First Tig welder

[petrolhead88]

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/Tig_Welders/SIP_Tig_Welders/05014

http://www.tigwelders.co.uk/Product/Tig_Welders/Weldstar_Tig_Welders/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

 

[shenion]

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.

 

[mikeb]

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.

 

[JayRS4]

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.

 

[English Steve]

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.

 

[petrolhead88]

thanks for the replies.

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

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

Thank you =D

 

[GBRS]

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.