Small TIG welders?

[Dimitri]

So I am looking at getting a TIG welder possibly, any recommendations?

Looking for something small like a Lincoln VT160-T or something.

Not sure what is good out there, have not used we welder in years, and only in school for projects.

Thanks!

Dimitri

 

[chrism0107]

you have not defined a few parameters in what you are seeking. first is what type of material are wanting to weld. i.e. steel, stainless steel can be done with a dc machine. aluminum will require ac capable machine and typically more amperage. and what is the maximum thickness of material. the thicker the material will need more amperage. last is what voltage to you have access to 220v,120v. and last would be you desired price point.
miller,thermal arc,lincoln are good brand names and have good support. I myself have a inexpensive ryland Chinese inverter welder that does ac/dc that I have been happy with but if it stops working and I cannot fix myself I may have trouble getting parts to get it running again. I have heard some positive feedback on everlast welders but have no personal experience. I would give my recommendation to go to a welding supply shop and talk to them on your needs and the reliability of various models and support available for repairs if needed.

 

[bamajoe]

I bought a Eastwood tig200. I got it because I always wanted to learn TIG and wanted to be able to weld aluminum. I like it. Pretty basic I guess but it will run off 110 or 220 and has the option of running pedal or switch.





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[mike528]

The alphatig200 from AHP also has a lot of good reviews and has European standard fittings for the torch so you can change them out with different aftermarket ones. I am planning on getting one this year. Only ~$700

 

[Dimitri]

you have not defined a few parameters in what you are seeking. first is what type of material are wanting to weld. i.e. steel, stainless steel can be done with a dc machine. aluminum will require ac capable machine and typically more amperage. .

Steel and stainless, would like aluminum too but those are not small machines typically.

Edit totally missed this one LOL...

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-ca/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K5126-1

and what is the maximum thickness of material. the thicker the material will need more amperage. .

Up to 1/8 or so.

last is what voltage to you have access to 220v,120v.

I'd prefer a machine that can use both.

Dimitri

 

[kkroger]

The Alpha TIG 200X is a good machine, the lead and 17 series Torch is usable, the Pedal WORKS but *****, a better pedal can be had from HTP for about $159... We got one at the shop, and it works pretty good all things considered. No cooler, the Lead is a bit heavier than a superflex from CK but it is flexible. You could certainly add a cooler without much effort and a proper lead. Bonuses over the Eastwood (since they are quite similar) is the Alpha uses a STANDARD size Dinse connector as opposed to the smaller Eastwood one, HTP (USAWeld.com) has all sorts of accessory items for most brand welders including the AHP Alpha TIG.

 

[stsmytherie]

I have the Alphatig 200x. Very happy with it. I happen to like the pedal. The torch is good enough. YMMV

FWIW I learned TIG on a water cooled Miller Dynasty setup... all the bells and whistles. Most of the bells and whistles are beyond my needs. The Alphatig works pretty much as well as the Dynasty for my home garage needs. (Though I wouldn't say no to a Dynasty if it came knocking.)

 

[kkroger]

I have the Alphatig 200x. Very happy with it. I happen to like the pedal. The torch is good enough. YMMV

FWIW I learned TIG on a water cooled Miller Dynasty setup... all the bells and whistles. Most of the bells and whistles are beyond my needs. The Alphatig works pretty much as well as the Dynasty for my home garage needs. (Though I wouldn't say no to a Dynasty if it came knocking.)

Duty Cycle is where the big difference is. Also using Helium Argon Mix and pre-heat with these smaller machines make them think they are a lot bigger than they are. The Pedal is usable sure but it really does ****... At least they took the current control knob off the pedal and put it on the front of the machine not like they used to be. I can USE the pedal fine, it is just awkward for my ankle, Better stuff is available, why not use it? Even with all the bells and whistles added (Cooler, Better/ Smaller, Torch, Better Leads, etc.) you would still be about 1/3 or so of the Dynasty. Like I say it is a GOOD machine. not the Best by any means but it IS good.

 

[kkroger]

I have the Alphatig 200x. Very happy with it. I happen to like the pedal. The torch is good enough. YMMV

FWIW I learned TIG on a water cooled Miller Dynasty setup... all the bells and whistles. Most of the bells and whistles are beyond my needs. The Alphatig works pretty much as well as the Dynasty for my home garage needs. (Though I wouldn't say no to a Dynasty if it came knocking.)

Duty Cycle is where the big difference is. Also using Helium Argon Mix and pre-heat with these smaller machines make them think they are a lot bigger than they are. The Pedal is usable sure but it really does ****... At least they took the current control knob off the pedal and put it on the front of the machine not like they used to be. I can USE the pedal fine, it is just awkward for my ankle, Better stuff is available, why not use it? Even with all the bells and whistles added (Cooler, Better/ Smaller, Torch, Better Leads, etc.) you would still be about 1/3 or so of the Dynasty. Like I say it is a GOOD machine. not the Best by any means but it IS good.

Last evening I welded about 12" of 3/16 Aluminum, 1.5% Lanth, 3/32, 3/32 4043 Filler Material, Scrubbed with an SS Brush, 180 A, No Pulser, I wrap the lead around my forearm for control, always have so... I just do, well after 6" I could feel the lead getting Hot, the Cooling is as much for the LEAD as it is for the Torch... I've had numerous times when I would like to have a 9 or 20 torch...

 

[thejimmy]

Steel and stainless, would like aluminum too but those are not small machines typically.

Edit totally missed this one LOL...

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-ca/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K5126-1

Up to 1/8 or so.

I'd prefer a machine that can use both.

Dimitri

That Lincoln Square Wave 200 is a good unit, I'm sure it would meet your requirements.
HERE is a link to a long thread on the Welding Web forum about this unit

 

[Dimitri]

Cool thank you!

Dimitri

 

[rockinacummins]

That Lincoln Square Wave 200 is a good unit, I'm sure it would meet your requirements.
HERE is a link to a long thread on the Welding Web forum about this unit

I have this welder and love it. Would definitely buy it again. Can't go wrong with RED.

 

[s14kev]

I have a Miller Diversion 180. It seems to be the most expensive of the entry level machines. This may be because it is mostly USA made/assembled. Not sure where the Lincoln Square wave 200 is made.

I bought the Diversion 180 as a novice. Self teaching TIG skills. Pros of the machine are that the factory settings are great for AC and DC tig. No need to worry about learning about adjusting frequency etc. The machine has a high quality feel to it compared to the others I looked at (Eastwood etc).

Cons are mostly that it is Tig only. Does not do stick. Also if you want to learn advanced skills, it does not necessarily allow for it as settings are predetermined from factory.

Overall I'm happy with the purchase. I weld to support other hobbies. I'm more interested in fabricating something rather than the challenge of perfect welds. I mostly do cars so am never going to need to do stick. Deciding between the Lincoln Square wave 200 and Diversion 180 would have been tough. I didn't have the option of the Lincoln at the time. Looking at them now, I think it's a great machine although the ergonomics of the Miller seem better.

 

[kkroger]

I have a Miller Diversion 180. It seems to be the most expensive of the entry level machines. This may be because it is mostly USA made/assembled. Not sure where the Lincoln Square wave 200 is made.

I bought the Diversion 180 as a novice. Self teaching TIG skills. Pros of the machine are that the factory settings are great for AC and DC tig. No need to worry about learning about adjusting frequency etc. The machine has a high quality feel to it compared to the others I looked at (Eastwood etc).

Cons are mostly that it is Tig only. Does not do stick. Also if you want to learn advanced skills, it does not necessarily allow for it as settings are predetermined from factory.

Overall I'm happy with the purchase. I weld to support other hobbies. I'm more interested in fabricating something rather than the challenge of perfect welds. I mostly do cars so am never going to need to do stick. Deciding between the Lincoln Square wave 200 and Diversion 180 would have been tough. I didn't have the option of the Lincoln at the time. Looking at them now, I think it's a great machine although the ergonomics of the Miller seem better.

Yep I have a Diversion at the house Love it for what it is, had I known the AHP when I bought the diversion I might have bought the AHP instead. The Diversion has its idiosyncrasies too, The Torch and lead **** pretty bad. Couple companies offer a solution for that USAWeld (HTP America) has the simplest solution for that, the Regulator is crappy, Awesome for MIG but **** for TIG, I got a dual for purge gas from HTP... along with some nice consumable kits and so forth...

 

[sqznby]

I have a Miller Dynasty 200, if you want "small" I also have a Maxstar 150 sth. Both great machines and very capable. My 150 is 110/220 capable. I use them only for tig.

 

[M_George]

I have 12/4 cable running underground out to my garage. This excepts 20 amp 220V.
Could this be used with a small TIG welder.

 

[Dimitri]

The TIG welder I am looking at will run it at 40% Duty Cycle for 17A.

Dimitri

 

[Superbec]

I have 12/4 cable running underground out to my garage. This excepts 20 amp 220V.
Could this be used with a small TIG welder.

short answer is yes...

 

[joe_padavano]

After nearly four years, I hope the OP has already made a decision.

 

[C91x]

My AHP took a **** at around the 5 year mark. 3 of those years it was in storage and not used while i built my house. AHP does actually have a service guy that had me run through a few test but eventually ran out of things to test. Their solution was to buy a new knob board but didn't know if it was the actual problem and they don't accept returns on the boards. $150 gamble