Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey guys I'm new to the forum. I have some experience tig welding with my old job but I would like to get a welding machine for my home shop. I was using a miller 210 at my old job. I don't usually weld anything crazy thick but would like to do at least 1/4". Thanks for you input.

typ122 wrote:Hey guys I'm new to the forum. I have some experience tig welding with my old job but I would like to get a welding machine for my home shop. I was using a miller 210 at my old job. I don't usually weld anything crazy thick but would like to do at least 1/4". Thanks for you input.

Any idea how much you are willing to spend and what type of projects you might plan on doing?

ill be welding axle housings for race cars,brackets and other things of that nature. Aluminum stuff, oil pan repairs.

I'll assume your budget is $2k or less for a AC/DC Tig unit and you're located in the US

Some options are

Miller Diversion

Lincoln Square Wave tig 200

Everlast, you'll find some love them, some hate them.

AHP makes a unit for around $1k, never used one but have read good things. Foot pedal is very basic

Like most budget machines, you may not (will not) be satisfied with everything, such as the foot pedal or TIG torch, therefore you should have extra $$ set aside should you want to upgrade

The Lincoln may be the best, depending...

1/4" aluminum is the top end (or close to it) for these units

I would add the Esab 186i. I have the thermal arc version and have been happy so far. Also less than $2k.

LtBadd wrote:I'll assume your budget is $2k or less for a AC/DC Tig unit and you're located in the US

Some options are

Miller Diversion

Lincoln Square Wave tig 200

Everlast, you'll find some love them, some hate them.

AHP makes a unit for around $1k, never used one but have read good things. Foot pedal is very basic

Like most budget machines, you may not (will not) be satisfied with everything, such as the foot pedal or TIG torch, therefore you should have extra $$ set aside should you want to upgrade

The Lincoln may be the best, depending...

1/4" aluminum is the top end (or close to it) for these units

I've used both the diversion and squarewave. If it comes to those two, squarewave all the way. Added features for aluminum and stick welding in case you need it and it is still cheaper than the diversion.

typ 122,
Don't forget the CK Worldwide MT-200 ac/dc Tig, it is pricier at $2155 but is supposed to be an excellent machine. Check out reviews and videos on the unit. Price given is at Arczone where I buy a lot of stuff online. I have a Lincoln SquareWave Tig 200 and really enjoy the machine but changed my torch to a TEC Welding Products sz 17 torch as I wanted a shorter torch body than the Lincoln sz 17 which is ok, just personal choice. I also own a Everlast PowerTig 250EX with an Everlast water cooler as well, whole different league then the air cooled torch (no hot torch to fry my fingers). I sometimes am using the air cooled torch on my Lincoln and end up roasting my index finger from holding a bead too long, just a dumb ass I guess? Ouch!

Brad

Bradk wrote:typ 122,
Don't forget the CK Worldwide MT-200 ac/dc Tig, it is pricier at $2155 but is supposed to be an excellent machine.
Brad

Wow that's quite a bit more then the Lincoln, it better shine for that cost. Have never seen any reviews for that unit, but then I haven't went looking.

Right now you can but the SW TIG 200 and get a $125 rebate as well. Plenty of good reviews of this machine out there

The AHP still seems to be the best bang-for-the-buck, IMO. Just rig up something for the footpedal, and you're golden.

LtBadd wrote:

Bradk wrote:typ 122,
Don't forget the CK Worldwide MT-200 ac/dc Tig, it is pricier at $2155 but is supposed to be an excellent machine.
Brad

Wow that's quite a bit more then the Lincoln, it better shine for that cost. Have never seen any reviews for that unit, but then I haven't went looking.

Right now you can but the SW TIG 200 and get a $125 rebate as well. Plenty of good reviews of this machine out there

The CK Worldwide machine is a Razorweld 200 acdc in a different case. The Razorweld can be had for $1,700 and is awesome at that price point.

Sedanman,
I guess you pay an extra $400 for the CK wrapping? Good to know!
Brad
I guess you could always buy an Everlast, I saw the 250 EX recently on the market for around $1395. Weld 1/4 inch no issues.

sedanman wrote:

LtBadd wrote:

Bradk wrote:typ 122,
Don't forget the CK Worldwide MT-200 ac/dc Tig, it is pricier at $2155 but is supposed to be an excellent machine.
Brad

Wow that's quite a bit more then the Lincoln, it better shine for that cost. Have never seen any reviews for that unit, but then I haven't went looking.

Right now you can but the SW TIG 200 and get a $125 rebate as well. Plenty of good reviews of this machine out there

The CK Worldwide machine is a Razorweld 200 acdc in a different case. The Razorweld can be had for $1,700 and is awesome at that price point.

CK Worldwide are awesome products with great customer service!!

Bradk wrote:Sedanman,
I guess you pay an extra $400 for the CK wrapping? Good to know!
Brad
I guess you could always buy an Everlast, I saw the 250 EX recently on the market for around $1395. Weld 1/4 inch no issues.

The bigger case allows for slightly better cooling thus a duty cycle improvement. The CK version also comes with a CK torch.

I have a Lincoln Squarewave 200 and recommend highly