How to buy a TIG?

[woodlandfarms]

So just asking the group as it seems Tig Month for questions... Looking at an Everlast 200DV (its my price point and I have had good luck with my other Everlast products). I could go up a bit in my purchase price and am considering the 250.

I guess my question is given the fact I couldn't make a good looking weld if I tried and I struggle to figure out the difference between aluminum and steel, but I thoroughly enjoy welding and have made many cool things and most of them have held together... what TIG should I get. I have never been 100% happy with my Lincoln 180C. Always felt it was a bit underpowered for my use on the farm (I do have a stick and it does all my heavy lifting so I am not completely SOL). I don't want to buy underpower on a tig (1/4" aluminum and 1/8 copper seems to be on my radar). I also don't want to overby on technolgy. I look at all those settings on the 250 and I say I am never going to build a nuclear reactor.

Guidance?

 

[Big Barn]

The way I see it the decision is relatively easy for you.

You're already familiar/ happy dealing with Mark and his products. It's just a matter if you want to invest the extra couple of dollars for the 250 amp machine (or not).

You've already indicated that you "could go up a bit in your purchase price" so do it!

*I guess it's true. It really IS easy to spend other people's money.

Terry

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Take a look at the 210 EXT. I think that will give you the best of both worlds, with just enough extra power to handle everything you'd likely encounter.

 

[Sodo]

I have a DC TIG, but now I want AC to weld Aluminum. Seems like I need enough power to weld 1/4" Aluminum, so what's it take to weld 3/8? I have 240v 30A.

 

[yomax4]

3/8 will require 300 amps to get it right unless you don't mind bevel with multi pass. It's just difficult to keep a good puddle on the thicker stuff with less. Unless you run 100% Helium. 300 amps may kick that 30 amp breaker. Check input amps on the machine. On 1/4" and thicker I prefer twin pulse mig with push pull.. Tig looking welds, with mig speeds. Actually it's my go to process because I can do 1/16-5/8+ with 3/64 wire. Because of this, My ac/dc 200 amp just sits on the cart. Guess I'll sell it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I haven't used my spool gun in quite some time.
First two pictures are on 1/16-inch thick aluminum. With .030 wire.
Third picture looks like maybe 1/4-inch thick aluminum. With 3/64 wire.