What to look for when buying a TIG Welder - Lateral-g Forums

LowchevyII · #1 11-13-2011, 03:31 PM

So ive been learning how to tig weld in school which has been making me try to figure out how to obtain a Tig Welder for home use and use on my car. The main purposes for it for me will be for the car, i.e sheet metal, roll cage fab, etc. What are some things I should be looking for when considering a tig welder. I know I want one that can run AC for when I start to learn how to weld aluminum. I want something that I wont kick myself for buying once I realize I should have spent a bit more because what I bought can't handle what I need it to do. Any input would be great. I would love to keep the cost as low as possible obviously but cheap and welder are two terms that just dont go together. Any input would be great. Ive been checking out the Dynasty 200 dx and the syncrowave 250 dx from miller.

I would love to hear your input. As it stands now, both of the welders I've been looking at seem to be priced out of my league so if there are any suggestions for a broke college student I would love to hear them!

**GregWeld** · #2 11-13-2011, 03:44 PM

Jeff --

I own the Miller Dynasty 200 DX --- and it's just right for our hobby....

Shop around and find a lightly used version...

It's the aluminum welding that is the drawback --- it takes some serious amps to do 1/4" ! So be careful what you buy and don't get undersized.

LowchevyII · #3 11-13-2011, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the advice greg! I was hoping you would chime in here. I'm really leaning toward the 200 dx though it's definitely going to take some time to save up and find a good deal. But i'm with you when you say don't buy too small. That's what i'm trying to avoid. Being a novice, i'm trying to take advantage of the knowledge here, especially those people who have been doing this longer than my 23 years of existence.

**GregWeld** · #4 11-13-2011, 08:26 PM

Welcome Jeff.....

There just is no way of fixing the cost issues.... unless you are a good shopper and find a business liquidation or something along those lines.

It is a tool that you'll buy and own for 20 years....

LowchevyII · #5 11-13-2011, 09:10 PM

exactly what i was thinking. I want to try and find a liquidation or some sort of auction. However, I was just informed that a really good friend of mine whose parents own a custom gate shop are going to allow me to use their Miller Syncrowave 250. I'm pretty stoked about that. I was also surprised to hear from them that no one in the shop knew how to use it being they do primarily mig welding and forging. So hopefully I can try to pick it up from them, but at the very least I have access to it whenever I want.

**GregWeld** · #6 11-13-2011, 09:16 PM

HAHAHAHAHA --- Doesn't get any better than that!!!

Way to score!