New Tig

[6naline01]

I have been welding in the oil fields pipe and fab shop but have not done a great deal of tig. I am looking to purchase a new tig machine,any recomedations would be appreciated.

Currently I have a Milermatic 250 Mig, a Lincon AC buzz box and a Miller Big 40. Looking for recomendation's for a Tig set-up. TIA 6naline01 Mike.

 

[MA2LA]

well how much ya want to spend? A miler syncrowave 250 is a great unit, I have spend many hours using them and they never quit on me. Thier dynasty units are also nice, they are compact but have a lot of features

 

[DMcPherson]

if yo uwant something basic the hobart tigmate is great, not to expensive and works very well, I got one about a year ago and I love it

 

[GHarman]

Hey Mike, You already have a Big-40. as a power supply to start with. If you just want to play and experiment with a low budget you could use a Argon Cooled torch and scratch start using your Big 40. The gas cooled torch has Amperage limitations, BE AWARE of those and set your machine accordingly. I have used Miller equipment extensively and will not apologize for that fact. I have also used Hobart, Lincoln, Linde, ESAB and many others that I cant recall at this time. If You are going to spend the money I would buy a Miller Dynasty. There is also a related thread that was started by Steve St. Laurent in shop forum, where many folks chimed in to help him get started in TIG welding. He chose to purchase a different power supply because of the cost. He deserves a " You Done Good Pilgrim" for his efforts. A very good read. You will need an Argon Bottle , flow meter, Torch, Gas lens collet body, collets, cups and tungsten. An air (argon) cooled torch has the gas on/off valve on the handle. Hope this helps. GregH

 

[6naline01]

Hey GHarman thanks for theinfo but I failed to mention the Miller is the company's on my truck,and as of 12/31 it will probably be on someone else's truck and I will hanging out in the shop behind my house.

I wore out my SA250, I could rebuild it and use it as power supply but I would like to go all electric.

 

[GHarman]

Mike, Be sure to check out the thread I mentioned above. I dont know what your budget is but Steve seems to be getting good results with his machine. All the info you will need to get started is in that thread. Have fun. Merry Christmas. GregH

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here's the thread that he's talking about - https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165634 . The power supply that I bought has gone up about $400 in price, btw.