Tig

[moe1942]

Son wants to try TIG welding..I told him HF welders have really improved..Anyone have experience with their TIG welders??

[mccutter]

My local HF has a 200A AC/DC TIG hi-freq. machine in the clearance section I've been eyeing. It is the "new" orange Vulcan brand, probably what you are referring to. It appears they are moving away form TIG/stick only and going with multi-process machines (ie: w/MIG) as the model at my store is not a current offering.

At $800, it "could" be a deal if I absolutely needed it. I thought of offering $500 for it which would be an even better deal... Yes, you can "bargain" with the managers at HF. Clearance items are supposed to be marked down 20% every 2wks.

[astronut]

Moe, what is he wanting to learn to TIG on? Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. If just steel or stainless steel he could go old school with just a dc welder and a Tig torch with a gas valve knob. It would of course be a scratch start instead of a hi-freq start. I did it that way for many of years of off an Airco Dip Stick 160 and a Lincoln Ranger 8 engine drive. Horror fright has the titanium dc welder for about $249 right now and a Tig torch with gas valve knob should not be too expensive to keep him under $500 I would think.

[moe1942]

Originally Posted by astronut

Moe, what is he wanting to learn to TIG on? Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. If just steel or stainless steel he could go old school with just a dc welder and a Tig torch with a gas valve knob. It would of course be a scratch start instead of a hi-freq start. I did it that way for many of years of off an Airco Dip Stick 160 and a Lincoln Ranger 8 engine drive. Horror fright has the titanium dc welder for about $249 right now and a Tig torch with gas valve knob should not be too expensive to keep him under $500 I would think.

He wants to do a little bit of all metals...He's single, has money and I get to use the toys too...

I have had a Lincoln tomb stone AC welder for many years. Always thought about getting a HF unit and mod it...

[Shade Tree Welder]

Well since he is single...

Go BIG!

[astronut]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Well since he is single...

Go BIG!

Now that is BIG! Especially the price!

[moe1942]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Well since he is single...

Go BIG!

Did I say tight too....

[mccutter]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Well since he is single...

Go BIG!

Originally Posted by astronut

Now that is BIG! Especially the price!

Originally Posted by moe1942

Did I say tight too....

But since he IS single (and young?), he could get a used Dynasty 200, then spend a little extra and get a water-cooled torch setup (#20). That setup will last the rest of his life... You might find one local in the $1500 range (or less).

Or spend a little more (or less) and get a new Diversion 180. Looks like a nice starter/all-around TIG. LINK Add $500-$600 for a water-cooled torch and cooler. The WC torch can be used with another TIG should he upgrade to a Dynasty 800...

PS: and he'll need at least a 125cf of Argon. Buy the tank, it is easier that way then just swap out or buy two tanks and drop the empty off to be filled.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by moe1942

Son wants to try TIG welding..I told him HF welders have really improved..Anyone have experience with their TIG welders??

Moe, for someone who want to learn the basics, I don't think you can go wrong
with a HF machine. They seem to be decent machines. However, I would
suggest one that has AC and DC. AC so you can weld aluminum, 50% of my
TIG work is aluminum.

I would also look around and see if you can get a used Miller or Lincoln unit.

[moe1942]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Moe, for someone who want to learn the basics, I don't think you can go wrong
with a HF machine. They seem to be decent machines. However, I would
suggest one that has AC and DC. AC so you can weld aluminum, 50% of my
TIG work is aluminum.

I would also look around and see if you can get a used Miller or Lincoln unit.

Good advice...I'll push HF..Not too keen on used out of warranty equip...