Can't pick a welder... Could you help?

planktonbbb · Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:05 pm

First and foremost, thank you for dropping in to provide some sort of feedback...

I'm in searching of a Tig welder for some light duty projects.. (fixing/building exhaust stainless and titanium, building header, welding thin aluminum)... Could I please get some recommendation for the price range of 800-1800?

Currently looking at:
1) Alphatig 200DX
2) Everlast Powertig 185
3) Lincoln Squarewave 200
4) Miller division 180 tig

A while ago, I came across a post that stated "if you can control that foot pedal, you can weld any thin aluminum even coke can" is that true? If so, would what really determines a good welder?

LtBadd · Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:52 am

Of the machines you list I'd stay away from the Diversion.
The others I've heard good things about, the Lincoln would be the big boy in terms of reputation and service availability

cj737 · Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:46 am

If you truly intend to weld stainless and Ti exhausts, you need a quality machine with pulse, adjustable pre- and post-flow, and I’d even suggest you make sure you get a box with a sequencer. Ti TIG is no joke. Very hard to do properly and requires purge equipment (as does stainlss for quality welds). Aluminum TIG needs amperage. A box capable of at least 200 amps, with waveforms would be my choice.

For the money, the AHP or even the HTP (you didn’t mention it) over the Lincoln. Personally I’d shy away from the Everlast due to intermittent quality and service experiences. Some good, some not so good.

planktonbbb · Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:52 pm

cj737 wrote:If you truly intend to weld stainless and Ti exhausts, you need a quality machine with pulse, adjustable pre- and post-flow, and I’d even suggest you make sure you get a box with a sequencer. Ti TIG is no joke. Very hard to do properly and requires purge equipment (as does stainlss for quality welds). Aluminum TIG needs amperage. A box capable of at least 200 amps, with waveforms would be my choice.

For the money, the AHP or even the HTP (you didn’t mention it) over the Lincoln. Personally I’d shy away from the Everlast due to intermittent quality and service experiences. Some good, some not so good.

Thank you for your feedback!

I came across a Lincoln square wave 200 at my local trader villager. Seller wanted $700 for the machine itself no cords...
Also a local body shop got a Miller econotig for $500 with a 75/25 bottle.. idk I’d it possible to get the 75/25 bottle to be switch out for full argon.

Or should I just get the alphatig 200dx

Thanks!

cj737 · Mon Oct 22, 2018 3:23 pm

Don’t spend the money on the EconoTIH, it’s a very old unit and no doubt out of warranty and parts harder to find for repairs. The Lincoln for $700 is a pretty good deal.

Swapping gas bottles is usually pretty easy if you have an account at the LWS. 75/25 and 100 are often equally priced. Lots depends upon the actual size of the tank. Most LWS won’t swap or refill full size tanks due to DOT regulations unless you have an account.

As to what machine, it all comes down to your plans and needs. Buy once, but it right, never buy it again. Buy based upon a tight budget, get less than you want/need, and have to sell it (usually at a loss) later.

planktonbbb · Mon Oct 22, 2018 3:31 pm

cj737 wrote:Don’t spend the money on the EconoTIH, it’s a very old unit and no doubt out of warranty and parts harder to find for repairs. The Lincoln for $700 is a pretty good deal.

Swapping gas bottles is usually pretty easy if you have an account at the LWS. 75/25 and 100 are often equally priced. Lots depends upon the actual size of the tank. Most LWS won’t swap or refill full size tanks due to DOT regulations unless you have an account.

As to what machine, it all comes down to your plans and needs. Buy once, but it right, never buy it again. Buy based upon a tight budget, get less than you want/need, and have to sell it (usually at a loss) later.

Would you say that the alphatig 200dx would be better than the Lincoln square wave 200?

tungstendipper · Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:04 pm

There are more features on the Alpha TIG

koenbro · Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:50 pm

Following with interest, as I just ordered an HTP Invertig — hoping to get it by the end of the week. Was in the same boat, for me the big decision narrowed down to Miller Synchrowave 210 vs the HTP. I thought the Miller looked very appealing on paper. In general I say buy the last tool first.

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LtBadd · Tue Oct 23, 2018 6:37 am

koenbro wrote:Following with interest, as I just ordered an HTP Invertig — hoping to get it by the end of the week. Was in the same boat, for me the big decision narrowed down to Miller Synchrowave 210 vs the HTP. I thought the Miller looked very appealing on paper. In general I say buy the last tool first.

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From what I've heard from other HTP 221 owners, you'll be very pleased with your decision.

planktonbbb · Tue Oct 23, 2018 12:37 pm

Would it be possible if I can get some personal input on ESAB EMP 235IC

Please disregard-

ESAB EMP 235IC TIG/MIG is only DC

cj737 · Tue Oct 23, 2018 5:00 pm

If you can stretch your budget, here’s a great new option:
https://store.cyberweld.com/miller-mult ... gIY__D_BwE

pgk · Fri Oct 26, 2018 4:13 pm

I just ordered one of these last week to keep up at our cabin just for odd jobs, should arrive this Monday, $775.00 3 year warranty, it will be nice not having to haul stuff back home to repair when needed. I'll let ya all know how it works. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BX ... UTF8&psc=1