Recommendations for beginner TIG unit.

[MusPuppis]

Asking on behalf of a friend. God knows I cant afford one. I'm still trying to scrape together money to upgrade my little Lincoln to gas. I shoulda listened to everyone's adivce on here and just waited a while to get a welder till I could afford one that came gas ready.. BUt, I'm getting off topic.. *hits self in head*

Anyway,

Friend of mine is looking to pick up a TIG welder in early january when he gets taxes back and asked me (I have raved about how good this board is) to ask you guys what machines he should look at. His welding experience is minimal, about the same as mine. He currently has an HF machine running Flux Core.

He's on a budget, but not at the cost of quality. He just wants recommendations on a good beginner unit. Primary use (once he and I learn to use it) will be welding aluminum I/C piping, SS and vanity work on aluminum intake's and the like. (smog system removal and cleanup type stuff). Hobby welder, not for production or selling of products.

[BKD]

I'd say look for a used Syncrowave 180... Then he can do SMAW too.

[Conrad_Turbo]

Thermal Arc 185

[Sundown]

Thermal Arc 185

Ditto on that

[Engloid]

I bought my Syncrowave 350 for $1500 used. It's an old monster, big machine..but will weld anything I ever need to weld.

I'd always reccomend a bigger used machine over a smaller new one. The small machines are only a way to lose money in the long run. A bigger used machine will hold its value better.

[hankj]

MusPuppis,

For what you state as intended use, a TA185 fits the bill.

The consoderations between a Syncheowave (transformer) welder and and inverter (TA, Dynasty, etc.) are wieght (200+ #'s) and power conmsumption (50+ amps) vs. 30#'s and 30 - 40 amps for an inverter.

As for cost, a new TA can be had ready-to-weld for ~$1600. You can expect to pay nearly that for a used 180SD ready-to-weld.

Hank

[Planet X]

AC/DC
foot control
water cooler
+300amps
square wave (so not too old)
pulse optional

[MusPuppis]

Thanks for the info, I'll print this thread out so he can read it over.

I hope he buys one.. I wanna learn to tig