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TIG Welder recommendations?
I'm finally going to bust open the piggy bank for a TIG welder and I'm asking for recommendations.
The last time I was toying with buying a new TIG was when I was looking at a Miller Econotig and I remember them going for around $2k.
More than a decade ago an old timer friend at Rocketdyne was selling his rig that he had from his days as a professional welder; a 70s era Miller Goldstar. He was selling everything; welder, torch, reg and bottle. I never asked how much he wanted because he said the thing weighed 800 lbs and there is no way I can move such a thing around at that time, and not really any place to keep it.
So I'm looking at whats available for hobbyist and there are many to choose from.
1. Harbor Freight Vulcan 205
2. Eastwood has a line
3. Prime Weld
4. Everlast
There probably are more. There seems to be a lot of competition and the price has gotten a lot more friendly.
I've never welded with TIG but I can acceptably weld with both MIG and oxy-acetylene. I may take a class at the community college but I'll most likely teach myself with the help of Youtube.
What I'm looking for is
120/240v
air cooled torch for now
AC/DC
pulse
How many amps and duty cycle I'm up for suggestions.
I'll be welding mostly aluminum sheet metal and steel. Stainless and copper would be nice but it would be rare.
Here is a vid from one of my fav youtubers
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