- Thread starter jef88
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Huge question. Point to the welders concerned and someone may be able to answer it.
Basically, almost all modern TIG welders will be inverter (rather than transformer). They're smaller, cheaper to produce, more controllable, more economical to run. But some are much better than others. Top of the line Miller stuff has been inverter for years, as are those horrible little inverter sets that Machine Mart sells (which are basically inverter Arc machines with a lift off TIG facility).
Basically, almost all modern TIG welders will be inverter (rather than transformer). They're smaller, cheaper to produce, more controllable, more economical to run. But some are much better than others. Top of the line Miller stuff has been inverter for years, as are those horrible little inverter sets that Machine Mart sells (which are basically inverter Arc machines with a lift off TIG facility).
English Steve
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Also, a lot of the MMA inverters which will do TIG will be scratch start only, where most (not all) of the advertised TIG welders will be HF start.
a inverter stick welder usually has NO tig functions whatsoever. scratch start at full welding current is the biggest drawback. manual gas valve, no up/down slope, tungsten live at all times.
Such a welder can be used for tig. I still have a small Electra Beckum inverter for stick welding, and upgraded it with a set to make it a tig (torch+regulator etc). it worked, but it was hard to use and the tungsten was very easy to contaminate. the welds looked nice though after some practice but i wouldn't spend money on such a setup.
Such a welder can be used for tig. I still have a small Electra Beckum inverter for stick welding, and upgraded it with a set to make it a tig (torch+regulator etc). it worked, but it was hard to use and the tungsten was very easy to contaminate. the welds looked nice though after some practice but i wouldn't spend money on such a setup.
Hi there, Fingers, and thanks for your answer!
I believe you're on the ball when you say "these cheap horrible ones"... but anywho.
Here's the inverter that claims it'll TIG.
http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?se...ey+Inverter+160Amp+with+Surge+Protection+230V
And here's the 2grand TIG welder:
http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?se...r+TIG+Welder+160Amp+AC/DC+HF+&+Lift+Start
Anyway, Thanks again.
James
I believe you're on the ball when you say "these cheap horrible ones"... but anywho.
Here's the inverter that claims it'll TIG.
http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?se...ey+Inverter+160Amp+with+Surge+Protection+230V
And here's the 2grand TIG welder:
http://toolstoday.co.uk/shop.php?se...r+TIG+Welder+160Amp+AC/DC+HF+&+Lift+Start
Anyway, Thanks again.
James
English Steve
Senior Bumpkin
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- 1,127
As mentioned above, the 'proper' TIG set has a lot more functionality ie HF start, down slope, post gas, foot pedal connection etc etc. It is a far more complex machine hence a higher price.
Having said all that, I personally wouldn't bother with that Sealy machine. There are other well respected makes at a more sensible price.
Having said all that, I personally wouldn't bother with that Sealy machine. There are other well respected makes at a more sensible price.
Hi, Steve.
Thanks for the answer.
I don't think i'll be paying that price, but I am looking to get a stick welder, and I'm wondering if this extra TIG functionality is worth having purely for a practice and bit of experience, as I certainly can't afford that sort of money on somthing I just want to have a dabble at.
Thanks,
James.
Yes, the first one looks like arc with added on tig -- no post flow, pulse, HF or AC capacity, while the other is a "proper" tig set.
In between (both of those machines are expensive for what they are) are a host of inverter and transformer machines.
Post what you want to do and I'm sure people will recommend equipment to suit your pocket/work. There are lots of cheaper/better alternatives to those two!
In between (both of those machines are expensive for what they are) are a host of inverter and transformer machines.
Post what you want to do and I'm sure people will recommend equipment to suit your pocket/work. There are lots of cheaper/better alternatives to those two!
Thanks, Fingers.
general automotive stuff, I build up bikes from time to time (not professionaly), and customization is fairly limited without being able to modify/fabricate, and i'm wanting to start doing things like chopping seat units (welding tabs on to bolt new subframes on) and modify engine mountings to fit different engines in.
Thanks,
James
You could do a lot worse than one of the little Rehmann 160 DC TIG sets on eBay (from Germany, but made in China). Avoid the buy it now ones! Cheap and cheerful, but fine for everything but AC aluminium and a good guarantee.
For around £300 John Davies in Liverpool is doing a pulsed DC set, which will produce neater welds. I've not tried these, but John says they're good and he's one of the good guys.
Up to £1000 you're in the bigger league -- lots of good bottom end (that is, low amp) single phase AC/DC tigs in this kind of bracket, including a transformer set (should be indestructable) but I lost the url!
A quick search should turn up others that folk have recommended recently.
For around £300 John Davies in Liverpool is doing a pulsed DC set, which will produce neater welds. I've not tried these, but John says they're good and he's one of the good guys.
Up to £1000 you're in the bigger league -- lots of good bottom end (that is, low amp) single phase AC/DC tigs in this kind of bracket, including a transformer set (should be indestructable) but I lost the url!
A quick search should turn up others that folk have recommended recently.
