what tig welder to buy

[wvdsm92]

any tig machines that has ac that doesn't break the bank but is still a decent machine?

thanks

 

[CODE4]

Hobart's TIG welder is a fine machine to start with

 

[boosted240]

Miller Diversion 180. Iv used one for a couple jobs. VERY simple to use, not crazy expensive (compared to other tigs), and get the Miller quality.

 

[Gamble97]

i'm a reseller; I can get you some stuff. I sent you a pm

 

[wvdsm92]

thanks for responses i have some saving to do

 

[maximum9898]

I wouldn't go longevity or anything that is comparable to that. They are the absolute worst company I have ever dealt with. I have personally used 4 different types of their machines and they are all just junk. Many people have good luck, majority of people don't. They feel very cheap and come with parts that feel and look even cheaper. And the torch cause's turbulence that blows out the arc. This is because of the crappy built torch that sets the collet body crooked and it unfix-able. This is how the junk came from factory. Not a blown out o-ring, or any other minor torch problem. Be sure you buy a well known brand that will come with quality parts. The Hobart tig Is a great to start with, it is basically a miller diversion, just cheaper.

 

[mt142X]

I just got an AHP AlphaTIG 200X and its a great machine for around $800 quality build if you are looking for sonething in that price range

 

[El Cuervo]

I'm also looking for a beginners GTAW machine that is ac/dc and that won't break the bank. Something to start with and easy to operate. Don't need any fancy stuff with pulses or high amperage.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Gamble97]

I wouldn't go longevity or anything that is comparable to that. They are the absolute worst company I have ever dealt with. I have personally used 4 different types of their machines and they are all just junk. They feel very cheap and come with parts that feel and look even cheaper. And the parts cause turbulence that blows out the arc. Be sure you buy a well known brand that will come with quality parts. The Hobart tig Is a great to start with, it is basically a miller diversion, just cheaper.

I've owned a LOT of longevity stuff. Only ever had an issue with 1 small plasma cutter. The tig welders work great. Sure the accessories aren't the greatest but when are they worth a damn on any welder you buy?
If you got turbulence that blows your arc around you are doing something wrong. This can be related to a number of things such as flow rate, torch angle, consumables installed backwards, ripped O rings etc etc etc.
Hobart eztig 165 and miller diversion stuff are all ok. The issue is the price. They give you absolutely no options at all and not worth the price tag whatsoever...and yes i've owned one as well.

The AHP 200x is absolutely the best tig welder for the money. Hands down. However like everything else it needs a better foot pedal and better torch so that's about $250+. And yes I own one as well.

I have owned and tested a LOT of different tig welders. The eastwood tig 200, AHP 200x, longevity 200sx, and lotos 200 are all out of the same factory. Everyone gets different options and different software depending on their own standards. If I had to rate them all in order it would be AHP, Lotos,Eastwood,Longevity. There is another company that comes out that factory with even less options than the rest but I can't remember what it is off the top of my head.

I can email my friend at lotos and get you guys a deal if you want their ac/dc tig for 600 shipped