Inexpensive tig welder

[fourjeepin]

Is such a thing worth having? Someone sent me a link to a Shimaha on eBay. Seems sketchy to me because I can't find it from any other source, no reviews, and no returns.

I occasionally want to be able to weld aluminum. I currently have a Miller 185

Thoughts?

 

[tdkkart]

Kind of a toss-up. Some of them are really good, some of them are really bad.

 

[vpd66]

Check out AHP 200amp ac/dc tig welder. I bought one a year ago and it still going strong. I believe you can still buy one for less then $800.

 

[HCNDM]

I have no experience with them but the everlast has gotten some decent reviews worth looking into.

At 800 bucks my gut feeling says you should be able to get a decent secondhand unit. Don't forget to factor in the price of a bottle and regulators.

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/tig-stick/powertig-185-dv

I believe Jody from welding tips and tricks did a review on this or a similar model.

A grand all in is a lot of money for me either way which is why I'd lean towards a good secondhand.

Final bit of advice... checkout the welding web forum. This question pops up almost weekly. There is never a one size fits all answer because people's needs and use differ.

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[Keyblazer]

Eastwood Tig200?

 

[Thumper68]

Eastwood Tig200?

I have had this one for a bit over a year and it has worked well.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

AHP AlphaTig 200X is the standard "cheap" AC/DC TIG machine. I've had one for a few years and works great. I learned to weld aluminum with it. I'd buy it again if something happened to it.

Eastwood also seems to get decent reviews, and has good customer service. Everlast is good as well, but a bit pricier.

 

[oldtools]

How inexpensive do you want? There is always HF.

 

[txvwnut]

AHP Alphaweld Tig 200. Lotta welder for a little cash you won't be disappointed. I sure haven't.

 

[Know Wosad]

I recommend a cheap-ish inverter DC stick and tig torch. Scratch start. Screw around with that on steel and stainless.Get the hang of things.Learn gas nozzles and tungstens and THEN ? Bust out the wallet for some kickass ac/dc/hf.

 

[fourjeepin]

Thanks guys. From the prices/capabilities of these machines, it looks like $800 gets a decent machine then add the bottle. It looks like the less expensive options do not support aluminum, such as the $200 and $400 HF model.

This is a bit too much to spend since I have never tried tig before and am not going to have frequent need for it.

 

[HCNDM]

Thanks guys. From the prices/capabilities of these machines, it looks like $800 gets a decent machine then add the bottle. It looks like the less expensive options do not support aluminum, such as the $200 and $400 HF model.

This is a bit too much to spend since I have never tried tig before and am not going to have frequent need for it.

I have a euro version of the cheapest everlast dc only tig. It's a fun little machine that welds well. At shy of three hundred ex bottle that was worth it to me since I don't weld aluminum much. It's a great way to get into tig cheaply albeit no Aluminum.

You could always get a scratch start tig kit for an ac/dc Stick welder. I'm told a foot pedal is a must for aluminum so ymmv. A good second hand stick welder hoses and scratch tig kit should fall in your budget.

Have your considered getting the spool gun for your 185?




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[2002maniac]

You will really want high frequency start. The cheapest machines are lift/scratch start only which is tougher for a beginner.

I have had my AHP 200 TIG for a couple months and it welds great! It is a much better welder than the Hobart and Miller transformer boxes I learned with.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I recommend a cheap-ish inverter DC stick and tig torch. Scratch start. Screw around with that on steel and stainless.Get the hang of things.Learn gas nozzles and tungstens and THEN ? Bust out the wallet for some kickass ac/dc/hf.

Lot's of guys buy the HF 80A DC Inverter stick welder and "convert" it to scratch start TIG. The parts are available on eBay and there are several videos on YouTube on how to assemble things and get started.

The problem is, once you buy the parts you are about 1/3 in to the price of an AlphaTIG 200X with all the controls you will likely ever need. This probably has to be the best buy for a hobbyist.

 

[txvwnut]

Thanks guys. From the prices/capabilities of these machines, it looks like $800 gets a decent machine then add the bottle. It looks like the less expensive options do not support aluminum, such as the $200 and $400 HF model.

This is a bit too much to spend since I have never tried tig before and am not going to have frequent need for it.

Honestly once you get and use it and get familiar with it its probably all you will use. I bought mine just to do mag and aluminum and I use it for pretty much every weld operation that I need. Once you get the hang of TIG you'll find its just as easy as MIG and a lot cleaner.

 

[gte718p]

I love my Eastwood TIG. It is certainly not a professional quality machine, but it has a nice arc, it is tiny, and light weight. It will not replace my Mig, but I find lots of uses for it.

 

[WILD-BILL]

While I've never used one, all I've seen on the net is how great a machine the AHP 200 is. Most say plan on upgrading the torch and foot pedal at a minimum.

I bought an Everlast 225 LX about 5 or 6 years ago for my home use (not much out there on the AHP at the time) and Jody's reviews on the Everlast line sold me. My only complaints with it were the torch and pedal it came with. Both were easilt upgraded though.

I had such a good experience with my welder that when it came time to buy a tig for work getting another Everlast was a no brainer. This one is the newr 250 EX though.

I have to say the company really listens to feed back as the quality and fit and finish of this new 250 EX is a step above what my 225 LX was (not that it was bad) and the supplied torch (while big I think a 26 series) was better then the old Euro style. I still ordered a CK 20 flex head anyways though. I wanted 25' leads at work and I prefer the smaller 20 series torch anyway.

What really surprised me was the pedal that came with the new 250. It's almost as nice as the after market pedal I got from SSC for my 225. SO nice in fact that I haven't really found a reason want to replace it.

 

[fourjeepin]

Have your considered getting the spool gun for your 185?


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I have considered it, but would have to also buy the control box and that pushes the price into tig territory.

 

[fourjeepin]

I love my Eastwood TIG. It is certainly not a professional quality machine, but it has a nice arc, it is tiny, and light weight. It will not replace my Mig, but I find lots of uses for it.

I like the sound of that. My Miller is not very portable.

 

[HCNDM]

I have considered it, but would have to also buy the control box and that pushes the price into tig territory.

I understand completely. I have faced a similiar dilemma, and concluded that a good quality new setup for aluminum does not come cheap. At least not my budget cheap.

Personally I have been watching the secondhand tig market hoping for a sub 500 score. I may be in for a wait. Till then the little aluminum I do weld gets done at a friends house.


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[Loscaldazar]

While I've never used one, all I've seen on the net is how great a machine the AHP 200 is. Most say plan on upgrading the torch and foot pedal at a minimum.

I bought an Everlast 225 LX about 5 or 6 years ago for my home use (not much out there on the AHP at the time) and Jody's reviews on the Everlast line sold me. My only complaints with it were the torch and pedal it came with. Both were easilt upgraded though.

I had such a good experience with my welder that when it came time to buy a tig for work getting another Everlast was a no brainer. This one is the newr 250 EX though.

I have to say the company really listens to feed back as the quality and fit and finish of this new 250 EX is a step above what my 225 LX was (not that it was bad) and the supplied torch (while big I think a 26 series) was better then the old Euro style. I still ordered a CK 20 flex head anyways though. I wanted 25' leads at work and I prefer the smaller 20 series torch anyway.

What really surprised me was the pedal that came with the new 250. It's almost as nice as the after market pedal I got from SSC for my 225. SO nice in fact that I haven't really found a reason want to replace it.

Yeah, I don't know that I would have bought an everlast 5 or so years ago when they first started becoming well known on the market.

They've been constantly revamping and upgrading their machines to perform better and be more reliable and honestly I'm quite impressed by their machines now. I'm planning on picking up their Power I-Mig 275P (pulse and spray arc Mig) within a year or two as my main welder.

They'd also be a good bet for a Tig welder I'd say. AHP is also owned by the same people as everlast, but I believe AHP is meant to be more of their budget line of welders. That doesn't make them bad as evidenced by all the people who have loved theirs.

 

[LS1-IROC]

I bought the AHP Alpha Tig 200 last year and I love it. They have upgraded the torch and the gas flow regulator. Very nice unit for the money!

 

[cnc-me]

Inexpensive and TIG two words that don't go together.

 

[HCNDM]

Inexpensive and TIG two words that don't go together.

Wel not ac/dc in any case.

I am consistently surprised by the little inverter D.C. Units from the better Chinese vendors.

No they are not as good as a big brand welder. No they won't do aluminum.

But they are tiny, portable, have decent lifespan, and put out a pretty good weld on mild or stainless steel. Heck I've done cast iron with mine.

I find I use mine more than I expected enjoy it and it didn't break the bank.


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[carbon]

AHP is also owned by the same people as everlast, but I believe AHP is meant to be more of their budget line of welders.

Where'd you hear that?

 

[bpankratz]

I really like my WSE 200P, it's got pulse, HF start, AC/DC. My particular welder is Jasic brand. There are many else out there. Check out the review on this welder on weldingtipsandtricks.com. In fact I just bought a CK Superflex torch for it along with some clear gas lenses and a new foot pedal. For the price you can't beat it IMO. I honestly believe that the only option that I would upgrade to would be a Miller Dynasty. This would definitely be at the top list of "cheap" machines. I did a LOT of research before buying and have been very happy.
Best of luck! Merry Christmas!

 

[HCNDM]

I really like my WSE 200P, it's got pulse, HF start, AC/DC. My particular welder is Jasic brand. There are many else out there. Check out the review on this welder on weldingtipsandtricks.com. In fact I just bought a CK Superflex torch for it along with some clear gas lenses and a new foot pedal. For the price you can't beat it IMO. I honestly believe that the only option that I would upgrade to would be a Miller Dynasty. This would definitely be at the top list of "cheap" machines. I did a LOT of research before buying and have been very happy.

Best of luck! Merry Christmas!

Mines is a jasic too... but the D.C. 200 amp version. Burns rod nicely too. Throw a box of rod and the welder in the car in a small bag and good to go


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[motofool33]

Where'd you hear that?

Everlast Rep at SEMA told me that Alpha Tig is there Low Duty Cycle Line.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Jody and Lanse both gave the AHP positive reviews. It's on my short term buy list too.

 

[Kracin]

throw me in on the AHP alpha tig 200x

i bought one and i'm super happy with its capability with DC and AC welding and even the stick welding is good on this box.

 

[Kracin]

Everlast Rep at SEMA told me that Alpha Tig is there Low Duty Cycle Line.

that sounds like bullshiite considering the alpha machines are superior to the everlast machines even when you get into the more expensive everlast machines.

just because the person who owns everlast owns ahp doesn't mean that the two are made in the same factory or anything. multiple different companies can be bought and owned by the same person but ran completely different and compete on different levels, especially when one sells by name and the other sells by product.

good example is my current workplace, purchased another company that makes similar product. but the two products are no labeled the same and it competes with itself in some ways. but they aren't linked in any specific way, and the process and product themselves are completely different on a manufacturing level and it would be too expensive to switch over an entire process to something else, so just selling a different product in the same market works.

 

[carbon]

Everlast Rep at SEMA told me that Alpha Tig is there Low Duty Cycle Line.

Errrrr, the ac/dc AHP has a 60% duty cycle at 200 amps. It costs significantly less than Everlast's 200 amp ac/dc tigs, which also max out at 60%. Check for yourself at everlast's site.

Low duty cycle line, my azz. Dude was trying anything for a sale. Putz.

Also, I'm quite sure Everlast's owner doesn't own AHP. That would make no sense.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Errrrr, the ac/dc AHP has a 60% duty cycle at 200 amps. It costs significantly less than Everlast's 200 amp ac/dc tigs, which also max out at 60%. Check for yourself at everlast's site.

Low duty cycle line, my azz. Dude was trying anything for a sale. Putz.

Also, I'm quite sure Everlast's owner doesn't own AHP. That would make no sense.

It was confirmed by a rep for everlasting over on welding web. They are owned by the same person (technically, I believe AHP is owned by the wife of the owner of Everlast, but same people). They are different lines and different factories, but same owners.

AHP machines warranty address to return them to is everlast's warehouse in california.

AHP is the budget line (Hoabrt to Miller). The MIGs have plastic wire feed drive systems, not cast aluminum like Everlast. That's one example of how they are cheaper. They are still great units.

 

[1950mercury]

Another vote for the alpha Tig 200 I've had one for 6 months now and love it. Got it for 649.00

 

[ptschram]

I'm not saure if they are still around, but I have a Longevity three-in-one, tig, stick plasma that I bought solely for the plasma functions.

It's a solid unit, did what I needed it to do, has lived well past the warranty expiration date and continues to make me money.

When "I" blew it up, they had a circuit board to me the next working day and since then, every "Failure" has been due to pilot-error, typically, weathered consumables.

Now, that said, for aluminum, etc I bought a Miller 320ABP for $600 delivered with new tig torch, cooling lines and cables. As Ilive near the center of all things orthoepdic related, these sorts of things come available frequently and as often as not for fewer $ than I paid for mine, but I got it from a guy I knew and trusted. The new torch, etc and the fact that it has a one horsepower coolant pump were even more satisfying to find.

Unfortunately, the few times I've tried to use it, it dims the lights two houses down, crashes my wife's computer and blows the circuit breaker as the shop doesn't have sufficient power to operate it-YET!

 

[Cope]

I'm not saure if they are still around, but I have a Longevity three-in-one, tig, stick plasma that I bought solely for the plasma functions.

It's a solid unit, did what I needed it to do, has lived well past the warranty expiration date and continues to make me money.

They're still around but the all in one machines seem to be lacking in one or more areas. I have a Longevity Tigweld 200 and their Forcecut 42i. Both have been super reliable. My original Longevity Tig came in with some physical damage and they replaced it immediately.

 

[carbon]

It was confirmed by a rep for everlasting over on welding web. They are owned by the same person (technically, I believe AHP is owned by the wife of the owner of Everlast, but same people). They are different lines and different factories, but same owners.

AHP machines warranty address to return them to is everlast's warehouse in california.

AHP is the budget line (Hoabrt to Miller). The MIGs have plastic wire feed drive systems, not cast aluminum like Everlast. That's one example of how they are cheaper. They are still great units.

Ok, so I checked both manufacturer's websites.

To return an AHP:
AHP Tools
5141 Roane State Hwy.
Rockwood TN 37854
Attn: AHP Support
http://www.ahpwelds.com/AHP_RMA _FORM.pdf

For reference, Ahp corp address:
2317 CECILIA AVE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
94116-2509

To return an Everlast:
Everlast Service and Tech Center
1474 Hwy 95
Weiser ID, 83672
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/technical-support

For reference, Everlast corp address:
329 Littlefield Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080

There's so much wrong with the info you posted.
- Where is this link on weldingweb?
- Where is the proof of ownership? As in reputable proof?
- The new AHP AlphaMIG 250 has all metal dual drive wheels. Not sure about previous models like the 140 and 200. See insides at ~0:46 sec: http://www.kevincaron.com/video_detail.php?id=368

I don't have a dog in this fight. I've wanted a Tig or mig welder for quite some time, but don't have the money yet. Leaning strongly for an AHP tig and Everlast 140 mig. This ownership/lower/higher line rumors just feel really fishy to me.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Ok, so I checked both manufacturer's websites.

To return an AHP:
AHP Tools
5141 Roane State Hwy.
Rockwood TN 37854
Attn: AHP Support
http://www.ahpwelds.com/AHP_RMA _FORM.pdf

For reference, Ahp corp address:
2317 CECILIA AVE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
94116-2509

To return an Everlast:
Everlast Service and Tech Center
1474 Hwy 95
Weiser ID, 83672
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/technical-support

For reference, Everlast corp address:
329 Littlefield Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080

There's so much wrong with the info you posted.
- Where is this link on weldingweb?
- Where is the proof of ownership? As in reputable proof?
- The new AHP AlphaMIG 250 has all metal dual drive wheels. Not sure about previous models like the 140 and 200. See insides at ~0:46 sec: http://www.kevincaron.com/video_detail.php?id=368

I don't have a dog in this fight. I've wanted a Tig or mig welder for quite some time, but don't have the money yet. Leaning strongly for an AHP tig and Everlast 140 mig. This ownership/lower/higher line rumors just feel really fishy to me.

The corporate address you gave for AHP is a house, and not their actual corporate headquarters. AHP's corporate headquarters is the same as Everlast's (see more below). You may have found the home address of Oleg and Esfir though!

They've obviously moved from the original warehouse. This is just one of several reports of AHP welders being sent out of Everlast's warehouse in California (http://www.weld.com/index.php/en/weekendwarrior/alphatig-200x-sourced-from-everlast-ssf-ca)

Looking more into this, AHP moved in July 2014 according to Kevin Caron. They may have a separate warehouse now, but share the same corporate HQ. (http://www.weld.com/index.php/en/weekendwarrior/not-happy-with-ahp#reply-6929)

The rest took me a few hours to find, as it's been a few years since I remember reading about it....

I attached some screen grabs showing what I've been talking about. The address for Everlast and AHP change every once in a while (as they open new warehouses, repair centers, or just move locations). There have been periods of time where they have shared several different address (like the 329 Littlefield Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080) and they both currently share the 1417 San Mateo Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 address, which they have registered as the business location with the government.

The President/CEO of Everlast is Oleg Gladshteyn since 2004 (its creation)

The CEO of AHP Tools Inc (maker of AHP welders) is Esfir Gladshteyn since 2007 (its creation)

Everlast is owned by the husband, AHP is owned by the wife.

Everlast is designed to be their industrial/professional/heavy duty welding line.

AHP is the more budget/affordable line. Not necessarily a DIY welder line, but not industrial either. It's a Hobart to Miller type deal. AHP welders are not cheapened out Everlasts though- they are their own unique design made in their own factory with their own parts. The AHP machines tended to have Analog controls vs Everlast is now almost exclusively Digital (and they are phasing out their analog machines). I mentioned the plastic drive rolls on the 140 and 200 (was not aware of the 250 being metal). There are other differences, but I'd need the machines in front of me to find them again. Take a look on AHP's website and you'll see most of the information there is aimed towards newer welders, or those who don't know much about welding (what is overhead welding, vertical, flat, etc).

I have not seen a MIG 250, but the 200 and 140 both have plastic drive mechanisms with metal wheels. Cheap stuff. Good to hear they have improved it for the 250 MIG. Looking at internet pictures of the 250, it looks like they have made several improvements over their previous welders (more digital controls, and not 30 thousands dials like the Alpha TIG).

A lot of this is public records that you can look up if you want to look into it more. I think this should be enough to prove they are owned by the same people though. AHP Tools Inc is the producer of AHP welders and if you ant verification for that, look up AHP-Tools on weld.com. Hope you find a welder you like too!

Link to CA SOS if you want to search the business filings: https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov

There are probably about 20 different address for AHP and Everlast, and every once in a while they overlap, but not always. Oleg and Esfir have obviously moved several times, so they may not share address again in the future. However, it is a husband/wife tag team running those two companies.

 

[carbon]

After looking into it, I think you are onto something! Bravo! Some non-forum links would've been swell, but…

Esfir Gladshteyn seems to be married to or living with Leonid Gladshteyn at AHP's corp address (a nice little Mexican-style house).
https://hauziz.com/location/56537c939dab84f4ffadf384

They are in their 60's:
https://www.usa-people-search.com/s...teyn&city=&state=&btnSubmit.x=0&btnSubmit.y=0
https://www.usa-people-search.com/s...fn=Leonid&ln=Gladshteyn&mn=&city=&state=&age=


Esfir used to own Esfirs European Skin Care, so perhaps is she a cosmetologist?
https://www.bizshark.com/people/esfir-gladshteyn
https://www.ca-registry.com/C2432522-esfir-s-european-skin-care-studio-inc (dissolved 2004)

Not knowing Russian names, Esfir may be a guy, but is probably a female.
https://ok.ru/profile/166621329174

This site suggests Esfir is the mother of Oleg, not his wife:
https://www.geni.com/people/private/6000000010466593835 Indeed, Esfir must be Oleg's mom. Pic's on Ok.ru and Oleg's LinkedIn confirm it.

Oleg Gladshteyn is indeed the owner of Everlast and in his early 40s:
https://www.intelius.com/people/Oleg-Gladshteyn/South San Francisco-CA/0CGXKSAYXGE
https://www.usa-people-search.com/s...E&fn=oleg&ln=Gladshteyn&mn=&city=&state=&age=
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleg-gladshteyn-875b0848

This seems rather strange.

 

[ADSR]

AHP+everlast = fake competition. Thanks for the info.

The AHP 200 TIG sill looks like a great welder for the money.