bitsandspurs

rich · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 21 Location: sundown,texas

good afternoon all. i was needing to buy a tig machine and wondered what you guys were getting along with?

_________________
stamping out ignorance...one kid at a time

TEDTWOFEATHERS · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 109 Location: CROWNPOINT NM

RICH I HAVE A MILLER SYNCROWAVE 200, I GOT IT BECAUSE IT HAS AC THAT CAN BE USED ON ALUMINUM AS WELL A ALL STEELS. I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HAD A MILLER DYNASTY BUT THE COST WAS TO MUCH. GO TRY SOME TIG WELDERS THEN DECIDE. THE COST FOR ME WAS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR.

RBrooks · Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Cayley Alberta

Rich

I use a Lincoln Precision TIG 185. I bought it for the same reason as Ted-in order to weld aluminum. Prior to that, I used a tig torch on my old arc welder, which worked, but you don't have the control to change amperage as your welding ( to ease in and out of your welds and not blow out corners.) The high frequency start is nice-scratch starting your arc was always a pain before-your peice would stick to the tungsten.
The little inverter type welders sure look to be more affordable, but have never tried one to compare.

TEDTWOFEATHERS · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 109 Location: CROWNPOINT NM

RICH I USED A THERMAL ARC WELDER MY BUDDY HAD AND IT IS THE SMALL INVERTER TYPE. IT WAS AFTER I HAD BOUGHT MINE AND I WAS SETTING HIS UP FOR HIM. I WISH I WOULD HAVE USED IT BEFORE I BOUGHT MINE BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE GOT A THERMAL ARC. I TEACH WELDING AND HAVE USED A LOT OF TIG WELDERS AND THIS LITTLE WELDER IMPRESSED ME A LOT.

rich · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 21 Location: sundown,texas

thanks for your input guys.

ted, i also teach welding here at our highschool. i am wanting to by the tig for school, as well as another one for home. i have only used an econotig, and have gotten by with it. I have heard from others that it is the very bottom of the tig barrel.

_________________
stamping out ignorance...one kid at a time

Stewart · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 157 Location: Portales,NM

Ted,
What is a thermal arc welder?
Stewart

TEDTWOFEATHERS · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 109 Location: CROWNPOINT NM

THE THERMAL ARC IS A TIG WELDER MADE BY THERMADYNE IF YOU WANT TO SEARCH IT IS CALLED THERMAL ARC-ARCMASTER 185 ACDC. REALLY A SMOOTH MACHINE AND YOU CAN SET EVERYTHING THE WAY YOU WANT OR SET IT IN A STANDARD MODE. IT IS AN INVERTER STYLE WHICH MAKES IT SMALL AND IT COST THE SAME AS MY NONE INVERTER BIG MACHINE. THERMADYNE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME.