TIG Welder Shopping

[danscobra6]

kkroger, My 2016 torch was black, the 2017 was orange and the same diameter. The Amazon listing for the 2018 shows it black but mine came orange and a smaller diameter. Not much larger then the gas hose. I was surprised to get this one being such a nice upgrade. Much more flexible then last years. It came with a 17F but it has a rigid 9 on it now.

 

[kkroger]

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

Nothing deeper, the Current has to be set on the knob on the pedal, the front panel current control doesn't do anything with the pedal hooked up, Actually I am not even sure there is a current control on the front panel. Lots of wires going to that pedal and back. Call Eastwood, and see what they can tell you, they DO support their stuff.

 

[bradleykd]

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.

I like the positive and detailed review. I am curious, though, why you have owned all 4 versions. What happened to the last ones?

 

[danscobra6]

I like the positive and detailed review. I am curious, though, why you have owned all 4 versions. What happened to the last ones?

My brother in Idaho has the 1015. My brother in Wisconsin has the 2016 and my neighbor has the 2017. The first ones were sold after the first years of use.
I always find a need to try something new when they upgrade.

Another selling point for the AHP in my opinion is as much as I like the 255EXT it's more then 3 times the money. Also I like the AHP knobs instead of scrolling through a menu.

 

[kkroger]

My take on the AHP, you get a LOT for a Little, the earliest models had limited Pulse function and a heavy thick torch and lead, also a current knob on the pedal and connections similar to the problems I laid out with the Eastwood. They changed the pedal and added freq and pulse options, then they changed the torch and lead, and now I am "Told" they will have a model that includes the NOVA pedal early 2018, I have a 2017 and I am loving it more every time I use it, Granted I was using a 2016 or 2017 at the shop since early 2017, Getting used to the AC Balance was interesting but after reading up on it I found out about the reversal, so you begin on the left side of the dial and turn UP like everything else, instead of starting at 90% and turning BACK, now if you reverse your leads then the AC Bal works as "Normal" I make no bones about the fact that I was unhappy with the included pedal, When I bought my home AHP, I already knew I wanted a cooler, and a 20 torch... so I contacted HTP Jeff Noland and told him my plans and he set me up with the order so when I was ready I could just call it in. which I did, the HTP order and the AHP order all arrived same day, so I hooked it all up and made some test welds just building up a mis machined part that I happened to have that was 60 series aluminum, worked famously, Then a job welding some 2" 5052 Square tube for a shop (my metal supplier) That particular job paid for the welder, then some other work, have a stainless job coming up which will likely pay for the cooler, plus some accessory items. I don't get a kickback for promoting AHP, Wish I did! LOL! Compared to some of the other options this thing is awesome. Even with the COOLER and the PEDAL and TORCH upgrades I am still UNDER the Miller DIVERSION number. I'm very pleased with the machine, granted I had considerable TIG experience before using the machine that is currently at the shop (Work) and was pleased enough with THAT machine that I got one for Home. I'll add a cooler and 20 torch to the work machine as soon as I can. WELL worth it!

 

[BigMike782]

I like my stone age Syncrowave 250.

 

[yaidunno]

I like my stone age Syncrowave 250.

An excellent machine. I have the smaller version, Syncrowave 200. To the OP: have you considered a used machine? Both my Sync 200 and Millermatic 251 look and function like they came off the production line, and cost 50% of new. A guy can get a lot more machine for their money if you can find the right unit. As much as I like the Blue ones, the new "Sync" 210 and some of their entry level new stuff really isn't too appealing.

I'm partial to Miller for a number of reasons, the biggest of which is that they are made in my back yard. I've toured the facility, and its great to see the components and pieces being stamped and formed right here in the states. They've been in business for 88 years, and pioneered many innovations along the way. The machines I bought came with no warrantee, and the need for one never crossed my mind. They are simple, robust units that will stand the test of time. In the event that something were to happen, parts and support are readily available.

This of course is just my opinion and is no more or less valid as the next person.

 

[bradleykd]

Yeah, I have considered used, but there are very few machines for sale around me and the ones that are, are listed for a rediculous price.

 

[matt_i]

I like my stone age Syncrowave 250.

I was going to post this also.

Even I couldn't kill it by keeping the heat off in the shop and bursting the cooling radiator in 3 places (despite the proper coolant being in there from the start). I nipped out some fins and soldered the burst areas back and it still works great. New radiator is still on the back end of my wishlist...

I got mine at a plant-closing auction. It did not have a lot of use.

 

[GarageGuy89]

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.

Same boat as this guy ^^^. A LOT of machine for little money. I would recommend this machine to anyone getting into tig for the first time.

If you want to pay 2x the price for a big name brand got for it. If your not getting paid to weld, the machines you listed are on the high end of the spectrum, most of what we weekend warriors only dream of having. I can't justify paying $3k+ for something I use 3 or 4 times a month, but to each their own.

 

[greenlizard]

I recently bought a Square Wave 200. After years of scratch start this pedal business is pretty cool. Anyway, the machine works well, as expected. The post flow time does seem longer than necessary, but causes no issues for me. I'm pleased with my purchase in all respects. I have no hesitation in recommending this machine.

 

[dr_clyde]

This kind of question pops up around here somewhat frequently.

I will comment on what I have experience on. I own a Lincoln Squarewave TIG 200. I own a Miller Dynasty 200 DX. I have used most machines from Lincoln and Miller, some ESAB and most other common industrial brands.

I weld for a living, heavy emphasis on TIG.

The SW TIG 200 is more than enough for a home shop. Mine works just as I would expect it to. It is an outstanding value for money.

I use my Dynasty far more. I like certain subtle details that are included with pro gear that may not be apparent to a novice.

I would recommend you get whatever machine that your local welding supply supports for parts and service. That will serve you best. They all weld.

 

[bradleykd]

Same boat as this guy ^^^. A LOT of machine for little money. I would recommend this machine to anyone getting into tig for the first time.

If you want to pay 2x the price for a big name brand got for it. If your not getting paid to weld, the machines you listed are on the high end of the spectrum, most of what we weekend warriors only dream of having. I can't justify paying $3k+ for something I use 3 or 4 times a month, but to each their own.

I have to agree. As I've thought about it more, I don't think I'm going to spend the $2500 for my home shop to use a few times a month.

While I wont be getting paid to weld at home, I do get paid to weld at work and I am used to using some top of the line equipment. That is what makes tough for me to lean towards an entry level machine. I don't want to be unhappy with what I buy.

 

[bradleykd]

I've pretty much narrowed it down to the AHP or the SW200. I've still got some research to do on the AHP. I wish I had someone near me that owned one so I could weld with it!

 

[txvwnut]

Don’t consider the AlphaTig to be an entry level machine. Yeah it’s an inverter based machine and it’s under a grand to buy but it does everything it’s advertised to do and does it well. Probably as good as a red or blue welder does, and if your looking at a green box well guess what they are related. I had people telling me I couldn’t weld aluminum cylinder heads with it. Well guess what it does and does it quite well which is what I needed it to do.

 

[rockinacummins]

I bought the Lincoln Squarewave about. Year ago and I can't say enough good things about it. It welds nicely on 110v, and exceptionally well on 220v.

It gets my recommendation!

 

[sanddan]

I have a Lincoln Precision Tig 185 and i like it. I've never had an issue or problem so far and have welded a ton of steel with it. I just started to practice welding aluminum and it is working ok so far. I think it is somewhat limited with the aluminum compared to the AHP but it has the basics. It does have a bigger footprint and it pulls more amps thn the AHP. I've lately been thinking about upgrading to the AHP mostly for the aluminum welding features like variable pulse and frequency. I would have to change the pedal and torch to ones similar to the PT185 but the price would still be similar to the used price I could get for the PT185 so the change would be a wash. Still haven't made the final decision on that tho.

 

[Kev In]

I looked at Miller and Lincoln, everlast and AHP. As I am new with TIG, I bought the AHP and but a gas lens with stubby kit and upgraded the foot pedal. I have had the machine 6 months and it’s been a great machine. I am only doing steel right now, but will start doing some aluminum later this winter.

Good luck! Do your research and buy the best machine you can afford based on the welding you do.

Kevin

 

[Ch3No2]

I like my stone age Syncrowave 250.

Stone age?...I am still using my Dial Arc on a weekly basis...lol