TIG Welders

[jfsmith]

I am looking at purchasing a TIG unit. Not sure of which one, so any input would be appreciated.

Currently I have a Oxy/acetylene torch, a MIG and Stick welders. My work goes from tack welding to serious joining of metals. I probably need to be able to handle 1/2 inch thickness.

Thanks in advance,

Jerry

[This message has been edited by jfsmith (edited 08-11-2004).]

[dsergison]

I have a Thermal Arc 185. I love it. But, it's not a 1/2" machine. curious why you want to tig 1/2" anyway. especially when you have a mig allready.

if you want a new efficient portable machine for precision work it's hard to beat, but a miller dynasty 200 does beat it. (I hear) mostly because it can run on 110 or 220, wheras the TA is 220 only.

http://www.spaceman613.net/machining/cart.jpg

[jfsmith]

I do a lot of strange welding to create art work out of metal. My MIG is a lighter duty machine. It's a Lincoln Weld Pak 100, a 120VAC welder.


Jerry

[torker]

Jerry...for 1/2" thick metal, tig is the LAST thing I'd weld it with. For small, delicate art stuff tig is great but it is a very slow, expensive process when it comes to welding thick material. My opinion...you could probably use a light tig machine for a lot of what you do but you need a better, bigger mig machine for filling 1/2" welds. At one time all I had was a Lincoln 275 tig. I welded everything with it. It cost a fortune and any heavy stuff took forever to weld. I'd never do that again.
Russ

[Mike W]

I have a Miller Syncrowave 250 at work. It is mainly used on aluminum. For 1/2" steel I would be thinking arc welding.

[glenj]

I have a Miller Syncrowave 250 as well with the pulser unit. I'd love to replace it with a Dynasty 200DX.

For 1/2" steel check out the Dynasty 300DX TIG and Stick power source.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/dynasty_300/

[jfsmith]

I am rethinking the usage, but still looking at TIG units. I may upgrade my MIG to a newer bigger model.


Jerry

[IOWOLF]

my econotig miller serves me well for gauge thickness only.

[happy02]

Tig machines are great for fusion welding parts that are fit up well and for precision welding of smaller parts. The Synchrowave 180 or bigger is a fine machine. I would use a stick welder or a mig welder for 1/2" thick material.

[suprdvn]

You won't regret buying TIG, but it loses it's advantage on heavy welds.