[Susan H]

I am needing tig (or at lest I believe I do) for my metal art stuff, since I am moving into bronze. In looking for used equipment, I find myself a bit baffled in this chicken and egg situation where I don't know enough to know what I need, and the only way to know what I need is to know how to do it.
Here are the bits:
200 amp service
mostly bronze up to 3/8 thick (or more if I could)
Maybe some steel (I have a nice mig, but I hate grinding)
Maybe aluminum someday.

I need a machine that is suitable for a beginner, but will let me grow into it. Maybe something along a Miller Syncrowave 250? I'm blind guessing with that; reading the manuals and ebay listings.
Advice, please, on which machines would be appropriate in my search. Thanks!

[Louie1961]

I would stick with the MIG welder until you find something you can't do with it. Grinding is part of the game and can be minimized if you are smart about your weld wire size and smart about the amount of weld bead you lay down. Don't over weld. Not every joint requires a full weld bead, especially in art work.

This artist switched from TIG to MIG (opposite of what you want to do) and he likes it better for bronze sculptures. I would stay away from TIG for now since you are going to spend much more time learning how to TIG than actually making art. A good MIG welder will easily weld aluminum, steel and bronze. Silicon bronze filler wire will allow you to join dissimilar metals which is interesting for art work.

http://www.johnsearles.com/welding-bron ... ures/3862/

I am not saying TIG won't work, but the learning curve is pretty steep. You can be producing art much more quickly if you use MIG

[Louie1961]

You may want to check out Cindy DeCecco. She is an artist that produces some interesting work with a MIG

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-dececco-05055893/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaXbteb ... 13_XgCoAEC