buying used welders

[DSPracing]

So I have been looking into purchasing a tig machine. I will be using it mainly to weld steel under 1/4" and some aluminum. I have been looking at the miller syncrowave series but they are up there in price. I was wondering if it is safe to buy an older, used tig machine and what to look for. thanks, Ryan

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[rojodiablo]

What to look for?? I would say, for aluminum, you will want a minimum of 200 amps capability. You just can't do enough with any less. An Econotig from Miller is a decent unit. There was one posted on DR. Also, what do you have available for power??The transformer based welders are power slaves. To run a synchro 200 it will take 50amps!! To run a synchro 250 wide open, I see almost 70 amps used. That's a lot of power being used. By comparison, I got an inverter welder. I get 200A with only a 26 amp draw. The inverters are not cheap, but I like the smaller size, and they have wave shaping, and are infinitely adjustable. As for what to look for?? Just want to see it work, and that will do it. You don't want to see rust or corrosion on any parts, especially electrical components. The transformer units are very durable, and last a long time. So a used one is usually a pretty safe bet. Good luck. Paul.

[Josh_K]

I had an Econotig and it was just ok for steel. It totally sucked for aluminum.

For alum welding you have to have a square wave machine with a high frequency start (hf). It would be preferable that the hf have an adjuster too and start only and full time switch.

The econotig is a round wave machine and is no better for aluminum than an alternator hooked to a tig torch. About 3 years ago I steeped up and spent the $3800.00 for a syncrowave 250 and I am glade I did. Today alone I charged out $750.00 for welding on a fuel tank.

I would look at one of the new style 200 amp inverter tigs. The only thing that they lack as new is a water cooled torch. But you could buy or rig one up to deal with that.

[Jkrell]

So I have been looking into purchasing a tig machine. I will be using it mainly to weld steel under 1/4" and some aluminum. I have been looking at the miller syncrowave series but they are up there in price. I was wondering if it is safe to buy an older, used tig machine and what to look for. thanks, Ryan

Not sure on your price range but maybe consider a new Thermal Arc 185. It welds 1/4" steel and 1/8 alum with good pen. It puts out around 195 amps. It is about a 1000 bucks less than the miller dynasty 200 (or at least it was when i bought it), it has a three year warranty, and it has a good track record. I have had zero problems with it over the last two years.

[Chase 2]

Go to a welding school and go from booth to booth you'll find that each machine welds a little different, sure they can all get the job done, but each will have its own feel. Last year I signed up at the local adult school welding class just so I could brush up on my aluminum technique. My favorite machine ended up being a Thermal Arc. The little Thermal Arc had plenty of power, gave a really stable arc, and was easily fine tuned.

[FABRICATOR]

Just about any TIG can do a pretty good job on steel. Aluminum is a little more touchy. I would never buy another that didn't have square wave.

I've found some nice TIG's at auctions. Look for welders that are in the maintenance or welding department, complete, and appear like they were just being used for something. Not ones that are stripped and sitting in the corner of the building, or worse yet, outside. Those can be okay too, but don't pay much. Be aware that most TIG's are single phase but there are also 3-phase units out there.