Best Tig set up for the money??????????????

Bahama Bob · Aug 19, 2012

I am looking for a tig welder to use mainly on Aluminum and Stainless steel.

A) What brand would you guys recommend buying?

B) Is there a particular style/ type that is better than others?

C) Does it matter the grade of Aluminum for these welders, or are they all the same?

D) Can I use it for 8 gauge thru 1/2 think 6061?

I will be hiring a certified welder to do the bulk of the welding since it will be marine grade applications only, but would like to purchase a welder that anyone already using a tig could adjust to fairly easy.

wont work · Aug 19, 2012

It really is up to the person welding but stick with the known name brand welders. All I have in my shop are Miller and Lincoln and they get used daily. I like miller the best but recently bought a Lincoln precision setup. I have only welded with it one time but its gona be good for up to 1/4". Whichever route you go make shure to get water cooled tig setup you wont regret it. If you think all you will need is 200 amp go with 250 amps.

Yes is matters on what type of Al you are welding on but the welder can be setup or dialed in for whatever size or type you are welding. This wont effect which welder you need as long as it has AC on the dial.

If you buy a welder rated for 1/2 you can change the tungsten out to smaller sizes to weld whatever thickness you need to weld.

knaffie · Aug 19, 2012

A) Stick with Miller or Lincoln IMO.
B) Inverters are newer, lighter, smaller. They still make the transformer rectifier machines too. Both will weld fine for you. Unless portability is important to you, then this won't really be a consideration.
C) Grade of aluminum does not matter when considering a welding machine.
D) If you really want to weld 1/2" thick aluminum, you need a pretty serious setup that won't be cheap. Water cooled torch is mandatory. These would all do well for you.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/product.php?model=M15700

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/product.php?model=M00168

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K2618-1(LincolnElectric)

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K2622-1(LincolnElectric)

Bahama Bob · Aug 19, 2012

I bought a Miller MiG welder about two years ago and have been very happy with it. Portability will not be needed as this will all be located inside of a building next a jig table. Thanks for the input. You can read a million brochures but they never seem to accurately cover the input of the daily user. :dblthumb:

yankster · Aug 19, 2012

Miller Syncrowave 250 DX is IMO the best all around TIG for the money.

sledneck · Aug 20, 2012

Whatever color you choose red or blue you really cant go wrong. Personally I would go with miller. Whatever you buy make sure you get a cooler if your doing production work. If you have a good local dealer go try both welders and see what you like best.