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cheap TIG

ryoken

ryoken

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I know, I know.... ;)

I'd love to invest a couple g's and get a decent machine... but about what is the cheapest i can get into TIG for? everything but a bottle.... can I get a machine, pedal, etc for like $500, 600? I know, buyer beware, china junk, etc.... willing to take a chance.. any machine suggestions? I know the new HF Vulcans get reasonable reviews, $700

https://www.harborfreight.com/protig-165-industrial-welder-with-120240-volt-input-63618.html

this good enough for learning, if it doesn't make magic smoke?

https://www.harborfreight.com/240-volt-inverter-arctig-welder-with-digital-readout-62486.html

I want to spend time this winter trying to learn it.. but the budget is tighter than usual with the new rig purchase, Mutt dizzle, yada....... I can always upgrade down the road...



guess I'll start watching Marketplace for a used one local too....
 
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Do you have a stick welder? If so, you are only a couple hundred away from a very capable tig rig. I've watched many code welders build pharmaceutical equipment with an old miller gas powered stick welder hooked up to a tig rig. That and gas bottle/ regulator and you can weld. No high frequency ir pulse, but you'd be amazed what can be done.
 
YOUNGBLOOD13 said:
Do you have a stick welder? If so, you are only a couple hundred away from a very capable tig rig. I've watched many code welders build pharmaceutical equipment with an old miller gas powered stick welder hooked up to a tig rig. That and gas bottle/ regulator and you can weld. No high frequency ir pulse, but you'd be amazed what can be done.
Click to expand...


nada... mig, spool and torches... tho i have stick welded....
 
I didnt see that you were the OP. After seeing your k5 and that sweet ass CC, I would have bet the farm you had one already.
 
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The 185 is in the 800-900 range though and it has features that i'm still learning.
 
I have the AHP AlphaTig 200X. I have used it pretty heavily for about 6 years now. The only issue I have had is overheating the torch once. Not the rigs fault. I was just going a bit too long on some 1/4 aluminum and melted it. it came with everything but a bottle. Even included clamps for stick welding. Does a fine job at that too.

It has worked great, has all the features and adjustments you could hope for out a cheap rig. 3 of my friends have bought one after using mine.

I have also used the eastwood, it works, but is missing a ton of adjustments.

One piece of advice I can give about tig. Buy a stubby gas lens kit. This is the one I have. It makes a world of difference in gas flow over the piece, less turbulence and what not. Cleaning/prep and gas flow is everything in tig. The stubby part makes the torch alot easier to fit into places.
 
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TreeFarm said:
I have the AHP AlphaTig 200X. I have used it pretty heavily for about 6 years now. The only issue I have had is overheating the torch once. Not the rigs fault. I was just going a bit too long on some 1/4 aluminum and melted it. it came with everything but a bottle. Even included clamps for stick welding. Does a fine job at that too.

It has worked great, has all the features and adjustments you could hope for out a cheap rig. 3 of my friends have bought one after using mine.

I have also used the eastwood, it works, but is missing a ton of adjustments.

One piece of advice I can give about tig. Buy a stubby gas lens kit. This is the one I have. It makes a world of difference in gas flow over the piece, less turbulence and what not. Cleaning/prep and gas flow is everything in tig. The stubby part makes the torch alot easier to fit into places.
Click to expand...


great info, thanks man.... :) alum work is really what I'm looking to do..
 
I can't comment on the bargain brands, I have a 14 year old miller dynasty 200dx. It's a badass machine but not cheap. The everlast have some pretty nice and similar features as my miller. I've actually been considering one of them for a new mig machine.
Anyway, even though it adds to the cost. Go with a water cooled torch. The torch handle is smaller and you never have to worry about the handle burning your hand on long welds.

I need to get a new torch for mine. But if you needed something TIGed before you buy one or wanted to check it out. Mine is setup to be somewhat portable.20200106_165941.jpg
The cooler is actually bigger then the welder.
 
KirsL said:
I can't comment on the bargain brands, I have a 14 year old miller dynasty 200dx. It's a badass machine but not cheap. The everlast have some pretty nice and similar features as my miller. I've actually been considering one of them for a new mig machine.
Anyway, even though it adds to the cost. Go with a water cooled torch. The torch handle is smaller and you never have to worry about the handle burning your hand on long welds.

I need to get a new torch for mine. But if you needed something TIGed before you buy one or wanted to check it out. Mine is setup to be somewhat portable.View attachment 345655
The cooler is actually bigger then the welder.
Click to expand...




are you back in Joysey?
 
I got my Lincoln Tig used at an auction for $600. I had been looking for a long time. I am glad to have a quality machine. Tig is difficult enough that I didn't want to be fighting a cheap machine. Same thing for all welding equipment really. I welded with a 110v Lincoln flux core for years. Always wanted my welds to look better, thought I just sucked. Just picked up a big new Hobart and set it up for gas. Turns out I can stack dimes, just didn't have the right equipment.
 
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