Welder Selection MIG/TIG

[Mopar_Mudder]

I currently have a Hobart MIG welder that works great but I want to add TIG. So do I buy a separate TIG or buy something that does both? Looking for any recommendations on models and what way to go. I would like to stick with Lincoln or Forney because I can buy them direct through work.

 

[ItsNemo]

Which Hobart MIG welder do you have?

Generally I'd say if you already have a MIG machine you're better off getting a dedicated TIG. Most combo machines at reasonable prices don't do AC and don't have HF start which limits your options on TIG.

The Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 would be a reasonable low cost option. There's also a 175 option for a smidge less.

 

[dr_clyde]

Unless you want to spend big bucks, get a separate machine. The less expensive combo machines don’t have AC tig, high frequency start or a lot of nice arc controls. It also will let you have a backup if you damage the machine or something and you need to weld something.

If you can only get Lincoln or Forney, I would recommend a Lincoln SW TIG 200. Very good machine for the money. About $1500. Worth it if you want a decent rig for home shop use.

 

[dr_clyde]

Wow Nemo, almost an exact same post at the same time. Weird.

 

[ItsNemo]

Wow Nemo, almost an exact same post at the same time. Weird.

Great minds think alike

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

My Hobart is a Handler 175.

I am not apposed to spending more to get a good machine to do both. But I have never done TIG so j don't know alot about the options so the advice is good. If two separate machines gives me better MIG and TIG then that's the way to go.

 

[ItsNemo]

Handler 175 is big enough to handle most hobby shop jobs, so it's not like you're going to get much improvement on the MIG side from a multi-process.

The multi-process machines that do it all like the Multimatic 220 (the 215 which I own doesn't do AC or HF) or the Esab's emp 205 are around $3000. Not worth it if you can buy a dedicated TIG for $1500.

 

[Jason280]

Are you looking to TIG steel, aluminum, or both?

 

[usdemt]

Just my $0.02. I'm looking to buy the new Rebel 205. It has MIG Stick AC and DC TIG. I currently have a Hobart 180. Looking to expand to TIG and if I can TIG I want to do aluminum. That being said if space wasnt an issue for me I would definitely be looking at the Lincoln Square wave TIG. So for my needs I want it all in one machine. But just adding the squarewave would be hugely beneficial if you have the space.

 

[txvwnut]

Keep your current MIG unit and get an Alpha TIG, it will handle all of your TIG needs and cost you less than a grand to buy.

 

[GrayEngineer]

I've been in this same situation for a little while now. One welder that has caught my eye is the WeldPro Tig machine. It has a ton of features, and the price is very reasonable. Another machine to look into is the new Vulcan Tig welder that is coming out, I believe it's the 200 or 205.

If you are going to go with Lincoln, get the new Aspect 230 machine. The square wave 200 is a bit lack luster to me.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Are you looking to TIG steel, aluminum, or both?

I want to be able to do both, stainless also if it matters.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

Just my $0.02. I'm looking to buy the new Rebel 205. It has MIG Stick AC and DC TIG. I currently have a Hobart 180. Looking to expand to TIG and if I can TIG I want to do aluminum. That being said if space wasnt an issue for me I would definitely be looking at the Lincoln Square wave TIG. So for my needs I want it all in one machine. But just adding the squarewave would be hugely beneficial if you have the space.

Thanks for the input, I do have a source for Easb also.

I am not apposed to having two machines. I just think it might be good to update my MIG as long as I am at it. The feed on the Hobart gets on my nerves some times!

 

[ItsNemo]

I want to be able to do both, stainless also if it matters.

Stainless is DC Tig with pure argon just like mild steel, just different filler.

 

[TexasT]

I went with the ahp alpha Tig. It is on order so I've been getting ready searching up a cylinder of argon.
https://ahpwelds.com/product/ahp-alphatig-201xd-pre-order-eta-shipping-november-252019

I have been reading at the weldingweb dot com several have had failures but near as I could tell the company warrantied them. Others didn't have any probs and love them. We want to do an aluminum or stainless gas tank for the son's fiero project among other things. I bought an eBay amico plasma cutter. It works great. Hope the ahp is as good.

 

[seagull369]

I've heard some good reviews on Everlast brand of welders and their prices seem very reasonable.

Just to put it out there, you don't always need AC on a TIG machine to do aluminum. DC TIG can work in some instances on that metal and do it quite well.

You can also do aluminum with MIG, though you may need a spool gun/special wire liner to do it decently. You can technically do it without the gun, but I hear it's more an exercise in frustration than anything.

 

[ZRX61]

Great minds think alike

or...


Fools seldom differ

 

[dr_clyde]

or...


Fools seldom differ

I’ve been known to be a fool from time to time.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Thanks for the input, I do have a source for Easb also.

I am not apposed to having two machines. I just think it might be good to update my MIG as long as I am at it. The feed on the Hobart gets on my nerves some times!

Put a piece of blue paper towel on the wire as it goes through, use a wood clothes pin to hold it on. The wire gets **** on it sometimes or an oil residue.

A buddy did this on his Miller and suggested I do the same. It's a cheap fix and honestly, seems to help.

If I forget, send me a PM and I'll get a picture of what I did.


Me, I would keep the tried and true and buy another machine for TIG alone.

 

[dnschmidt]

The AHP Alpha TIG 200DX is the best machine available for the money. Now that they have upgraded the foot petal it's unbeatable. $700 for an AC/DC TIG with pulse and every other TIG feature you could ever want. THIS IS A NO BRAINER.

 

[57JoeFoMoPar]

I would also echo the sentiments of others that if you have a decent MIG welder already that you simply buy a dedicated TIG machine. I've always taken the attitude that I want equipment better than I am, so I can never use the machine as an excuse for not doing better. The problem lies with me. I bought an HTP Invertig221, which is dual voltage. Totally decked out with the water-cooler and 20 series torch, all the accessories... it set me back about $4K. It specs out virtually identical to the Miller Dynasty, which outfitted comparably would have approached $8k. After welding with the HTP for 2 years I'd put it against any blue machine, it welds that nice. In fact I liked it so much I bought an HTP MIG to match it.

 

[Havelka44]

I had no welder previously. Just bought Lincoln mp210. For what I use it for mostly just automotive stuff. It works very well.

 

[Aaron_W]

I have a 3 in 1 multiprocess Miller 220, I'm very happy with it. Multiprocess is great if space is an issue, I have a very small shop so this is a great machine for me. It was also a pretty good deal, as I could not have bought an equally capable combination of Miller MIG, TIG and stick machines for the price.

The closest comparison I can find in two machines is the Miller 211 (MIG) and Diversion 180 (AC/DC TIG) and that works out to about $2600, vs $3000, is not stick capable and has slightly inferior TIG capacity (180A @10% on the Diversion vs 210A @20% on the 220).


Not really familiar with ESAB but from reviews their 205 is very similar to the Miller 220, better in some ways, not quite as good in others.


A big advantage to multiple machines is you can get exactly what you want and upgrade either independently. Since you already have a MIG that meets your needs, you can spend less and still get a pretty good TIG, or spend around the same as a multiprocess and get a really good TIG (better than what you get in a multi-process).

Later you can upgrade to a better MIG, again spending less for similar performance or getting a better MIG than what you get in a multi process.



As mentioned there are a lot of cheap TIG machines right now if you get away from the big names, and some are getting good reviews.

There is a guy in my welding class who bought a Harbor Freight DC TIG welder that works well enough for his needs. It cost less than $700 or about 1/2 the cheapest TIG welder from Hobart, Miller or Lincoln (although they are not even close to an apples to apples comparison since all three name brand machines have superior specs to the HF).


As far as your brand preferences, Lincoln does not currently offer an AC DC TIG, MIG, Stick, only the 210MP which is DC TIG, MIG, Stick so no TIG welding aluminum. I'm not familiar with Forney and didn't look at any of their machines when I was shopping for mine.

 

[Brand X]

There is a deal on the ET-301i,but the ET-220i is the great deal too. it It would be insane to buy a Cheap china import when there are super high quality AC/DC available for a bit more. Real 3 year warranty too. I have three phase, so I can get full output out of it..I wanted the 301, but just could not swing it at this time..

These are German Lorch machines. Thermal-arc/Tweco/Esab 8 pin ft control works on them

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BXMZ4QH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CCBWD8N/?tag=atomicindus08-20




https://www.lorch.eu/en/productworld/t-220/

 

[Bretny]

If you have the space to store it there are plenty of older large tig machines out there on the used market. Yes it would be nice to have a brand spanking new machine but for hobby and home use $2-3k may not be practical.

Personaly i would buy a used older machine before a new one thats the same money but made in china.

For aluminum your going to want something at the minimum 200a range, alum ***** alot of heat. A water cooler will also help if you want to get fancy.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Generally I'd say if you already have a MIG machine you're better off getting a dedicated TIG. Most combo machines at reasonable prices don't do AC and don't have HF start which limits your options on TIG.

Those make TIG much more useful ! I always wonder why TIG machines don't have MIG options ?

 

[ClappedOutBport]

Those make TIG much more useful ! I always wonder why TIG machines don't have MIG options ?

Because tig and stick are constant current processes and mig is a constant voltage. Thus, until the fancy new inverter welders came out, there was almost 0 welders that did both except for giant industrial units.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I am considering the Esab 205ic

 

[Brand X]

400 Hz AC welding, and adjustable Amplitude makes the rebel a full featured tig..

 

[theoldwizard1]

Because tig and stick are constant current processes and mig is a constant voltage. Thus, until the fancy new inverter welders came out, there was almost 0 welders that did both except for giant industrial units.

But, now a days, almost all MIG/TIG units use inverter technology and microprocessors. It would not be that difficult to do BOTH constant current and constant voltage from the same unit.

TIG welders are much more complex with HF start and all sorts of other of other "wiz bang" features.

 

[ClappedOutBport]

But, now a days, almost all MIG/TIG units use inverter technology and microprocessors. It would not be that difficult to do BOTH constant current and constant voltage from the same unit.

TIG welders are much more complex with HF start and all sorts of other of other "wiz bang" features.

And they do. Miller 215, Lincoln 210, ESAB 285, not sure what more you want?

 

[zkling]

I am considering the Esab 205ic

If it is in your budget that is a great choice. Also the Miller 220 multimatic. Bonus if you local Esab support, but these days, especially on smaller (size) machines, local support isn't all that critical.

Agree on the alpha tig for the other end of the budget spectrum.

 

[theoldwizard1]

And they do. Miller 215, Lincoln 210, ESAB 285, not sure what more you want?

AC TIG, HF start, etc. In other words, start with a TIG unit and then add MIG not the other way around.

 

[dr_clyde]

AC TIG, HF start, etc. In other words, start with a TIG unit and then add MIG not the other way around.

They exist. They just cost the same as two machines because they’re not selling you two machines anymore.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

I ordered the Esab 205ic, it will do more then I know how to do, LOL

 

[xman_charl]

bought this everlast multiprocess several years ago..

works okay

Charl

 

[Brand X]

I ordered the Esab 205ic, it will do more then I know how to do, LOL

The interface is pretty easy on that machine. My Esab/Lorch is a bit tougher to setup.. Although it turned out to be the finest AC tig Welder I have used or owned.. German's got it going with this machine..

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Unless money is not an issue, I'll also recommend the AHP AlphaTIG 200x. I have a 2015 model and haven't had a single issue with it. I believe they upgraded the foot pedal, but even the old one is just fine.

You could get the welder, a tank of argon, and a dual flowmeter for backpurging stainless all for about $1000