TIG welder

[rsanter]

there is a thermal arc 130s tig for sale on CL local to me
does anyone have experience with this welder?
what do they generally go for used?
opinions?

bob

 

[toolfreak]

I would think that would be very limited to what it can be used for, I'm assuming it's dc only. Personally, I would get a little bigger machine so your not kicking yourself later. If you were closer to me, I would sell my synchrowave 180 so I can buy more car parts lol.

 

[Rnz520]

a 130 is not gonna do much, and if I were to buy a TIG (someday) the Miller machines are the best and what I would stick with.

 

[veilside180sx]

If you want a TA, get a 185.

 

[Griff93]

It really depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to weld some thin(1/8 or less) steel it will probably do just fine. If you want to weld aluminum you will have to have a machine that will do ac. I'm not familiar with this specific machine so I don't know if it will or not but its something you would need to find out. The bigger machines are great but if you don't need their added power for thicker stuff then its a waste of money to buy a larger unit.

 

[E.rodz]

have used this welder for welding stainless pipe it worked awsome,but it is only a dc machine so you can never weld aluminum with it.it all depends on what you want the machine for up to 1/4 steel or stainless but no aluminum.
myself woud buy a more versitile welder that can use d/c

 

[rsanter]

I want/need to weld stainless and aluminum
not planning to weld too thick of stuff, but dont want to be too limited either

bob

 

[toolfreak]

I want/need to weld stainless and aluminum
not planning to weld too thick of stuff, but dont want to be too limited either

bob

Then that machine is not for you, it's too small for aluminum imo. Go with atleat a 180amp machine, if not you will be upgrading soon.

 

[gofastman]

I want/need to weld stainless and aluminum
not planning to weld too thick of stuff, but dont want to be too limited either

bob

Then that machine is not for you, it's too small for aluminum imo. Go with atleat a 180amp machine, if not you will be upgrading soon.

I would save up for a 220 amp machine, better resale value than a 180 too

 

[rsanter]

I would like to find a deal on a good used unit, however comming in febuary will be the internation ag show (across from where I work)
I go every year because we get free passes in. usually they have show specials so if I do not find one by then I will just get a new one.
already have the money saved up, I did several side jobs this past year so I have some set aside in my 'play' or 'garage' account

bob

 

[toolfreak]

I would save up for a 220 amp machine, better resale value than a 180 too

You may want to research more before you post. You can get 200 amp machines or bump up to 300 amp machines, there are no 220 amp tig welders to my knowledge.

 

[paranoid56]

wow, some miss information in here

you can weld ALU with DC, but you must use helium gas as the shielding gas. i do believe you can get a 220amp tig but its more of a 5-500amp machine, i am sure 220amp is in there some where

 

[gofastman]

You may want to research more before you post. You can get 200 amp machines or bump up to 300 amp machines, there are no 220 amp tig welders to my knowledge.

I miss typed, I meant 225, as in the Precision TIG 225
Must have been thinking about 220 vols electrical outlets


I'm gonna ******** my flame goggles and let everyone know that you do not have to ball up your tungsten when welding aluminum!

 

[toolfreak]

When I was practicing tig with aluminum, I didn't like pure tungsten. I like the 2% pointed.