Mustang Hat'r 2

iTrader: (24)

I have a Hobart 210 mig that I'm happy with but I really need a tig welder.
I have to be able to weld aluminum with it, ex 4 wheeler repair swing arm. Lots of locals ask for that type of repair. I've also considered getting something I can put on a cart with a generator and do mobile service. I assume a generator then plugging my welder in will be ok?

I'm biased I want a miller or Lincoln, Hobart 165 tig is not going to cut it.
What model should I be looking for to do this? I need something to grow into. Im going to school for it in feb but would like to get my feet wet and not have to rebuy in 8 months.

Budget, I know this is going to be a lot. I'm not looking to spend 10k on this thing but I know its more than 2k. I may buy used of CL but need to know what to look for.
thanks
Jay

honda_head

I use a Lincoln 175 for daily stuff... but from what I've seen the new HTP 221 does some amazing stuff for a pocket friendly price.

Mustang Hat'r 2

iTrader: (24)

I can get a new 175 pretty cheap right now. How is it welding aluminum 1/4 inch? That's the max for the machine. Its looking like a good starter machine to learn on the set up I really want is 10k plus

goinfast

The 175 is good on 1/4" you just have to preheat whatever your working on. I have done some 1/2" with my 175 but it took a lot of heat and patience. It's a great machine for the price.

honda_head

stated perfectly ^

if you're going to do a good amount of 1/4" you're gonna want something that can handle 200+ and water cooled.

RogueFab

Make sure you can use a water cooled torch if you plan to upgrade to that in the future. Also look at the adjustments, some lower end models only have pre and post flow, and current.

Oh, and make sure you don't get a DC only machine. That would be a horrible accident if you want to weld aluminum.

I agree with 200+ amps for 1/4 AL.

orange88ls1s-dime

Lincoln Precision Tig 275 had mine for 10 years and put well over 10 000 hours on it .works great on aluminum upto 3/4" with mild pre heat

YJ Goat

This. I have the same machine and love it! Used daily.

MMWS6

Most shops I worked for used the Lincon, really like that machine. Just make sure it's calibrated for power influx, especially if you use your machine for both globular and tungsten, and never use it during lunch hour..lol
Lets see if you welders know what I'm talking about here