Anyone have an inverter TIG machine?
 

A couple weeks ago my son wanted help welding some 1/8" aluminum for a school project. "No problem! I have a MIG and a spoolgun!" I said, naively. Bought a tank of 100% Ar and a new stainless steel brush and went at it. The results were... not good. I'm a competent steel MIG welder, but my aluminum MIG welds see-sawed back and forth between underpenetration and overpenetration. The whole process was infuriating to say the least. I ended up getting a few passable welds in 1/8" after almost a whole 40cu ft tank, but honestly I can't imagine welding anything thinner. The whole process was just irritating.

I ended up making the thing he needed in steel, but it got me thinking about TIG machines. TIG is something I've wanted to get into for a while, but seeing the size of Vicegrip's Syncrowave made me think I'd have to wait until I got a bigger shop. So when I read about the much smaller inverter machines I figured maybe I'd start looking into getting a setup. So now you get into the age old question - US made and $$$$$ or Chinese made and $$.

There are a couple companies (Everlast, ThermalArc) selling what seem to be nice imported units for about $1700 - that comes with a 26 torch and foot pedal. Miller's equivalent (Dynasty 200DX) is $3000 machine only, so figure $3600-$3800 by the time you're set up. Now, I'm a real believer in buying something once and paying good money for quality equipment (I currently have a Miller MIG and Hyperterm plasma). But $2000 more for the Miller is a killer. If this was my job I'd buy the Miller and not think twice.

So - anyone have real experience with any of the inverter machines - Miller, Lincoln, Everlast, ThermalArc, or other? Curious to hear other thoughts on what you got, why, and if you're happy with it.

Have not heard any good things about the Everlast other than inital cost. If I were to replace the syncro it woud be with an inverter machine from one of the big brands.
I was looking (ie, Googling) at the smaller inverter machines for a portable and the non big brands all seemed to have issues of one sort or another. Seems there are a lot of stressed little bits that need to be well made or the smoke leaks out. The combo machines seemed to be the worst. With some of the machines everyone was having the same issues so it might be they are better now.


If you do get an inverter machine I would like to give to a go sometime when you have nothing better to do. being able to dial the Hz looks nice.

Looking forward to seeing a Maxima with an aluminum frame tearing up the track next season... :cool:

Maxima GXE Karui!

I've had a 200DX for a couple yrs. Welcome to come play w/ it. I know a few folks w/ other inverter machines in the club. Tom has a yellow machine from whoever esab became (though NLA?) and I think Walt has the everlast unit.

Thanks, I appreciate it. Any regrets on the price tag? Since you've been around both types of machines, what would you recommend - Miller or import?

I didn't pay full price for it. Bought out a small private shop and sold off a lot of stuff to cover my cost. Kept the dynasty, hypertherm plasma, and OA torch setup. I've not played w/ others inverter unit. I just know guys that have them. I could prob talk one of them into getting the machines together and comparing.

I too would have a hard time stomaching a new 200DX. But damn is it a nice machine. I used to have miller econotig I bought from my dad when he upgraded to a synchrowave. No comparison to that of course (sold it to my younger brother.) I do have to say that if mine failed, I would probably buy another.

The additional costs you list really aren't fair. A decent #17 torch is well south of $100. Thats all you'll get w/ the import anyway. Its a lost cost if you want to upgrade to a rubber hose (super flexible) 25' (can reach the whole garage) weldcraft for closer to $200. Buy once, cry once w/ the torch. A heavy duty foot pedal is $100 used and they are built like tanks. An import ball flowmeter costs something like $20. Thats about it if you don't get into water cooled torches. Even then, you can find a used cooler for ~$100. So your $600-800 addl cost is pretty high. More like 200-300 IMO for air cooled.

I havent had much time on a inverter unit with alum. We have a few old diversions at work for just steel. The other is a large sycnrowave. I have a ton of pedal time on that one. I like the bigger units. I was going to buy one not to long ago when I saw one cheap cheap. My buddy was trying to sell me his econo tig a last year but I wanted a larger machine. Found a bunch of nice 250 amp miller syncro and lincoln precision tig units but the distance was to far to travel and shipping was stupid $$$. I looked at the dynasty 200dx but it was pricey ... 3-4K before attachments. After the new shop is done Ill probably pony up and get a dynasty and upgrade my mig machine. I did buy a eastwood 200 amp ac.dc machine as the price was right, free shipping etc. That was the "newest" inverter unit I have used. I sent it back about a week later ... not impressed.

Anyways ... Id be curious to how you make out. My next set of flares will be tig welded vs the OA set up.

This is a debate I have with myself nearly weekly. If you figure out a good option, let me know.

For me, TIG is a much more rewarding, relaxing, and elegant way to weld. Granted, there are certainly instances where MIG is preferable (not to mention the ease-of-use), but I do really miss not being able to regularly TIG.

As you stated, problem is cost. First, NEVER buy a TIG without a foot pedal. Hell, in your case it may be moot since I don't think pedal-less TIGs can do A/C.




Other than Miller/Lincoln, have you looked into Hobart? I'm a huge fan of this company for the home DIY'er -- they offer the same capabilities and quality (or near as it makes no difference) for 75% of the cost.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/tig/eztig_165i/



Another company you should look into is Eastwood. They are also American (though obviously component parts are manufactured in China) and have good customer service. While the quality isn't where Miller/Lincoln/Hobart are, the welders are supremely affordable and the quality does belie the price point (often less than half Miller/Lincoln!).

I've heard of issues with their foot control quality but on the whole, Eastwood tends to get terrific marks, considering the cost. Will it be a 30 year welder like Miller? No. But for the cost, you can't beat it.

http://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-...dc-welder.html




Stay away from Everlast and ThermalArc. Have not heard good things.



When I decide to spend the cash on a TIG, it likely won't be a Miller/Lincoln -- considering how infrequently I'd use it, I just can't justify the cash.

Have you looked into the Miller Diversion 180? Also accepts multiple power sources so you can travel with it.