LIL SS

iTrader: (9)

I'm looking for a 220v tig that is a decent buy with out breaking the bank. Can any of you steer me in the right direction?

robertbartsch

How about a Hobart from Harbor Freight? Go to www.harborfreight.com and type in Hobart in the search box.

I think I saw one there for about $1,200....

v8pwr

iTrader: (19)

I've been researching this for the past month and I think the best machine for the money is the Thermal Arc 185tsw . It's an inverter type machine and it has the ability to do all types of metals . Do a search for it as I'm not computer saavy . One of the best parts is the size and weight , it's around the same size as a desktop computer case and it only weighs 42#'s . Other machines that are similar are Miller's Dynasty 200 & 300 and Lincoln's new Invertec 205 . The Miller 200 has a few more features for a lot more money and the 300 is incredible in performance and price . Lincoln looks nice but it costs as much as the Miller 200 . The Thermal Arc and others can be found on ebay with detailed descriptions but go to the manufacturer's website for detailed info . Thermal Arc 185TSW under $1700 shipped and all you'll need is gas , filler , material , and a hood .

robertbartsch

Here is the link to the Hobart Tig welder for $1,299 that is sold at Harbor Freight. Apparently, it runs on either 115 or 220 Volt current.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91890

LIL SS

iTrader: (9)

From my understanding this one will not do aluminum as it is only DC. Looks like their Tigmate would be the one to go with from them.

I'm looking for something that others have been using here. I think Harlan uses a Miller Syncrowave 180 SD and I have also seen the Comprable Lincoln Precision 185

The Lincoln and Miller seem to be the ones that most garage guys like myself are using. Any input on either of those?

N20Silverado

No such machine exists. They are all very expensive after you buy all of the other stuff to go with them.

I just spent close to $4,500 on a Miller Dynasty 200DX, water cooler, and all of the other suff.

Good luck.

Louis

iTrader: (7)

4500 is a ripoff for a 200DX. They are only 23-2500 new, and I know water packages are not 2k.

Shaun, the Lincoln PT 185 is nice. Simple, and works well.

618HAWK

iTrader: (361)

Take a look at the Miller Econo tig set up it runs off of 220 and the whole set up goes for about 1200.00 on ebay. Idel set up for the home usere.

Louis

iTrader: (7)

You can run the Econotig on 110

N20Silverado

Louis,


Hello!!!!!!!!!! Did you miss the part about the "other stuff". I know how f***ing much the machine costs, I just bought one. The point I was trying to make is that if you just look at the machine cost alone you are in trouble.

Miller Dynasty 200 DX- $2,250
Miller Coolmate 3- $460
coollant line- $15
3 gallon of coolant- $60
torch adapter- $30
torch- $100
collets, collet bodies, gas cups, etc- $30
foot pedal- $160 or hand control
argon tank- $300
argon regulator and hose- $70
ground cable- $20
ground clamp- $20
tungsten- $50 various sizes and types
tungsten grinder- $250 or dedicated bench grinder
filler rod- $50 various sizes and types
adjustable, auto dim helmet- $220 my old auto dim wasn't adjustable
+ tax 6%

If you can count that high on you fingers that's $4,330.10.

Don't tell me I got "ripped off". It's all of the other stuff that adds up fast.


Tim

Lane

iTrader: (1)

LOL - yeah, all the little stuff is what kills you....

Great thread. Looking for an entry level tig myself.

Louis

iTrader: (7)

Yea, I caught that. Do I look stupid? I have 2 TIG machines myself and have used numerous others over the past 10 years I have been TIG welding.

Please refrain from personal attacks, especially to a moderator

Thank you. Please drive through.

N20Silverado

Oh, the big bad MODERATOR has brought down his mighty hand. https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies3/engarde.gif

With 10 years of experience, you obviously know how much "little stuff" it takes to set up a TIG machine, BUT you did nothing to inform anybody about it. The only thing you did was basically call me a dumba** for getting "ripped off" on a $4,500 Dynasty 200.

I wouldn't call it a personal attack but a retaliation on my behalf.

I'm done.

Tim

N20Silverado

OK, I lied. I'm not done.


I have a technical question. How do you run the Econotig on 110v?

I have a Miller catalog and a 110v model is not offered. Are you just cutting the machine rating in half by running it at half the voltage input?

Louis

iTrader: (7)

No, its got an auto sense for the power input and automatically changes things.

The dynasty will run great on 110 as well. Exhaust, roll cages, ect.

CTSmechanic

iTrader: (2)

I have used a Lincon 175 (Ranger?) 220 V air cooled with the stick welder feature I think they all have that.. but it worked really well I wouldnt hesitate buying one for home use...

N20Silverado

Louis,



I am going to disagree with you on the Econotig having an “Auto-Sense”/ “Auto-Line” feature, although I have never owned one. Please see explanation below.



I looked into purchasing a used 460v Econotig before I purchased my Dynasty. I called Miller to ask them if there were internal jumpers that could be changed to get the machine to work on 230v. They said no, the only way to change to 230v was to remove the 460v transformer and install a new 230v transformer, which costs about $600 to $700.



I am not trying to start anything; I am just trying to make sure the correct information is out there for people that are looking at that machine.



Tim

XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

So what do you have to say Louis. I have looked and looked and can't find anything about an Econotig running on 110v. Even Millers spec sheet says nothing about an auto sense feature.

Louis

iTrader: (7)

I cant find it either, but its single phase. What more do you want, I have used BOTH 200 DX and econotig setup with 110. Worst case, if it cant be setup with 110, juse take the dryer plug or 1 110s on a 30 amp breaker and be done with it.

XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

Just bust'n your *****.