Newbie in need of some help.

[rustytoba]

Hi, I've had a quick look and after a few mins figured this was the best place to start.

I plan to get a TIG invertor as its light and I like the idea I can switch between old style stick and TIG whenever I choose. But I'm not too sure what amps I'll need for the work I'll be doing, so I hope someone out there can help.

I wont be using it all the time, mainly for repairs, perhaps only about 50 hours a year, but the material thickness will mostly be between 1.0mm and 2.5mm aluminium, mild steel and stainless steel, cooling and oil pipes, that sort of thing.

What should I be looking for?

Regards Scott

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hi Scott, welcome to the forum.
You'll need an AC/DC machine for alu and unfortunately they don't come cheap.
Something around 160A would be plenty, no need for anything bigger though if the right machine came along at the right price there's no reason not to.
Something that will take a foot pedal would be good too, most decent machines will.
What sort of money do you have to spend?

 

[rustytoba]

Cheers,

Well as I wont be using it everyday, and I've never Tiged before, I'll need somthing simple, not really thought much about budget, probably less then £500, if thats possible.

Regards Scott

 

[Wozzaaah]

The only choices you have for £500 are generic Chinese ones from Ebay of which some are of dubious quality or something used if you're lucky.
Decent new ones from respectable sellers start at nearer £800.

 

[rustytoba]

Thanks, now I know what to look for, and I'll need to up the anti a bit.

Many thanks.

Regards Scott

 

[Burf86]

R-Tech is a good place to look. People on here seem a bit sceptical of them as they are made in China, but they are imported by a huge welding machine service centre and they offer great customer service. I have the 160amp AC/DC machine they offer (with foot pedal) and I love it, does as good a job as the Miller Syncowave I use at work.
I asked about a shop soiled one and managed to get the whole set up (welder, torch, and foot pedal) for £600. Bargain!!

Cheers Burf

 

[rustytoba]

R-Tech is a good place to look. People on here seem a bit sceptical of them as they are made in China, but they are imported by a huge welding machine service centre and they offer great customer service. I have the 160amp AC/DC machine they offer (with foot pedal) and I love it, does as good a job as the Miller Syncowave I use at work.
I asked about a shop soiled one and managed to get the whole set up (welder, torch, and foot pedal) for £600. Bargain!!

Cheers Burf

That sounds great, cheers for the heads up

Regards Scott