Was looking at some of the cheaper models but want to at least get something that will be decent. Anybody have good suggestions? I would like foot control and ability to weld up to 3/16"
Suggestions for decent entry tig aluminum welder?
- Thread starter Himark
- Start date
I have heard great things about the Lincoln, Precision Tig. They run about 2k brand new with everything you will need except consumables. Check craigslist for deals.
I just had the welding shop rep stop by and he is pushing the Miller diversion 165, I guess you can add pedal to that one. Any input?
Most tigs do foot control strandard. Otherwise you have the option of finger control which is a little more expensive.
What do you plan on welding for? What are you building?
Not sure about the lack of controls for Aluminum welding..... though I have never used one. The Lincoln Precision Tig doesn't have that many controls, but it is supposed to have one of the best auto adjust settings for Aluminum.
Do you plan on welding a lot? The duty cycle of the little diversion will be smaller then something bigger as you would expect.
Do you have any limitations? 220V volt source or only 110V? Any space constraints?
Maybe someone can chime in that has used the diversion before.
I was in the market a couple years back for a new mig, Salesman was pushing a Miller so I could pick up a spool gun & weld aluminum if ever needed. I cheaped out & picked up a Hobart 140 which imo has been great but will end up costing me more to outfit than the Miller.
For the most part no thicker than 1/8" but want to have larger ability. Mostly building smaller items like intakes, tubes, oil tank etc. maybe some other smaller bike parts as well, so duty wont be that long I wouldnt think. I have a full service shop for power and space issues.
Miller Syncrowave 200
Those seem like kind of critical items, where a poor welding job will screw you out on the hill, the road, the trail, or where ever.
I would suggest you search online for some reviews of the diversion model. Seems most start with the intro units, then get the bigger ones after the fact, or after they get good.
I recently purchased a Lincoln Precision Tig 275 and I absolutely love it. I almost bought the 225 but I didnt want to have to run it maxed out for the aluminum I am welding. I would highly recommend the lincoln. My neighbor has the syncrowave 200 which is very nice as well. I think the lincoln 225 and the miller syncro 200 are only like $50 difference. If you order online you can get one for about $2100 delivered if I remember correctly and save on the sales tax. That would include the foot pedal and cart. These machines are all very heavy, not sure what the 225 weighs, but my 275 is almost 700 lbs. Not sure about some of the off-brands, but you cant go wrong with miller or lincoln, just depends on what color you prefer. The Diversion looks like a nice unit, but has very limited adjustability, but obviously that is reflected in the price. Its always better to have too much welder than not enough.
T
TurboM700
Well-known member
I have a Thermail Dyniamis" sncyrowave 185S cost be about 2000 grand. Works awesome its a true square wave. Alot of them are not.
It does awesome on 1/8th aluminum, good on 3/16 to 1/4 and anything after that the part need to go in the oven and get preheated. The only thing that I wish I had was a water cooled head. I make alot of 150 gallon veggitable oil tanks for WVO conversions and after welding 1/8th for 10min straight the head gets warm.
edit
I will have to look at the kind again it seem that is not the right company.
It does awesome on 1/8th aluminum, good on 3/16 to 1/4 and anything after that the part need to go in the oven and get preheated. The only thing that I wish I had was a water cooled head. I make alot of 150 gallon veggitable oil tanks for WVO conversions and after welding 1/8th for 10min straight the head gets warm.
edit
I will have to look at the kind again it seem that is not the right company.
Love my Lincoln Precision Tig 185. I do lots of small aluminum stuff with it. The newer 225 is suppose to be a little more powerful for Aluminum, and replaced the 185. That 275 sounds sweet. But, aren't you starting to get into water cooled at that amperage? They claim it's air cooled, but that's a lot of heat.
Anyway, my vote is one of the Lincoln Precision Tig. You'll definitely want foot control up front. You'll want to make sure you can get a Arc Welder stinger for it. (those are usually after market, and a bear to get, and damn handy to have). You want high frequnency start. Manual cleaning control (duty cycle on the AC), AC and DC. Pulse is nice.
Anyway, my vote is one of the Lincoln Precision Tig. You'll definitely want foot control up front. You'll want to make sure you can get a Arc Welder stinger for it. (those are usually after market, and a bear to get, and damn handy to have). You want high frequnency start. Manual cleaning control (duty cycle on the AC), AC and DC. Pulse is nice.
From my experience i can just say that both Miller and Lincoln make great rigs.
And you have the huge benefit with both since there's always spare parts in case of a break down. Wich can be hard to find with a cheaper non brand rig.
And you have the huge benefit with both since there's always spare parts in case of a break down. Wich can be hard to find with a cheaper non brand rig.
local dealer makes the difference
Miller syncrowave 200 or lincoln precision tig 225 cant go wrong with either.
You will want to go with whatever your local dealer works with the most, parts and service are very important regardless of who makes the product.
I have been having the debate over a 225 or 275 lincoln. I think ill save my pennies and buy the bigger one. It will PI$$ you off somethin fierce when your high temp kicks in when your running an excellent bead................
Miller syncrowave 200 or lincoln precision tig 225 cant go wrong with either.
You will want to go with whatever your local dealer works with the most, parts and service are very important regardless of who makes the product.
I have been having the debate over a 225 or 275 lincoln. I think ill save my pennies and buy the bigger one. It will PI$$ you off somethin fierce when your high temp kicks in when your running an excellent bead................
The water cooled torch works very well and I could never go to an air torch after using it.
I have a Thermal Arc Prowave 185tsw and I am very happy with it.
Yep..went with the Miller 200, got the local supply shop to match what they are selling for on Ebay within 50 bux and have local support. Thanks for advice!
