Best inexpensive tig welder ?

[FANTM58]

Watch for discount codes and online suppliers.
I picked up Miller Diversion 180 from ZORO with a 20%
coupon,Delivered $1700.

 

[danscobra6]

The CHEAPEST way to go, is to buy the small HF DC arc welder and convert it to TIG. Several video on YouTube. Here is one.

This rig has very limited capabilities, but it will get you started TIG welding cheap ! Ther are lots of video on YouTube about TIG welding. Look for ones on "scratch start TIG".

IMHO, the 2015 AlphaTIG2000 is the best bang for the buck. Around $800. Make sure it is the 2015 model as it has a few additional features.

I totally agree with theoldwizard1's Alphatig statement.
The things I like with mine vs many costing more then twice the money.
200 amps- would not want less
Adjustable post flow- big gas saver
Pulse-great anti warpage feature
Adjustable a/c frequency
2T/4T- great feature for start/end amps without pedal
60% duty cycle
Dual voltage inverter welder- no high electric bills and no lifting bracket needed to move it.
3 year warranty and phone support from US that you can understand

I just did this wp-20 conversion 25' cables and all fittings (no cooler) I plumb it from the shop sink and drain it to plants or pool, no wasted water. The total for everything to my door for under $1000.00 That is a great price for a welder with no need to upgrade later. JMO

 

[justanengineer]

JMO, but if I was going to spend in the high hundreds or ~$1k I'd buy an older Syncrowave and have a machine thats well supported for parts/consumables and has decent resale value. The 180 and 200 machines have a bit less functionality but dont need much power, if youve got a decent 220V supply I'd go for a 350. Pay attention to the features, for the same money used youll often see two of the "same" machine, one having pre&post flow and other functions and the other having none. I'm looking at 250s now but they sell for a couple hundred more bc of their size and popularity, theyre the best of both worlds (power requirements vs options).

 

[carbon]

If you had the choice between a very lightly used Lincoln precision tig 225 for $2000 (all weld pack acc. including cart, no bottle), a lightly used Lincoln squarewave 175 for $1000, or an AHP $800 what say you?

 

[danscobra6]

To me it's an easy choice AHP. 110/220v Inverter. I really like the adjustable A/C freq. One of the best duty cycles out there and you can grab the handle and lift it. I've had 2 2014's and sold them when the 2015's came out. I have 1 now and ordered 1 more a couple hours ago. 3 year warranty

 

[trackwelder]

To me it's an easy choice AHP. 110/220v Inverter. I really like the adjustable A/C freq. One of the best duty cycles out there and you can grab the handle and lift it. I've had 2 2014's and sold them when the 2015's came out. I have 1 now and ordered 1 more a couple hours ago. 3 year warranty

Glad you like them. Are there any parts available, and for how long? How about real service for people without repair experience?. Not hating on them just wondering about if you need something 5 years from now. Will the company still be in business.

 

[zkling]

If you had the choice between a very lightly used Lincoln precision tig 225 for $2000 (all weld pack acc. including cart, no bottle), a lightly used Lincoln squarewave 175 for $1000, or an AHP $800 what say you?

Depends on your long term goals. I'd personally lean towards the square wave 175 if it is a ready to go package and in good condition. It will won't lose much if any down the road if you decide to sell. I might keep looking though depending on what your market is like and how fast you need a machine.

 

[danscobra6]

Glad you like them. Are there any parts available, and for how long? How about real service for people without repair experience?. Not hating on them just wondering about if you need something 5 years from now. Will the company still be in business.

I can only speak of my own experience with AHP. On the first 2014 the pedal was marked up from shipping. Being as picky as I am I called them and I had a new one in 2 days and still have the old one. Sales, parts and customer service are in California. The new shipment of these just arrived and they do not last long. I get them on E- bay from an authorized dealer. The last shipment 40 of these were gone in no time, I ordered 2 and only got 1. AHP and Everlast are achieving their goal of putting themselves firmly in the US marketplace, now that is really just my opinion but it seems to be working.
As far as whether ANY company will be around in 5 years, if I could predict that I wouldn't be playing with welders. I'd be floatin a big boat somewhere.

 

[trackwelder]

I can only speak of my own experience with AHP. On the first 2014 the pedal was marked up from shipping. Being as picky as I am I called them and I had a new one in 2 days and still have the old one. Sales, parts and customer service are in California. The new shipment of these just arrived and they do not last long. I get them on E- bay from an authorized dealer. The last shipment 40 of these were gone in no time, I ordered 2 and only got 1. AHP and Everlast are achieving their goal of putting themselves firmly in the US marketplace, now that is really just my opinion but it seems to be working.
As far as whether ANY company will be around in 5 years, if I could predict that I wouldn't be playing with welders. I'd be floatin a big boat somewhere.

I can predict Miller and Lincoln are not going anywhere. I have more welders than I care to admit and have never been let down with parts and service from any of the major manufacturers. I can still get parts for a thirty year old miller welder. Just for example a friend of mine bought a Mac tools welder with all the bells and whistles. It worked great for five or so years then it quit all of the sudden. He tried like hell to get parts but it was discontinued. I think it was made in Italy and he paid several thousand for it. It won't surprise me in five years to see people complaining about the lack of parts and service for their subpar purchase. Again not trying to flame you just my honest opinion.