i've never done any welding before and
i want to get started on tig instead of mig welding.

 

I used miller would be a good start.

You can get a used one that will be as reliable as any other machine, and it will be a better machine than you can afford to buy new.

In other words, I sold a 2yo Lincoln machine and bought a 10yo miller. I'm very pleased.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Engloid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used miller would be a good start.

You can get a used one that will be as reliable as any other machine, and it will be a better machine than you can afford to buy new.

In other words, I sold a 2yo Lincoln machine and bought a 10yo miller. I'm very pleased.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Word. I'm currently looking for an older Miller TIG because I'm taking a TIG class this fall. Would a used Synchrowave 180SD be a good machine to start on?

 

The 180SD is actually a pretty good machine. The only thing that the Lincoln equivalent has on it is a pulser that isn't even a full-featured pulser.

As you guys obviously know, I'm not a Lincoln fan at all, so although others may disagree, I'll say that....

Years down the road, when you go to sell the 180SD, it will still have the Miller name, quality, and dependability... and the Lincolns that are still operable will not resale as well and probably not run as well.

 

I'm really looking for something in the $1200 price range, but definitely a Miller. I don't think my dad's friend would let me get anything else.

 

Ive got to agree with Engloid in that Miller stuff is amazing and lasts forever. Our Tig machine is a 1976 Syncrowave 300. I paid $1500 for the complete setup about 2 years ago. It still works like new! Its way more machine then we would ever need which is always good... as we shouldnt ever be limited in the amperage/ duty cycle department. It has all the features of the newer machines except pulser. Pulse is somthing id like in a machine now, but as a beginner i wouldnt worry about it. The only thing to look out for in an older machine is that they are HUGE and HEAVY as all get out!!!!! So be sure to have means of loading it and housing it in your work area.

 

Got my 180SD with tigrunner package (built in cart) for $1k used. Probably didn't even have 10 hours on it.

Just keep an eye out on ebay and various other welding boards.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dennis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Got my 180SD with tigrunner package (built in cart) for $1k used. Probably didn't even have 10 hours on it.

Just keep an eye out on ebay and various other welding boards.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good deals on ebay all the time, just saw a miller 250sd go for $800

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LSiTurbo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ive got to agree with Engloid in that Miller stuff is amazing and lasts forever. Our Tig machine is a 1976 Syncrowave 300. I paid $1500 for the complete setup about 2 years ago. It still works like new! Its way more machine then we would ever need which is always good... as we shouldnt ever be limited in the amperage/ duty cycle department. It has all the features of the newer machines except pulser. Pulse is somthing id like in a machine now, but as a beginner i wouldnt worry about it. The only thing to look out for in an older machine is that they are HUGE and HEAVY as all get out!!!!! So be sure to have means of loading it and housing it in your work area. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I have the older 350 syncrowave and it didn't have the pulser either. I just bought a PC-300 pulser for it. it just plugs into the remote cord and does the pulsing however you set it. Retail price on it is $600 though...and I think they stopped making it. I got lucky and found one new locally for $175

 

hmmmmm interesting Engloid... im gonna keep my eye out on the ol' ebay for one. Im also still looking for a used water cooler, right now we have a dedicated faucet that colls the machine and we just dump it out the garage door. Its been working fine like that for almost 2 years now so im not in any rush to get a cooler.

 

And remember Enggy ,If you don't have a pulser .You can always use your foot.lol