First tig machine
 

What is the best tig machine to learn and grow on?

I took stick welding in high school and then fell out of it because I am an idiot.

I would like to be able to do sheet metal / aluminium / probably 1/4" max any material

Are there any options under $1000 worth looking at?

I bought the alpha tig 200x, hasn't gotten here yet. Everything I have read, it is the best affordable option to start out with. Once you buy the tungsten, filler wire, gas, etc. you'll be around $1000 to get you started.

I had the AHP 200x and it was great for hobby stuff, only problem was using a small gas bottle like they have at harbor freight which ran out quickly.

If doing 1/4” or thicker alum you’ll probably be disappointed.

What about the Eastwood tig200?

Same difference?

I know its easy to say Miller or Lincoln but the carry a hefty price.

I learned stick on a big Lincoln multi function but that mother lover is like $5000

A lot of times that big price tag is worth it if you plan on REALLY using it.

Personally, I’m saving some dough for a 210mp.

Everlast have good machines with a great warranty at a great price. If i was going to purchase one for normal hobby work this is what would get.


I have a HTP221 which is out of the range of most but I make a little money with it. Its a bargain compared to what I need to upgrade to which is a Dynasty 400.

I plan to fab on my own truck and build grills and tools for me.

I will most likely never make money with it so that is where the cost / worth takes a hit. The only value is pride and money saved.

I gotcha. If you don’t have a welder now, I’d look at the multiprocess machines for stuff like you’re talking. Eastwood has one that’s a grand (235i mp?) but haven’t seen many reviews.

It will be worth it.^^^

Everlast welders are pretty slick for the price. As many options as a much higher priced Miller or Lincoln.

I have a powertig 260ex (out dated now) and it can handle anything I throw at it

Everlast here, love it.

I had a 250 square wave I lost in a bad deal. This everlast keeps pace, no not as good but does its job at a fraction of the price.

I know J.Fondler got an alpha and has been digging it thus far.

I’ve had my everlast 200dx for 3-4 years now. Great machine for the money would prefer miller but couldn’t justify it for hobby use.

as smokinve said, I have the alphatig 200x. this is my first TIG machine and i'm pretty pleased. will weld on 1/4" plate or old truck frame no problem. as everyone says, the pedal sucks, but its got more power and functions than i'll probably ever use as a hobbyist.

everlast would be my 2nd choice.

If you weld aluminum frequently, a torch cooler is a must! It makes a long hot day of welding much cooler.

I'm glad I came across this. I've been wanting to buy a tig welder for a while but like the OP mentioned its going to be for hobby welding and personal fab. I'd love to build an exhaust manifold for my truck.

I have a Snap On Muscle Mig140 wire feed and I was told that I can buy a conversion kit to add a tig attachment for around $700, but it will only be scratch start. Thoughts on that?

DC TIG Conversion Kits

Scratch start is a no-no for aluminum, can work on stainless though. It looks like it's a DC only machine, which is where you lose the ability to weld aluminum.

For that kind of money a lightly used off brand Tig setup can easily be had.

Aluminum can be welded with a dc machine...
Saw a guy do it just yesterday.

He used helium.

That was the only thing that got me with the 210 MP.... Not having AC.

I did get it fully optioned out, Tig option, and spool gun option.

I figured later on I would get an AC/DC inverter Tig machine any how.....

We have a syncrowave 250dx Miller, it’s a nice machine. Most of the aluminum we weld is old dirty corroded stuff, so I’d rather spatter it together with our spool gun on our 252 mig machine. Never been very good at welding aluminum, but I can make it stick together

It can. But don’t ask it to look decent or have as good of penetration. I’ve always knows to run aluminum on AC.