave 200
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/syncrowave_200/

Miller Dynasty 200 DX
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/dynasty_200_series/

and the Linclon Percision TIG 225
http://mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=39581


I know what I need when it comes to a MIG welder but with the TIG welders I am not sure. If anyone who knows their way around a TIG would take a look at these three and tell me which is better/worse or if any of them should be avoided I would much appreciate it.

Thanks,

--louis

[Zach Gomulka]

For your first welder I would advise a MIG. They are more versitale than you think! They also get work done much quicker and have a shorter learning curve. Get a 220 so you can weld thick and thin, I personally like the Miller's. Once you have mastered the MIG, step up to a TIG... or you may discover that is all that you really need.

[louisb]

I had a MIG before until someone stole it from my garage. (Along with all my power tools.) I always found it limiting, plus I want to be able to weld aluminum. I would like to get into some more advanced metal working. Having said that, I have also been looking at the Miller Mig 180 with auto start. Price is not bad and I have heard some good things about it.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/smartselector/chosen.php?process=mig&metal=1&voltage=1&thickness=1&portability=1


--louis

[Harry/FDK]

Louis, compared to overhere, these prices are dirt cheap. I would def. go TIG.

[louisb]

Actually, if you look on eBay they are even cheaper. The Synchrowave 200 can be had new for less thank 2K. Yeah it is more than a MIG, but I think it would be worth it.

--louis

[Harry/FDK]

Absolutely, i talked to aircraft welders at the place were i work, and they told me that with some practice you can do anything in the car hobby/obsession. After purchasing the sandblaster this year, i'm hoping to go TIG next year.
Best Regards,
Harry

[Glauco]

My dad bought a TIG some weeks ago, now he has a MIG, a MAG an arcwelder and the TIG, and I have to see, you get the  hang of it quit easy, I'm welding everything with the TIG

[danny gabbard]

Louis buy the best tig you can afford. look for soft start feature,if your going to weld thin material, and never use rod thicker than aparent metal. lot's of advantage's with tig you can weld alum,brass,stainless,mag, mild steel,cromemoly,thick,thin,plus do'ing body work type project's were you need to grind welds less clean up. Do your self a favor and go to the nearest JR. collage take a tig welding class, use there gas and material, get some seat time before you start on your car , I have had student's that could weld pretty good 3-4 day's of practice. my two cent's

[louisb]

Thanks for the input Danny. I will check into the JR College classes.

--louis

[javabug]

I second the classes.  I have a cheap MIG, been trying to get signed up for a class here, but it hasn't worked out yet.

Not a MIG or TIG, but lately I have a boner for one of these:
http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/

[louisb]

I second the classes.  I have a cheap MIG, been trying to get signed up for a class here, but it hasn't worked out yet.

Not a MIG or TIG, but lately I have a boner for one of these:
http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/

Yeah plasma cutters are nice. But you can do a whole lot of damage real quick with one too. 

--louis

[danny gabbard]

Like any tool, there's a time and a place. they sure are handy

[javabug]

Sucks the site is down, but it is actually a cool OA torch.  Would love to use it for sheetmetal work.