What tig is best

[cliff366]

Hi guys I may be on the look out for a tig welder but tbh know nothing or even played with one
So what's most opinions on a good entry/starter kit for a novice
It's all 1mm or less sheet metal work
I could buy another mig but my pro 90 has been a good girl and having to carry it outside negates a bigger one and want to stick to transformers
Also have a small 140a buzz box for thicker stuff anyway so tig seems to be the right choice to have a play with
Budget wise it's prob round the £300 max mark just don't want to scrimp and have a load of crap that no good for man or beast
Cheers

 

[Tom Orrow L]

You're right in the fact that TIG is probably going to be your best bet for thinner work. If it's just thin sheet steel you're working with you'll need DC only set.
However, you'll struggle to find a set that's of a half decent stature for £300 but you'll be looking at a different ball game if you knock it up to £400 as that introduces Jasic, SIF Weld & maybe even GYS to the mix.

Otherwise, you could look around for a decent secondhand set for the right money.

 

[cliff366]

Cheers second hand is fine by me my main concern is the reliability of a cheap new unit as here many a story I know they must sell lots so there's going to be faults and you only here about the bad ones as we all like a moan lol

 

[Brad93]

It depends on how far you want to stretch your budget if I was buying a DC tig for thin sheet I would want it to have a decent pulse option and preferably come with a #9 torch rather than a bulky 26.

Parweld, Rtech, Jasic all come with warranty and cab be had second hand.

 

[cliff366]

Thanks for the advice I will keep an eye open see what turns up I'm in no rush

 

[Appyasme1]

Why not go for a DC Scratch Start machine.Do you really need HF?Could save you money!!

 

[daleyd]

Why not go for a DC Scratch Start machine.Do you really need HF?Could save you money!!

Id say you could get lift tig for not a lot of money, may be a better option than scratch start? (I've used lift tig and found it ok, not used scratch start but I've heard it can be a bit tricky)

 

[Richard.]

If learning avoid either if you can. Always best not to throw another hurdle in the way like contact ignition. HF start is the way to go if your new to the process imho.

 

[daleyd]

If learning avoid either if you can. Always best not to throw another hurdle in the way like contact ignition. HF start is the way to go if your new to the process imho.

Agreed, in order of preference it would be hf, lift then scratch.