Hey guys. I haven't TIG welded anything for 3-4 years (thanks to my lovely college schedule and budget) but I now have the space and time to get back into it. I dont have a ton of money to invest into a starter welder right now...Having said that, I dont want to waste money on a shitty welder that will break in 3 months either.

I plan to weld mainly mild and stainless steel...no plans for Aluminum yet. As for thickness, basically whichever guage is used for manifolds. Also, I dont have access to 220v where I live which is why most of these are straight 110v or dual 110/220v. I can't buy a straight 220v welder.

For everything (including gas, gloves, filler rod, and a mask) i was hoping to stay under $1000 but we'll see how that pans out.

Thermal Arc 160
http://www.ebay.com/itm/THERMAL-ARC-...095#vi-content

Thermal Arc 95S
http://www.toolsource.com/thermal-ti...rceid=googleps

Miller Maxstar 150
http://store.cyberweld.com/mitigwema150.html

Hobart EZ-TIG 165i (I really like this one, but its REALLY pushing my budget)
http://store.cyberweld.com/hotigweez16.html

 

If the Hobart is pushing your budget I would suggest trying to find a used Syncrowave. They can be had under a thousand if u look and there a much better machine than the ones your looking at. My friend found a used Sync 180sd for 600 and for the price it's a good machine to start with.

 

Just saw you cant do 220v, I would honestly save up some more and find a machine that at least comes with a foot pedal.

 

I agree with FabChild, save your money..... or extend your credit limit lol.

i was in the same boat. Bit the bullet and bought an Lincoln Invertec 205. Was super expensive, but it's paid itself off 10 times over in the last 5 years.

Welders aren't temporary tools. They last a long time, might as well buy something that won't limit you. The Invertec and Miller's dynasty are about 40 lbs, the size of a duffle bag, can weld any thing and accept both 110 and 220.

Just my 2 cents.

 

My biggest concern about buying an expensive welder is that I'm not even sure how much I plan to use it. I work 40+hrs a week and am looking to make a hobby out of this more than anything. I wish the good TIGs weren't so expensive!!

What would be the downside of using the Thermal Arc 95 compared to a good Miller/Hobart/Lincoln? Is it less controllable?

I'll start browsing Ebay and Craigslist for used welders...maybe i'll come across a good, used TIG for cheap

Thanks for the help

 

I've never messed with the off brand stuff, only miller and lincoln. I do know that both of those hardly ever break. I've welded machines that are 20 years old that work perfect. i would think the ebay specials probably aren't as robust internally, but i have nothing to back up that statement.

i think you have the right idea with craigs list or ebay for used machines. the bonus to that is you'd probably get torches, hoses and other equipment too with the purchase. Thats stuff is the crap that nickle and dimes you to death.

 

I thought every home came with 220v?
Have you looked at the everlast line up?

 

I use the everlast 200dx, does pulse, frequency adjustability, ac/dc, comes with a foot pedal, and with the addition of a gas lense, it welds as well as the dynast line. Ive used both.

 

lots of guys seem to be using that everlast 185
https://honda-tech.com/forums/welding-fabrication-53/some-fab-work-ive-been-doing-3068691/
https://honda-tech.com/forums/welding-fabrication-53/everlast-micro-tig-185-a-3036015/

 

I talked to a friend of mine who welds for a living...his company is looking to sell a 2 year old Lincoln 185 for $700. I still need to get details on it, but I think I might have found my TIG. Thoughts?