Thinking of buying a TIG ?

[Ciaranfox10]

Hey,

New here my first post was just lookin for some info. Im thinking of buying a TIG welder had my first taste of it in college and think its a great process. I was just wondering would it be a good investment as opposed to a MIG for general fabrication and the odd bit of body work i wouldnt be using it on ALU or anyting yet just things like bumpers roll cages and that sort of ting for my off roaders.

I really wold like to get one over a MIG because i would much prefer to get better at TIG welding but i dunno if i would be just wasting my time for what i want to do ? would like to here your opinions

Thanks Ciaran

 

[astro_al]

Yes, in all honesty, its not really the right process for that kind of work. You 'can' use it for that stuff, but its more fussy about surface condition / cleanliness, requires a good deal more skill, is slower to use and is more expensive to get into.

Get a mig first. If you're rich, get both.

Al.

 

[shenion]

Most TIG machines will do arc. Given only one, I'd take TIG/Arc setup. I don't use my MIG often.

The only time I use the MIG is on thin metal. Arc is too hot and TIG is too much work. Heavier stuff i use arc as it is fast to set up and the most portable. If you have to do bodywork more than just a rare use, then TIG will be a pain.

I use the TIG almost exclusively on the bench. Only a 20' torch so it wont reach where I would use it around the garage. I also don't have time to learn positional work. I'd hate to have to use it under a car.

I'd get a low end MIG (90 to 130A) that has a 30A minimum or less. Then look for a deal on a TIG or get an arc setup for heavier stuff.

I had a CLarke 130EN and used it for over a year. Then got a deal on an AC/DC TIG for aluminum. Ended up using arc most, then TIG and MIG least.

If you have gobs of power, a used, transformer TIG/Arc setup can be gotten relatively cheap. Same for arc buzz boxes.

A lot depends on your budget and power available. TIG is the most expensive equipment, uses the most gas and is the least productive (but most versatile.) Arc is cheap and great for heavy stuff.

Welcome to the forums

 

[rkde]

I find I am using the mig more especially for automotive work, I do not really use the tig too much. Even doing roll cages I generally tack it with the mig first though you can spot them together with tig if you want you just need to be steady which in normally all my balancing acts I am not.

I run arc, mig, tig + arc and generally use in the order or mig - arc - tig (my preference)

It really depends what your end goal is and budget. £1000 will see you with an r-tech ac/dc tig and a clarke mig which have proven themselves over and over. If its mostly cars and thin sheet metal and an odd roll cage go mig. For the diy guy mig and arc seam to be more handy and cheaper to buy and run

 

[Ciaranfox10]

Thanks for the info guys