Entry-Level TIG Machine - Opinions Needed

[spankbomb]

Everyone,

I'm looking to get a beginner machine (re: cheap!) to learn on. Does anyone have recommendations? Any thoughts regarding the Miller Maxstar 140?

Looking to close on one today...

Thanks,
Jon D.

 

[PAToyota]

Depend on what you're using it for. Basically, it is a pretty good machine but the main things is that you've only got DC - so no aluminum. Other than that, you're just losing some of the higher end controls (which you may or may not use anyway) of the 200 or 300 machines.

 

[spankbomb]

Depend on what you're using it for. Basically, it is a pretty good machine but the main things is that you've only got DC - so no aluminum. Other than that, you're just losing some of the higher end controls (which you may or may not use anyway) of the 200 or 300 machines.

Would that include stainless? I don't see myself ever doing Al, but who knows...

If I can get it for $700, should I?

 

[REFLEXX]

Get the HF unit for $200, learn the basics. The spend the money on a good 220v unit from red or blue.

Or do the craigslist thing!

 

[bmwpower]

Get the HF unit for $200, learn the basics. The spend the money on a good 220v unit from red or blue.

Or do the craigslist thing!

Is the HF unit any good at all? Seems really cheap for a TIG. What would one be missing if you went this route? What else do you need? I may have just found my present...

 

[Gummi Bear]

I wouldn't trust anything expensive from HF. WHy flush that money away, just to buy another unit later? I'd get a decent model from the get-go and be done.


Spanky - get in touch with Brett, Turney or Ed. THey know more about TIG than any mortal should. Turney's dad deals in new and used machines. When you comin back to visit?

 

[spankbomb]

I wouldn't trust anything expensive from HF. WHy flush that money away, just to buy another unit later? I'd get a decent model from the get-go and be done.


Spanky - get in touch with Brett, Turney or Ed. THey know more about TIG than any mortal should. Turney's dad deals in new and used machines. When you comin back to visit?

You're right, I should've called Turney...

I spoke with Brett on Friday and he's against it, but it a 110/220 machine and it is relatively small, which is a HUGE plus...

I was coming back to DFW for NYE, but my plans are currently up in the air due to my Dad's health. I'll actually be in town on Wednesday night, possibly crashing at Cloud's casa.

Later,
Jon D.

 

[Gummi Bear]

You're right, I should've called Turney...

I spoke with Brett on Friday and he's against it, but it a 110/220 machine and it is relatively small, which is a HUGE plus...

I was coming back to DFW for NYE, but my plans are currently up in the air due to my Dad's health. I'll actually be in town on Wednesday night, possibly crashing at Cloud's casa.

Later,
Jon D.

Big Perm will be here on Friday. Can you stick around for that? IT should be a good time (Ruffie says that he'll even grace us with our presence)

You fall in love with a new TIG, and get tired of the big blue machine you have now, just let me know.

I hope your Pop gets to feeling better.

That's funny you mention that about Brett; I should have mentioned, anything lesser than the machine he has, is simply inadequate.

 

[enginerd]

Miller Maxstar 150STH!

Amazing machine.

 

[REFLEXX]

BMWP,

What have you got to loose? for $200 you can get the hang of a tig. IF it's ****, just return in within 30 days and get 100% of your money back!

Or buy the 3 year warranty for $20-$40 and return it whenever you want.

I'm done harping on HF, I own A LOT of their stuff, some is **** some is good enough, some is great.

Seems like every tool you pick up nowadays is made in China. So why pay the middlemen more.

Gene s.

 

[Chris C]

Jason, I have no qualms with spending a few hundred on stuff from HF, I have even bought the extended warranty and it seems that wasn't needed. Their stuff is made by the same folks that make the Northern Tool stuff....