CWPASADENA
Well-known member
If you are trying to build your tool inventory and intend to be in the hobby a long time, BUY GOOD QUALITY. Also I would recomend you do not buy a machine just thinking you need a welder only to do sheet metal. When you have TIG in your shop and weld sheet metal, it will occure to you that this is so great that you want to weld heaver and bigger stuff, and even aluminum.
Tig is a VERY useful tool to have and something you will use more and more if you continue in the hobby.
I bought a Lincoln 250 about 18 years ago and I have yet to run across something I could not weld with it. I use the hell out of it, even doing production work on heavy material. I have yet to have to do any repairs on it. I would not necessarily recomend this machine today as there are newer machines on the market that are smaller and more efficient.
I have also used a new Miller. These machines weld very well, nice "Soft touch" with excellent control.
I guess what I am saying is to buy a good machine. Look for good used stuff of a known brand. Talk to your local Miller Dealer and see what he may have.
Also, my Old Fords seem to appreciate it when worked on with American Tools.
Again, This is just my opinion.
Chris
Tig is a VERY useful tool to have and something you will use more and more if you continue in the hobby.
I bought a Lincoln 250 about 18 years ago and I have yet to run across something I could not weld with it. I use the hell out of it, even doing production work on heavy material. I have yet to have to do any repairs on it. I would not necessarily recomend this machine today as there are newer machines on the market that are smaller and more efficient.
I have also used a new Miller. These machines weld very well, nice "Soft touch" with excellent control.
I guess what I am saying is to buy a good machine. Look for good used stuff of a known brand. Talk to your local Miller Dealer and see what he may have.
Also, my Old Fords seem to appreciate it when worked on with American Tools.
Again, This is just my opinion.
Chris