A few years ago I bought a Lincoln 210MP welder. With the Lincoln I really improved my MIG welding over what I was ever able to achieve with lesser machines. I chose that particular unit because our of the box it could both MIG and stick weld but also was capable of TIG welding with the purchase of a couple extras. I figured in the future I would explore that path. Well the day came I was ready and after some more (OK, a LOT) research and elected to purchase a second machine which was built for specifically TIG welding.
I am a "home hobbiest" and, to be honest, cannot begin to even justify the cost to get a TIG machine given the volume of work I might create. But since when did that logic ever stop a guy from buying a new tool?! So my search was to find the very best machine I could for the budget I had set for myself. Having started cheap in MIG and finding that didn't go so well I was ready to spend more out fo the gate but not break the bank. That in mind, my search ended up honing in on the AHP Alpha-TIG 200x. I simply couldn't find a bad review on it anywhere. And I tried. Even the top welder type channels on Youtube sing it's praises. The only knock on the thing anyone had was the pedal design. it is different and likely more of a "used to this not that" kind of issue. So I pulled the trigger and ordered one up. The basic welder itself only cost a few hundred more than the accessories I would have needed to TIG with my Lincoln so really a great deal. I also bought an aftermarket pedal which is more of the standard design. All told about $800 at this point.
Then came the "extras" I wanted/needed. A new helmet. I wanted something with one of the new clear lenses instead of the old green tint. Old eyes make it harder to see. Chose to try out the new Eastwood. See it how it goes. For the price it was worth a shot. While there they had a sale on their tungsten sharpener that caught my attention...and my wallet. Then I got a stubby lens kit from Weldmonger.com along with some "tig fingers", a magnetic holder which will be very useful for some planned projects and some different cup sizes and styles. Of course, then I needed the consumables so a few packs of both steel and aluminum rod and a variety of tungtens. Last I decided to get a second welding cart instead of making/buying something which could house both my welding machines. I plan to get a plasma cutter soon which will ride tandem with the Lincoln. The cart I got for the TIG was bought from Northern Tool. I like it. Very well constructed. Last but not least I need argon. Around here the best deal I have found is to sign a 25 year lease on a tank (150#) and use the same company for refills. That set me back just under $400 first time. Refills are closer to around $80 a pop.
So if you are following along and wondering, I am at about $1800 or so heading in but should be set for anything I want to try (steel and aluminum) and have enough material on hand to last a good long time.
I plan to start playing around with it next week. We will see how the learning curve is compared to MIG. This winter I want to get started on the F1 which will be getting a complete new front set up including a MII crossmember and likely air ride. The rear plan is a triangulated four link and air as well. Probably going with some really big tires out back too so some frame modifications will be needed. A whole lot of welding lies ahead of me. Couldn't be more excited!
I am a "home hobbiest" and, to be honest, cannot begin to even justify the cost to get a TIG machine given the volume of work I might create. But since when did that logic ever stop a guy from buying a new tool?! So my search was to find the very best machine I could for the budget I had set for myself. Having started cheap in MIG and finding that didn't go so well I was ready to spend more out fo the gate but not break the bank. That in mind, my search ended up honing in on the AHP Alpha-TIG 200x. I simply couldn't find a bad review on it anywhere. And I tried. Even the top welder type channels on Youtube sing it's praises. The only knock on the thing anyone had was the pedal design. it is different and likely more of a "used to this not that" kind of issue. So I pulled the trigger and ordered one up. The basic welder itself only cost a few hundred more than the accessories I would have needed to TIG with my Lincoln so really a great deal. I also bought an aftermarket pedal which is more of the standard design. All told about $800 at this point.
Then came the "extras" I wanted/needed. A new helmet. I wanted something with one of the new clear lenses instead of the old green tint. Old eyes make it harder to see. Chose to try out the new Eastwood. See it how it goes. For the price it was worth a shot. While there they had a sale on their tungsten sharpener that caught my attention...and my wallet. Then I got a stubby lens kit from Weldmonger.com along with some "tig fingers", a magnetic holder which will be very useful for some planned projects and some different cup sizes and styles. Of course, then I needed the consumables so a few packs of both steel and aluminum rod and a variety of tungtens. Last I decided to get a second welding cart instead of making/buying something which could house both my welding machines. I plan to get a plasma cutter soon which will ride tandem with the Lincoln. The cart I got for the TIG was bought from Northern Tool. I like it. Very well constructed. Last but not least I need argon. Around here the best deal I have found is to sign a 25 year lease on a tank (150#) and use the same company for refills. That set me back just under $400 first time. Refills are closer to around $80 a pop.
So if you are following along and wondering, I am at about $1800 or so heading in but should be set for anything I want to try (steel and aluminum) and have enough material on hand to last a good long time.
I plan to start playing around with it next week. We will see how the learning curve is compared to MIG. This winter I want to get started on the F1 which will be getting a complete new front set up including a MII crossmember and likely air ride. The rear plan is a triangulated four link and air as well. Probably going with some really big tires out back too so some frame modifications will be needed. A whole lot of welding lies ahead of me. Couldn't be more excited!
