Welder advice

[Zedn]

I have a mig and also an inverter TIG/MMA.

I bought the tig off ebay for about $250 and it is the best tool i have ever bought. I only use mig for alloy because its a DC tig. Otherwise i would only use the tig. I plan on upgrading to ACDC tig soon.

Mig welding is quicker but it is so messy and the welds dont look as good. To be honest i find tig much easier than mig but that might be cause i have done tig so much more. It is not much different to soldering. Some of the draw backs with tig are it requires the metal to be spotless and its not as easy to tack without perfect fit up. Also welding in a tight location such as under the car is tricky cause you need two hands (one to feed the rod). But welding vertical, overhead etc is very easy.

My cheap chinese tig has not skipped a beat in the 3 years i have owned it and it gets a big work out.

Inverter is a must if you dont have 3 phase. They are light to move around a really powerful. I had a standard MMA welder and at full power it wasnt even half of what the inverter does.

BTW i had no learning curve with tig. Took 5 mins to get used to the fact that the electrode doesnt wear out because i was used to stick, but after that it was perfect.

[Jaydee]

I does become a bit of a pain, when you touch the metal, it sticks, then you have to remove the electrode and resharpen it. I keep several near me, and then resharpen a few at a time, later. Also use thin leather rigger gloves to get a better feel.
JD

[400TT]

Thanks Tonus72 for the compliment on our weld quality.

Guys you would love the TIG machines we have at the shop.

Our main machine for chassis work is a Miller Dynasty 350 Water Cooled with Thumb Control, Flexible Torch Head etc.

[Bernica]

Here is "old school" which still works fine. My first welder, Circa 1978 or so and I restored it and made the cart. It still gets things done with 6010 or 7013 rod. I also have a Miller 180 Mig with a big tank, which I use most often. I am a total hack, but enjoy it all.