Tig welding

[Leaping Deer]

I was thinking about picking up a Tig. I will probably use it mostly for sheet metal but want to get a big enough machine so that I won't feel the need to upgrade in the future. Ideally I would like to spend no more than $2500.

So who has tig welded? What machine have you used? Likes/Dislikes? Tips? Suggestions? Should I buy used?

I currently have a Millermatic 210 and it works great. Maybe I'm just looking for a new toy.

 

[green40]

I've used this one
Miller - TIG Welders - Syncrowave® 350 LX
Nice machine. I found Tig welding to be hard, mostly because of lack of coordination.
Lot of things going on while you are doing it. Do get some really nice welds. Aluminum
was fun.

 

[der kampfer]

If you have the space, a used Miller synchrowave/transformer based TIG is the best bet. The new inverter based TIG's are tiny but you also pay a premium on them.

 

[Gus]

If you're only doing sheet metal(and up to aprox 3/16" material) a 180ish sized machine works well and should fit in your budget. I have a Lincoln Precision Tig185 that has been a good basic machine with both aluminum and steel. At work they recently picked up a Thermadyne "Arc Master" 185 which kicks ass with 16 to 22 gauge sheet metal(I haven't tried aluminum yet), it does however require quite a bit of set up(programing the machine to your needs). Features like a flexible-head torch and/or a water cooled torch(can be pricey) are convenient and are more comfortable than the standard torches. Lincoln, Miller and Themadyne all make very nice equipment, I'm sure there are other manufacturers as well. If you can find a trade show or the like, they often have welding suppliers demoing their equipment, it's a great opportunity to try the latest equipment.

 

[Wildman]

Jason come up here some time, Ill teach you how, then send you home with a tig to borrow for as long as you want!

 

[Leaping Deer]

Sounds great Pat, thanks. I'd love to try it before committing to buying one.