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Buying a small tig welder soon? you might want to wait...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Carguy365-24-7, Apr 4, 2007.

  1. Carguy365-24-7
    Joined: Mar 25, 2006
    Posts: 909

    Carguy365-24-7
    Member

    A large welder manufacturer is coming out with a new tig welder designed for the home hobbist. I was part of a study group and swarn to secrecy so I can't divulge which co., but this welder looks very promising. It has most of the features of a large welder but should retail for about a grand. It's due to be out by the end of the year.I just thought I'd let my fellow H.A.M.B.ers know.
     
  2. Roupe
    Joined: Feb 11, 2006
    Posts: 723

    Roupe
    Member

    You live in Appleton, I think that probably gives it away. Big blue always makes good stuff.
     
  3. Carguy365-24-7
    Joined: Mar 25, 2006
    Posts: 909

    Carguy365-24-7
    Member

    I don't know what you are talking about......wink wink..
     
  4. hotrodbrad
    Joined: Apr 21, 2006
    Posts: 180

    hotrodbrad
    Member

    can you tell us if its 220 plug? how many amps you can run? suggested retail value?
     

  5. What he said!
     
  6. bobx
    Joined: Apr 17, 2004
    Posts: 1,060

    bobx
    Member
    from Indiana

    and how long would you say that the home hobbiest would have to wait.?
     
  7. punkabilly1306
    Joined: Aug 22, 2005
    Posts: 2,655

    punkabilly1306
    Member
    from ohio

    can it run aluminum?
     
  8. MercMan1951
    Joined: Feb 24, 2003
    Posts: 2,654

    MercMan1951
    Member

    A grand? That's a bit out of reach for most of us...myself included, and I like to get myself in debt...but not for someting like that.

    TIGs aren't "new" technology. 15+ years now I have been hearing/seeing their work. I've been patiently waiting for the prices to come back to reality for the 'everyday Joe'.

    If it's geared toward the "novice", why can't they come out with one in the $400-500 range? Am I missing something? Why are TIG welders still so expensive? Seems to me they use less moving parts than MIG welders!

    I have used both a MIG and a TIG...each has their benefits/downfalls...someone please explain my naivety with regards to manufacturing costs...I don't see why these things are still so much more expensive than MIG welders.

    I would think that if a name brand welding manufacturer came out with a TIG at the same price of a MIG they would sell very well...maybe they don't want to compete with their own products????

    Hell, for the cost of one Tig, if I could have BOTH a decent MIG and a TIG? It would be a no brainer.

    I think a lot of guys would like to know this...anyone? Anyone? Bueller? :)
     
  9. banzaitoyota
    Joined: May 2, 2004
    Posts: 547

    banzaitoyota
    Member

    Guess the Chinese Part content!!!!
     
  10. punkabilly1306
    Joined: Aug 22, 2005
    Posts: 2,655

    punkabilly1306
    Member
    from ohio

    hey kevin there are some tig machines out there for 5-600, but they only run mild steel and are mostly junk, my boss was explaining a way that you can put an inverter on a stick welder and make it tig
     
  11. MercMan1951
    Joined: Feb 24, 2003
    Posts: 2,654

    MercMan1951
    Member

    I would GLADLY pay $1000 for a TIG if I KNEW it was 100% American made...VS. a "Gerber Freight" variety for $600.

    But I seriously doubt most of them are 100% American.

    That said, I'm assuming these are made at least partially offshore (I know Miller still is manufacturing in the US). So why is a Miller TIG so much more than a Miller MIG?

    What I was looking for is, what is it that makes a TIG so much more expensive from a MIG...?
     
  12. punkabilly1306
    Joined: Aug 22, 2005
    Posts: 2,655

    punkabilly1306
    Member
    from ohio

    maybe the retail cost of the parts involved in building a tig machine are higher, and maybe more labor intensive putting it all together...who knows
     
  13. MercMan1951
    Joined: Feb 24, 2003
    Posts: 2,654

    MercMan1951
    Member

    I have yet to come across a TIG welder for less than a grand. New. Maybe I don't know any better...I haven't really looked into them for over 3 years now... BUT!

    If it's so easy to make a TIG, (not to knock you or your boss), then why are companies charging so much for them? You see where I am going with this? TIGs are overpriced...why?
     
  14. punkabilly1306
    Joined: Aug 22, 2005
    Posts: 2,655

    punkabilly1306
    Member
    from ohio

    i probably should have finished about the inverter thing, the inverter will only allow you to run mild steel and no aluminum....maybe that is why tigs are sooo much more because you have so many more options....pulse on pulse, rapid start, AC/DC, etc......as opposed to mig where you have wire feed and amperage.....alot more technology equals a lot higher cost...just a thought
     
  15. MercMan1951
    Joined: Feb 24, 2003
    Posts: 2,654

    MercMan1951
    Member

    Who knows. I agree...(and..Who cares!) Well, I do, damnit. This is old-school tech now- that has been non-affordable to many of us for years...for what reason?

    [QUOTE punkabilly1306] the inverter will only allow you to run mild steel and no aluminum....maybe that is why TIGs are sooo much more because you have so many more options....pulse on pulse, rapid start, AC/DC, etc......
     
  16. ray
    Joined: Jun 25, 2001
    Posts: 3,791

    ray
    Member
    from colorado

    man, this post just goes to prove HAMBers will bitch about anything.

    a sub $1000 tig? if i can build a car with it, i'll be one of the first to buy one.
     
  17. chitbox dodge
    Joined: Apr 25, 2005
    Posts: 598

    chitbox dodge
    Member
    from dunlap tn

    yea. no shit.
     
  18. metalshapes
    Joined: Nov 18, 2002
    Posts: 11,138

    metalshapes
    Member

    A lot longer than that...

    http://www.welding.com/history_of_welding2.shtml

    And according to that site, the MIG has been around for a long time as well.

    I used to weld a lot with an old Linde heliarc.
    I loved how it welded. a very nice machine.

    My big old Miller Tig cost me a lot more than $500/$600.
    But I'll probably spend about that much on a Henrob setup.
    ( That what I want to buy next...)
     
  19. ray
    Joined: Jun 25, 2001
    Posts: 3,791

    ray
    Member
    from colorado

    can a guy ever have enough welders?

    i have a 110 mig, tombstone arc welder, regular gas torch/welder, and a henrob. they all get used. tig is next, but i know i'll still use them all.
     
  20. metalshapes
    Joined: Nov 18, 2002
    Posts: 11,138

    metalshapes
    Member

    Nope...:D
     
  21. Kona Cruisers
    Joined: Feb 4, 2007
    Posts: 1,078

    Kona Cruisers
    Member

    guys really 1. you dont need a NEW machine so and older lincoln 250 can be picked up at auction REGULARLY for 3-600 depending on the set up that comes with it (water cooled, thumb control and soo on. ) ever since new square wave technology came out welding shops are steping up to them becuase of the "cleaning" abilities . but IN MY OPINON it isnt all THAT great.. yeah its nice but you dont really notice till your high end PRETTY welding aluminum ..(ie Tuna towers made out of polished and anodized aluminum without grinding first....) dont be afraid of red.. yeah big blue is NICE but for a home shop I could justify the cost over a used lincoln.
     
  22. kustombuilder
    Joined: Sep 18, 2002
    Posts: 7,750

    kustombuilder
    Member
    from Novi, MI

    i've had awesome luck with both Miller MIGs that i have owned. much more so than the Lincolns i have used. if Miller made a TIG for about a grand i would very seriously consider buying it.
     
  23. 51 MERC-CT
    Joined: Apr 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,594

    51 MERC-CT
    Member

  24. zman
    Joined: Apr 2, 2001
    Posts: 16,730

    zman
    Member
    from Garner, NC

  25. Carguy365-24-7
    Joined: Mar 25, 2006
    Posts: 909

    Carguy365-24-7
    Member

    I figured there would be alot of response to this post , Like I said I was part of a study group ( put on by a local product research company in Appleton) . I was in a group of 10 guys from various walks of life each with different needs and expiriences . We each owned a wire feed and were at least thinking of buying a tig welder .
    They showed us a prototype of the unit and a rep from the unmentioned welder company gave us a presentation .
    We all wished that they could have demonstrated the unit but we were in an office type enviroment.
    Now to answer some questions ...
    The unit is a 230 volt unit with I believe around 160 amps ( not sure) and can weld up to 3/8 thick material. It can weld Aluminum and steel. They wanted to simplify the controls so there is one knob to adjust the amperage in steps according to the thickness of the metal and one two position switch for steel or Aluminum. You choose the "range " with the multiposition switch and then control your amperage within that range by dialing the dial on the torch. It has a "start" switch next to the amp dial. The only thing this welder doesn't have is stick welding capabilities.
    They claim this welder welds better than there next size up model because of some " new design " They showed us an optional foot control as well .
    As far as cost , they asked us to write down what we thought a fair retail price would be . I wrote $1200 as did many in the room . A few guys said $800 and others said more. They showed us the cost of the next model up so we had something to go by.
    Yes, they are expensive . Would I buy one ? Yes ,if I had the money. No ,If I have to save up for a year to get one ( I want way too many tools first)..... PAUL


    And SHHHH you didn't hear all this from me.....
     
  26. Slide
    Joined: May 11, 2004
    Posts: 3,021

    Slide
    Member

    You had me a bit worried there... I just bought a new Syncro200. Sounds like this new one is a little too dumbed-down for what I wanted, so I sigh a sigh of relief.

    Sounds like a good deal, though... if they don't rape you over the addition of a foot (or fingertip) control. If it can be reasonably easily upgraded (aforementioned foot/fingertip control, watercooled torch, etc.) with standard-type conections, that would make the deal that much sweeter.
     
  27. MIKE-3137
    Joined: Feb 19, 2003
    Posts: 1,578

    MIKE-3137
    Member

    Me too, my 200sync seemed a little intimidating at first, but now after only a few months I appreciate the versatility and control that you have with it, I made the mistake of buying a too limited plasma cutter once and learned my lesson.

    TIG is so versatile, once you get used to it you are hooked, almost no smoke or sparks and beautiful welds too. Havent seen this one obviously but I too would caution against buying a dumbed down unit, surely wouldnt hold off for this one to become available when its an unknown commodity right now.
     
  28. metalshapes
    Joined: Nov 18, 2002
    Posts: 11,138

    metalshapes
    Member

    Going by what I payed for the replacement parts I had to buy when I fucked up the Torch on my TIG, I wonder what usefull stuff they left out of this one to get it down to that price...
     
  29. 392_hemi
    Joined: Jun 16, 2004
    Posts: 1,736

    392_hemi
    Member

    I wouldn't hold my breath. Considering what a decent machine runs, I doubt you'll get much for under a grand. The small Syncrowave machines are adequate for hobby use, but they cost way more than that. And those don't even have a water cooled torch, which is pretty much a necessity if you plan on doing aluminum. I tend to believe if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
     
  30. punkabilly1306
    Joined: Aug 22, 2005
    Posts: 2,655

    punkabilly1306
    Member
    from ohio

    in no way was i bitching about the cost i just simply stated the reasoning behind the cost and how you can make a tig welder at home using an arc welder
     

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