TIG Welder Shopping

[bradleykd]

I'm going to buy a TIG machine and have narrowed it down to 4 choices:

ESAB ET 186i:
https://store.cyberweld.com/eset18a...MIuo-q6q_z1wIVh9lkCh2poQ0oEAQYAiABEgJF-PD_BwE

Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200:
https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....MI__3a_a_z1wIViFp-Ch1SCA0OEAQYAiABEgJ5NvD_BwE

Lincoln Precision TIG 225:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...MI3taapLDz1wIVCavsCh2hSwdxEAQYAiABEgL4qvD_BwE

Miller Syncrowave 210:
https://store.cyberweld.com/misy210...MI7ryF07Dz1wIVVG1-Ch1LUghrEAYYAiABEgL0kfD_BwE

I'm really leaning towards the Miller or the PT225, but they are both over what I want to spend. My price range is really what the two inverter units are priced at, but for some reason I am a little nervous about the inverter units because I have never used one and there is less adjustability.

For instance, there is big complaint about the SW200 wasting gas because you can't adjust the post flow and it is default at 15 seconds. I'm not sure if you can adjust it on the ESAB or not. Maybe a silly thing to be worried about.

I'll tig mostly carbon steel sheet metal and probably nothing thicker than .125", and I'd like to learn aluminum tig welding, but I don't have a need for it at this time.

Realistic usage will probably be 3 or 4 times a week for the first 6 months, then probably 3 or 4 times a month after that.

Edit to add:

I've got a 230V 60A outlet to power it, so incoming voltage is not an issue

 

[850xpeps]

What about an everlast machine? Friend has one and likes it.

I just ordered an inverter mig from them.

 

[bradleykd]

I've looked at a couple of the everlast machines, but I get nervous because it looks like they have a lot of paid advertisers posting reviews on forums and dealer sites, so I never know what to believe.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Personally, out of the 4 choices listed, I'd choose the Lincoln PT 225. We now run Dynasty 350's in our shop, but I still love my old Lincoln Squarewave 350. The inverters are more input power friendly, and have more adjustability, but they're annoying to listen to.

 

[850xpeps]

I've looked at a couple of the everlast machines, but I get nervous because it looks like they have a lot of paid advertisers posting reviews on forums and dealer sites, so I never know what to believe.

The seller up here in Canada was really helpful and seemed to know his stuff. They look to have a decent amount of options for price range and good warranty.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I went with the Tig200. I have Lincoln transformer mig, and didn't want another behemoth around. Works dandy, I couldn't really care less about the post flow for my occasional use, it varies based on current. I have about arc 10 hrs on it. It will out weld me for a long time.

I initially wanted the 186 but ESAB has nearly zero support around here. Everyone has Lincoln on the shelf, so that's something to consider.

 

[bradleykd]

Personally, out of the 4 choices listed, I'd choose the Lincoln PT 225. We now run Dynasty 350's in our shop, but I still love my old Lincoln Squarewave 350. The inverters are more input power friendly, and have more adjustability, but they're annoying to listen to.

Another reason I was leaning towards the Miller or the PT225; I like that the fan is only on when needed. One of the things I love about TIG is how quiet it is.

For almost $1000, though, I can probably get over a little noise.

 

[A1970Blazer]

I'm a newbie to this forum but I saw your post as I was exploring the site...I'm in the machine shop business and we do some light tig work occasionally on carbon, stainless, and aluminum. I was at my welder supply a few years ago and the had this machne set up for a demo..I ended up buying it for $1500....really easy to use and it has worked well for what we do

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/tig-gtaw/diversion-180-tig-welder-m00337

 

[bradleykd]

I'm a newbie to this forum but I saw your post as I was exploring the site...I'm in the machine shop business and we do some light tig work occasionally on carbon, stainless, and aluminum. I was at my welder supply a few years ago and the had this machne set up for a demo..I ended up buying it for $1500....really easy to use and it has worked well for what we do

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/tig-gtaw/diversion-180-tig-welder-m00337

I looked at that one. It is basically the Miller "equivalent" of the SW200 and ESAB I posted, with the biggest differences being a higher price and lower duty cycle. That's why I nixed it from the list.

 

[txvwnut]

Take a look at the AHP Alphaweld Tig 200. Lotta machine for a little coin.

 

[Cahark]

Take a look at the AHP Alphaweld Tig 200. Lotta machine for a little coin.

Agreed. I’m a guy who likes quality tools as much as the rest of us. I was very hesitant to buy a machine that wasn’t one of the top brands. With that being said, the AHP has been able to do everything I’ve asked it to. Full disclosure, I am a machinist that knows how to weld a bit......not a welder.

My main complaint is the pedal. I wish it was similar to miller with the pivot in the center.

I love that it has pulse, and I can use AC or DC.

Another benefit is that it is lightweight, and dual voltage for ease of transportation if needed.




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[bradleykd]

I’ll have to research those some. I’ll be honest, I’m pretty hesitant about anything other than the big 3.

As much as I worry about buying one of the four I listed without using them, I at least know that they are reliable brands with good products that I have used.

 

[FishingMan]

Try to fit a miller Dynasty in your budget. It will weld anything you can dream of. I own a 200 dx. It uses less electric than a tranformer machine and is a whole lot lighter. My next one is going to be a 350 dx. Its alot of money but top shelf.

 

[pi_guy]

Try to fit a miller Dynasty in your budget. It will weld anything you can dream of. I own a 200 dx. It uses less electric than a tranformer machine and is a whole lot lighter. My next one is going to be a 350 dx. Its alot of money but top shelf.

I second this.
But buy Miller it is a better product in the long run.

 

[pepi]

Another vote for Miller .......

 

[Fueler]

Miller here also. I have had Lincoln and Miller machines previously. Now have a 350 Dynasty. Awesome machine but more than you want. The remote (wifi or whatever it is) foot control might be my favorite thing. I just mentioned it because I never had an issue with either of the above company products.

Another poster said getting used to the inverter buzz is a bit different than the older machines. That is true. I had to set mine to old school settings to start with and then after getting comfortable with it I got into tinkering with all the settings available.

 

[rmack898]

Try to fit a miller Dynasty in your budget. It will weld anything you can dream of. I own a 200 dx. It uses less electric than a tranformer machine and is a whole lot lighter. My next one is going to be a 350 dx. Its alot of money but top shelf.

I also have a 200DX and will be upgrading in the next year to the 350DX.
We have a 350DX at my day job and I really like it.
If you can find a used 200 DX for the right price it will do anything you need.

 

[txvwnut]

My main complaint is the pedal. I wish it was similar to miller with the pivot in the center.

SSC Controls has a pedal to replace the stock pedal. It is well worth the money.

 

[dogdog]

I love my dynasty 200dx.. now consider old, but still kick *** every time. I would stay away from unknown brands off eBay (bad experience), even skeptical about HF/Eastwood units. Just buy it from manufactures that produce welders, not just from a tool company that relabels the machines. I love my Miller and my Lincoln.

 

[skrap metal]

i own the lincoln 225 its an awesome machine.

 

[joeswamp]

I'm thinking about buying one in the next six months and I've heard really good stuff about the HTP Invertig 221. This is a rebranded European machine that comes with quality accessories. Check out this teardown video:

 

[kkroger]

For the Money the AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a GREAT buy and works well couple mild upgrade parts, the $99 NOVA pedal, and a better Torch and lead... I added a Cooler and 20 Torch to my personal one as well. It acts like a MUCH more expensive machine, the MILLER Diversion is a decent machine but at almost 4x the cost. the Miller 210 is not a great machine and is Synchrowave in name only, IIRC it is an inverter in a big box. not a Transformer machine like the Synch should be.

 

[bradleykd]

Try to fit a miller Dynasty in your budget. It will weld anything you can dream of. I own a 200 dx. It uses less electric than a tranformer machine and is a whole lot lighter. My next one is going to be a 350 dx. Its alot of money but top shelf.

I know the Dynasty is the cats meow, but even considering the syncrowave 210 is about $1000 over my budget, there's just no way I can go $2000 over.

I only use Miller welders at work, and that is all I've ever tig welded with, but considering my budget for home, I am leaning futhur away from the Miller. That Lincoln SW200 is honestly the best looking bang for my buck out of those I posted.

 

[bradleykd]

For the Money the AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a GREAT buy and works well couple mild upgrade parts, the $99 NOVA pedal, and a better Torch and lead... I added a Cooler and 20 Torch to my personal one as well. It acts like a MUCH more expensive machine, the MILLER Diversion is a decent machine but at almost 4x the cost. the Miller 210 is not a great machine and is Synchrowave in name only, IIRC it is an inverter in a big box. not a Transformer machine like the Synch should be.

I'm definitely going to research this machine more. It seems like it gets pretty good reviews but by the time I add a good torch and pedal, I may be getting into the Lincoln SW200 price range.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

The HTP Invertig 211 is supposed to be an excellent machine. I have frequently seen it mentioned along side the Miller Dynasty. It is on my short list of machines to replace my Eastwood when my skill level justifies it. So probably never for me, but you may want to consider it.

http://www.usaweld.com/TIG-WELDER-Invertig-221-Welder-p/70221-12.5-1.htm

 

[bradleykd]

The HTP Invertig 211 is supposed to be an excellent machine. I have frequently seen it mentioned along side the Miller Dynasty. It is on my short list of machines to replace my Eastwood when my skill level justifies it. So probably never for me, but you may want to consider it.

http://www.usaweld.com/TIG-WELDER-Invertig-221-Welder-p/70221-12.5-1.htm

Hmm.. I'll research this one some too.

 

[kkroger]

The AHP is an awesome machine, for the same money as the SW200 I have a 200A 60% Duty Cycle, 150A 100% Duty Cycle Water cooled machine, with pulse up to 200PPS, frequency control up to 200Hz down to 40Hz I think, Post Flow up to 10Seconds etc etc etc. The Machine works nice for the money... Noticed also the SW200 has a regulator not a Flowmeter.

The HTP Is a KICK *** machine it is a STEL from Italy, VERY nice lots of options etc. to get that one with the cooler and all is around $3500 or so. and if my Yellow welder dies I'll replace it with an HTP, I've always been a Miller Man, but couldn't get these features with a Blue Welder for the same money.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Agreed. I’m a guy who likes quality tools as much as the rest of us. I was very hesitant to buy a machine that wasn’t one of the top brands. With that being said, the AHP has been able to do everything I’ve asked it to. Full disclosure, I am a machinist that knows how to weld a bit......not a welder.

My main complaint is the pedal. I wish it was similar to miller with the pivot in the center.

I love that it has pulse, and I can use AC or DC.

Another benefit is that it is lightweight, and dual voltage for ease of transportation if needed.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love my AHP! That's a nice cart setup, by the way. Homemade I assume? I've been thinking about doing a very similar setup with my HF MIG on the bottom.

 

[kazlx]

The HTP Invertig 211 is supposed to be an excellent machine. I have frequently seen it mentioned along side the Miller Dynasty. It is on my short list of machines to replace my Eastwood when my skill level justifies it. So probably never for me, but you may want to consider it.

http://www.usaweld.com/TIG-WELDER-Invertig-221-Welder-p/70221-12.5-1.htm

Definitely look into the HTP. They have incredible customer service and you won't find a bad review of their machine. It is seriously comparable to a Dynasty and for a little less than a bare Dynasty you can have a fully running, water cooled machine.

This will be my next Tig one of these days. Hard to kick my current Sync 250 to the curb though when it does what I need.

 

[bradleykd]

That HTP looks really nice. That definitely puts the Miller and PT225 off of my short list. If I decide to go $1000 over my budget, I'll get that. I still am troubled though because I don't really want to spend that much.

That AHP seems like a decent machine from the reviews and comes in dirt cheap. I'm now thinking of picking it up and if I'm not super satisfied, I'll at least be appeased until I am more comfortable spending more money. The bonus would be if I am super satisfied, I saved a bunch of money.

My reservation with the AHP is, with the price of a good flow meter, good torch, and a good pedal (all of the biggest complaints and comonly replaced items by those who love their AHP), I'm at $1100 which puts me close to the $1325 for the SW200 that I am more comfortable with. $200 for a reputable brand with servicability in my area doesn't seem like much...

 

[kazlx]

The biggest benefit is that HTP is a solid company. You will be able to get support for your machine. Some of the others, maybe not. If it breaks out of the box, then yea, you'll get a replacement, but what happens 2-3 years from now if you need a part, a board, or whatever? Just going to trash a 1k that you spent and buy a new one? That's always the gamble. If you're ok with it, then go for it. I haven't purchased a welder from HTP yet, but quite a bit of other stuff and they are always extremely helpful and prompt.

 

[wretched73]

I got the Eastwood 200 amp AC/DC tig. Nice machine plus I got the display model. Paid $450 out the door

 

[kkroger]

I got the Eastwood 200 amp AC/DC tig. Nice machine plus I got the display model. Paid $450 out the door

LOTS of issues with the Eastwood. the Dinse Connections are not "Standard" the Current Control on the pedal, meh. for a few bucks more you get STANDARD items, GRanted there are ways to work around the Eastwood Shortcomings. Far Cheaper and with FAR fewer shortcomings than the Miller Diversions.

The HTP is a STEL machine out of Italy and Jeff Noland at HTP is a solid dude with stellar Customer Service, May be a guy by any minute now with an Axe to grind with HTP (He used to work there... and now hawks Razorweld)

AHP is listening to the consumer and making changes from what I have HEARD the Customer Service has been pretty solid, They have shipped out replacement parts and others have had to ship the machine back, the HTP will have the same fate for maintenance. Ship it back... But I have not heard of issues with the STEL machines at all the 221 is a hell of a box for the money there too. if it is your FIRST foray into TIG then try something GOOD but not terribly expensive just in case!

 

[WhoWhatNow]

LOTS of issues with the Eastwood. the Dinse Connections are not "Standard" the Current Control on the pedal, meh. for a few bucks more you get STANDARD items, GRanted there are ways to work around the Eastwood Shortcomings. Far Cheaper and with FAR fewer shortcomings than the Miller Diversions.



The HTP is a STEL machine out of Italy and Jeff Noland at HTP is a solid dude with stellar Customer Service, May be a guy by any minute now with an Axe to grind with HTP (He used to work there... and now hawks Razorweld)



AHP is listening to the consumer and making changes from what I have HEARD the Customer Service has been pretty solid, They have shipped out replacement parts and others have had to ship the machine back, the HTP will have the same fate for maintenance. Ship it back... But I have not heard of issues with the STEL machines at all the 221 is a hell of a box for the money there too. if it is your FIRST foray into TIG then try something GOOD but not terribly expensive just in case!

Got any more info on the current control on the Eastwood foot pedal? My foot peddle doesn't work at all.

 

[bradleykd]

The biggest benefit is that HTP is a solid company. You will be able to get support for your machine. Some of the others, maybe not. If it breaks out of the box, then yea, you'll get a replacement, but what happens 2-3 years from now if you need a part, a board, or whatever? Just going to trash a 1k that you spent and buy a new one? That's always the gamble. If you're ok with it, then go for it. I haven't purchased a welder from HTP yet, but quite a bit of other stuff and they are always extremely helpful and prompt.

This is why I originally listed Lincoln, Miller, and ESAB machines as my top choices. I know that if something went wrong, I wouldn’t be out $1000.

 

[Gerald O]

I have one of the first gen AHP Alpha TIG 200 models. It doesn't get daily use, but hasn't had any problems in 3 years. You can get used to the pedal. I was making nice welds in 1/4" aluminum on the first day.

One neat unofficial 'feature' that I love is you can use the tig pedal and high frequency start to do stick welding.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

I love my AHP! That's a nice cart setup, by the way. Homemade I assume? I've been thinking about doing a very similar setup with my HF MIG on the bottom.

I love mine as well! Way for features than I need or even know how to use at this time, but if I need to grow in the future, I won't have to source a different machine.

 

[Aroberson77]

I have about the cheapest of the cheap, an Everlast 160STH and am really impressed so far. My buddy loves his AHP as well. The shop I used to work at was sponsored by Lincoln, they used the Precision Tig 225 with no problems. If you are looking to just learn, the AHP or Everlast is way cheaper than the others and will be fine to learn on. You can always sell to another beginner when you want to upgrade.

 

[danscobra6]

I've had all 4 versions of AHP 200x. Just got the 2018 last week. No need to replace the torch as it's
more flexible and thinner then the 2017. No different really then the CK. The pedal to me works fine but
I've tried the SSC and that's a good option. I bought a new Everlast pedal from their forum for $20.00 and put a 10k ohm pot in it and that works great. Not one single problem with any of these. My one and only Miller Tig spent more time in the repair shop then mine. Sold it still under warranty a long time ago
but that soured me on them. Lincoln's good but you have to spend a lot to get the features AHP has. I still have the Everlast 255EXT and that is one sweet unit also.

 

[kkroger]

I've had all 4 versions of AHP 200x. Just got the 2018 last week. No need to replace the torch as it's
more flexible and thinner then the 2017. No different really then the CK. The pedal to me works fine but
I've tried the SSC and that's a good option. I bought a new Everlast pedal from their forum for $20.00 and put a 10k ohm pot in it and that works great. Not one single problem with any of these. My one and only Miller Tig spent more time in the repair shop then mine. Sold it still under warranty a long time ago
but that soured me on them. Lincoln's good but you have to spend a lot to get the features AHP has. I still have the Everlast 255EXT and that is one sweet unit also.

Got pics of the new thinner torch? I've got a 2017 and the 2018 is no different according to the vendor but I'd be interested in knowing. is it a 9 or a 17?