First Tig welder

Hello. first things first, in new to the forum and have already learned quite a chunk. so thanks =D

I am after buying a tig welder. I have experience with mig welding but have never used a tig. I do not intend on doing anything heavy duty with a tig so i do not believe i need a Uber powerful machine. i should only be using it for between 1.5 - 2.5 mm 304 stainless steel pipe (for car exhausts) occasionally thicker stainless plate and also a little aluminum.

I would love to spend loads on a machine, but the other half will not let me. so I'm after something relatively cheap - i.e £300-£400. i have come across these

http://www.tigwelders.co.uk/Product/..._Welders/05014

http://www.tigwelders.co.uk/Product/...elders/MA-1600

if anyone could offer me an opinion on these welders. remembering it will not be being used too often i would gratefully appreciate it, or any others people can recommend for around the same price

Thanks, Chris

Neither of those will do aluminum. You need an AC/DC machine to do aluminum. Expect to pay about 3x the price for one that can do aluminum.

if your price is fixed then you'l have to look at a secondhand unit for ac/dc to do ally, the only new ac/dc tig you'l get for that money would be one made in china, dont bother with them, have a look on ebay should be able to pick up a decent little ac/dc inverter for that.

Despite what it says, i`m pretty sure both of those pictured are just MMA sets too. So no HF start and a valved torch, not a proper solinoid, so no pre/post flow either.

Hi Chris, for a cheap starter TIG set with UK backup and warranty have a look here. I have never used them myself, but they do appear to try to give good service and that is a proper TIG set rather than an MMA with a TIG torch.
Alternatively, Weldequip or DIYWelding are both forum members and will be able to offer a suitable machine. I have used both, as have many others on here, and both give good advice and service.

thanks for the replies.

has anyone got one of these machines as suggested by steve
http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/weldi...ent/Tig_Welder

with that tig, what kind of accessories would i have to purchase, n a rough price please?

Thank you =D

Speak to Steve (weldequip)

I just bought a TecArc 206i ac/dc tig off him. Great advice,service and quick delivery. Machine welds really nicely. Would certainly recommend both.