Buying a welder
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 18,643
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From: Beaverton, USA
I ended up getting the PowerPro 205s.
The Eastwood is a more simple machine, but it has the advantage of working on 110v (if you're doing light duty stuff) or 220v. The Everlast is 220v only, but has a bunch more features, like adjustable cleaning for AC, pulse, upslope and downslope control. The Everlast also has a 5 year warranty (why I chose it) vs 3 years for the Eastwood (also Miller and Lincoln are 3 years).
The PowerPro205 is more expensive, but I plan on getting a compressor at some point and I've heard good things about the plasma cutter part.
The Eastwood is a more simple machine, but it has the advantage of working on 110v (if you're doing light duty stuff) or 220v. The Everlast is 220v only, but has a bunch more features, like adjustable cleaning for AC, pulse, upslope and downslope control. The Everlast also has a 5 year warranty (why I chose it) vs 3 years for the Eastwood (also Miller and Lincoln are 3 years).
The PowerPro205 is more expensive, but I plan on getting a compressor at some point and I've heard good things about the plasma cutter part.
My budget is sub 1000. Because I still need gas and all that stuff.
750 would be ideal, hence the eastwood I linked.
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Simadre Plasma Cutter CT5200D with Foot Pedal 25 Cons 50A 200A Welder 110 220V | eBay
Or something like that. Too good to be true?
Or something like that. Too good to be true?
Honestly if you are not in a huge hurry then watch CL for a good tig welder. I bought my Lincoln 175 for about $900. It was used 4 times for stick welding only, came with an argon bottle, mask, welding stuff, and a cart.
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subbing here, looking at getting a tig/plasma combo or whatever.
I have never welded before...Anyone have a good source on beginner Tigging? also if I buy something like everlast 205s, what am I missing to start welding? Argon tank? what other consumables are required?
I have never welded before...Anyone have a good source on beginner Tigging? also if I buy something like everlast 205s, what am I missing to start welding? Argon tank? what other consumables are required?
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Detroit (the part with no rules or laws)
<p>
</p><p>Tungsten and filler.</p>
subbing here, looking at getting a tig/plasma combo or whatever.</p><p> </p><p>I have never welded before...Anyone have a good source on beginner Tigging? also if I buy something like everlast 205s, what am I missing to start welding? Argon tank? what other consumables are required?
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Thread Starter
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<p>Yep, I also bought a kit from amazon that had different gas lenses and cups (though the Everlast comes with a gas lense and 2 cups). I also needed to go to Menards and buy a dryer cable and a 220 outlet to make an adapter to plug it in to my dryer outlet. </p>
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Please do- and post up the results compared to a "real" TIG machine. I searched youtube/google for some comments on TIG'ing with these and there's nothing but reference to cutting with them.
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So anyone have some insight into the AC tig welding? I know its mostly for aluminum, but looking at the price difference between the 165 and 205s, is the adjustability worth it? I do plan to do some aluminum welding and would rather not close (or severely limit) that option.
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lincoln also has DC only tigs. I dont see the point for a hobby scale tig to not have AC. It would totally make sense for an industrial scale machine that'll go in a shop that only does steel and/or stainless.
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
For a motorsport hobbyist it really doesn't make sense not to have AC.
For an update, my AHP Tig is still going strong. I've used it for a few projects here and there, mostly steel. Still practicing on AL when I have time and materials, still need more practice, LOL.
I would avoid combination units. All my research pointed to combo units not being as good as standalone welders or plasmas.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Beaverton, USA
<p>Yeah I think I'm pretty set on this eastwood: http://;http://www.eastwood.com/tig-...dc-welder.html</p>
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Elite Member
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
<p>Yeah I think I'm pretty set on this eastwood: http://;http://www.eastwood.com/tig-...dc-welder.html</p>
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^ This. I just ordered one. It will take a few weeks to get here tho. After using an Eastwood for 4 years I reached its limits pretty quick. I'm looking forward to the adjust ability that this unit has.
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My 211 autoset mig has served me well until i got in the big kid game. If i loose my shop access i'll be dropping coin on a used Miller Dynasty 200 more than likely. I've used one in the past and it does very well. pricey though..
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Bought a 200DX or DV as its called now.
Looking at consumables. So I understand larger tungsten means more amps before it breaks, but larger weld pool?
From reading online I should be using 2% thoriated for steel and 2% lanthinated for AC welding and Aluminum.
Is it common to have multiple sizes for both? also a few people said they just have the lanthinated type and use it for everything (and vice versa with the thoriated).
Looking at consumables. So I understand larger tungsten means more amps before it breaks, but larger weld pool?
From reading online I should be using 2% thoriated for steel and 2% lanthinated for AC welding and Aluminum.
Is it common to have multiple sizes for both? also a few people said they just have the lanthinated type and use it for everything (and vice versa with the thoriated).
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
I'm using Thoriated and Lanthanated as noted above, in 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8, depending on the thickness of the material.
You'll also want a gas lens kit, probably stubby, for better maneuverability...
Stubby Gas Lens Kit , Metal Welding, Welder Supplies, Accessories for Welding | USAWeld.com
You'll also want a gas lens kit, probably stubby, for better maneuverability...
Stubby Gas Lens Kit , Metal Welding, Welder Supplies, Accessories for Welding | USAWeld.com
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