First TIG welder suggestions or advice

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Hey everyone, ive been wanting to get a TIG welder for a while. Im taking a welding class rite now to start learning how to TIG weld. I mainly intend to use the tig for aluminum (intakes, piping...) and some stainless, neither will be very thick. Im looking for a dependable machine that just does what its supposed to. In all of the research ive done ive only heard good things about Miller. Im looking at two welders rite now, both used: an old Miller Dialarc hf (air cooled torch, black control panel face..the guy wants $1000) and a Syncrowave 180SD ($850). Anyone have any input or advice? Any other models to look into or stay away from? Thanks!

[grenade inspector]

I got the synch 200 as my first tig, haven't had a problem with it yet :fingersx:

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks Tom, thats good to hear! Im also curious are you (or anyone else reading this) using a liquid cooled torch, or is the air cooled sufficient? The tech school that the welding class is held at has Miller Dynasty 300's, the one im using is air cooled, but there im probably only ever running it at like 5% duty cycle haha...

[grenade inspector]

At the moment I'm using the air cooled torch that came with it, water cooled is nice and some day I would like to upgrade but space and money are both at a premium right now.

[oestek]

We've been using HTP TIGs for years with no issues and awesome customer support. The latest Invertig 221 is a very versatile machine without a huge price tag, and it's not hard to use. Google them, you won't find a bad word on the 'net.

http://www.usaweld.com/TIG-WELDER-Invertig-221-Welder-p/70221-12.5.htm

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys for the responses. I wonder how much more argon an air cooled torch uses vs a liquid cooled torch, if it should be a notable difference. Im trying to stay around $1500, and if i can get to some of the deals in Craigslist before they sell i think its doable; there are a few Lincoln for sale now. Our MIG is a Lincoln, in know lincolns a big name, would you buy a comparable Lincoln over a Miller if a deal came up, or hold out for a Miller?

[grenade inspector]

I've heard some crappy things about their service but as a hobbyist waiting a couple weeks for a replacement part isn't going to break your back.

[DTM Racing]

Careful with the Millers, I forget what models, but some of them had a bad run of start cards for the A/C circuit.

[dontlifttoshift]

The 180 is a good machine, and at that price you really can't go wrong. You have to weld a lot and be near the max amperage for an air cooled torch to be a problem. For most garage jobs an air cooled will be fine.

[tigerracer]

I've used the 180sd for about 10 yrs with no problems. Welded up to 3/8 alum, with preheating the part, just can't go very long with the air cooled torch. For thin material you can weld all day. Just picked up an inverter tig and plasma cutter from Eastwood for a $1000.00, plasma cutter works great, haven't tried the tig.

Dale Restorations
San Berdoo,Ca

[ccm399]

Hi Tim,

You won't have an increase in Argon use with an air cooled torch. The Argon flow is based on the weld needs not the type of torch. I have used both Lincoln and Miller TIG machines and I like the Millers better but there was absolutely nothing wrong with the Lincolns.

I personally chose a Miller Diversion 165 (with the optional pedal) for my home shop. I LOVE it. If I had the extra $$$ I would have went straight to the Dynasty 200 but for my small home shop the 165 fits the bill just fine. I have repaired an aluminum bell housing with no problem at all. I picked up my Diversion used for $1200 with the pedal, three tubes of filler, two sleeves of tungsten, an 80cf bottle (full) and a cart so there are deals out there on CL and racing junk.

Hope this helps.

Chris

Pic of the repaired housing:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/DSC_0973-1.jpg

Don't let the rating fool ya... she'll do some work! :)


Thanks guys for the responses. I wonder how much more argon an air cooled torch uses vs a liquid cooled torch, if it should be a notable difference. Im trying to stay around $1500, and if i can get to some of the deals in Craigslist before they sell i think its doable; there are a few Lincoln for sale now. Our MIG is a Lincoln, in know lincolns a big name, would you buy a comparable Lincoln over a Miller if a deal came up, or hold out for a Miller?

[ccm399]

That repair was all done with an air cooled torch.

Chris

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys for the input. That repair on the bellhousing looks beautiful! I guess the hardest part of finding a tig is going to just be finding a good deal, all the ones I've looked into are either sold or the seller isn't responding (so also sold probably). But I'll have to keep looking, I need to get my intake tigged up within the next couple months, but my friend has a tig already if I can't find one

[BigBlockOlds]

I just bought a Hobart ez tig 165 last fall and its been a great machine. I've used Miller TIGs in the past but those were high end units at a factory that were meant for daily continuous use.
For the home I think the Hobart works extremely well.

[ProTouringCuda]

+1 on the Miller Diversion. Got one and LOVE it. My first tig as well.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I know it's been a while, but thanks everyone for the advice... Ive had the tig shopping on hold with all the demon stuff and life getting in the way. Recently i started looking for welders again. I found a syncrowave 351 with a new miller coolmate for $1700. Im seriously considering it, what do you guys think? I know its overkill, but I intend to hold onto it for a long time. We also have a new fuse panel in our shop, so I'm not too worried about getting the high amp fuse needed to run it installed. Thanks again

EDIT: i looked into it and see no reason not to pursue it (other than costing more than i originally bargained for) but i set an appointment for saturday, if everything checks out ill be picking it up.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Just to close this chapter, i got the welder and am very, very happy with the deal. it came with two torches, a bunch of gas shields, consumables, and the coolmate is only 6 months old. I got to use it before buying it, i love that smaller torch, made one of my best beads while testing it. The stick can easily burn through 3/8" steel; its a monster. The only down side is im going to have to get rid of my 750cc golf cart project to fit a decent table in our shop, its been long overdue...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/Photo07072231-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/Photo07072231_1-1.jpg
Thanks for the help, happy welding!