I am in the market for a used TIG welder, something around 200 amps or so. I wanted one of those HTP inverter TIGs but it's a little out of my budget right now. Anyhoo, I keep noticing these Eastwood TIGs advertised in magazines, on eBay, etc. and am wondering if it's worth chancing one of those new instead of purchasing a used TIG off Craig's List or eBay. Any thoughts on this? Has anyone here tried out or purchased an Eastwood unit? Looking for a little guidance; would like to make a purchase within the next week or two. tanx...... Al in TN
My advice.... Buy a major brand... Eastwood's machine would be hard to get service performed, parts for on a saturday morning, replacement pedal 5 years from now... you get my point. I have a lincoln squarewave 175... its perfect for hobby/hotrod stuff. It's pretty budget too... I think for around 1400 you can be out the door and almost running once you get argon.
Thanks -- Can your squarewave 175 weld Quarter Inch (steel/moly) OK? [edit/addition] I used to have a Miller EconoTWIN, no pedal (scratch start), 150 amp machine. I want something a little stronger and with a pedal, and with controllable post flow. Thanks again, Al in TN
Ive owned my HTP for over 10 years now. No problems with it needing parts and with the inverter youd never know it was plugged in on your power bill. A good buy for the money and its small. Whatever you buy, get a machine you can grow into or youll regret it.
Any of the brand name machines used would be better then this off brand stuff new.I myself like miller stuff. But the red machines aren't bad. It's also good to be able to get parts when needed. Mine are miller 225 mig 250 tig and an older l-tec mig. Try to get the best you can and have some fun.
Al, when did you move from Ct?? I just picked up a Miller Diversion 180 TIG if your interest in chatting send me a message
Mink!!! I moved to TN a few months after I helped you with your old welder; been here almost 2 1/2 years now, though I was in CT the past week taking care of some family stuff. I had sold my welder shortly after I arrived down here, now that we're all settled in I am ready to get going on something again. I picked up a TIG on eBay tonight that was within an hour's or so drive, going to go retrieve it tomorrow. A really cherry Miller Syncrowave Al in TN
Al I graduated from school and started contract work for Case I H. Worked 6months away from home. Money collected and then i bought a new Diversion 180 as mentioned previously. Check out this site: weldingtipsandtricks.com , I found their videos useful. Some things I've realized so far as a new tig handler: Watch out for contamination. Devote a sanding abrasive only for tungsten when you sharpen your tungsten. Grind along tungsten length. I purchased some chemical tungsten tig prep media and have yet to use it. I forgot what its called, but apparently it sharpens your turngsten chemically. Check it out on youtube I found it useful to not use filler rod in the very beginning when learning technique. Just practice fusing the apparent material together. I found it useful to start with welding 14 gauge lap joints to. P.s. Thanks for your help with my Mig!
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