Welding Newbie

[DoctorD]

Hey all,

First of all, I am a total welding Newbie . I want to get up and running with a TIG welder so I can build my dreams. What should I go with?
I know, TIG is very difficult, etc. I've got my mind set on it, so any help you can offer is much appreciated!

DoctorD

[bigwelder]

welcome
i would say research all tig machines till u find one that interests you then compare with all others similiar to it

[Sberry]

That question is a lot like,,, "I want a boat, what kind should I get" You need a big boat, a little boat, you going to charter fish or will a rowboat do? You can find TIGs from 50A to 400.

[Scott V]

That question is a lot like,,, "I want a boat, what kind should I get" You need a big boat, a little boat, you going to charter fish or will a rowboat do? You can find TIGs from 50A to 400.

I want a rowboat with a big engine in it!!!

[Steved]

Hey Dr D.

What I would suggest is that you look into a evening intro to TIG welding course close by before you purchase.

It will give you a hands on to the TIG process and will introduce you to the concepts.

Personally, I would look at a Dynasty 200DX but not knowing your application it is difficult to say. The Dynasty is pricey but has some advantages over other machines.

More information is required like, what are you doing with it, how much are you willing to spend, how dedicated are you.....etc.

Do you have experience with other welding processes?

[Mike W]

Depending on what you plan on welding, a mig may be a better choice.

[arcdawg]

or you could start off with a o/a set up and get good with o/a welding and then if you like it move on to a tig..........

o/a setup is around $600.00

tig can range from $1000.00 to $5000.00

dawg

[HAWK]

Doctor D,

What thickness materials do you want to weld? Do you want to TIG steel, stainless steel, Aluminum or all these and more. What kind of input power do you have available to power the welder? How much are you willing to spend? Answer these ? and we can suggest some machines that fit the category.


ArcDawg,

Don't forget some of the specialty VP TIG units that push the $50,000 and above range.

[Paul Seaman]

Doctor D:
Welcome aboard and hang on for a ride, All the fellows have good points and I agree with Steve a class will help alot, tig is the highest difficulty level of the welding processes. Mike also mentioned mig it is easier to learn and with practice alot of jobs can be done with it. There are all sizes and all types of machines and all types of welding requirements so as Hawk said we need more info, what do you want to weld?

Peace,

[hankj]

What's up, Doc? (VERY sorry - just could NOT resist that tempation!)
Welcome!

You say you've got your mind set on TIG; so be it.

If you plan to do any welding, even the most elementary hobby work, you will need a ton of stuff besides the welding machine. Hand tools, power tools (grinders, saws, etc.) clamps, a welding table (built by YOU as your first project!) and myriad devices. How's your shop now? Got stuff?

The suggestion to get an oxy-acetylene outfit was a good one. An O/A rig will be invaluable to you as a welding enthusiast unless your interest is only aluminum.

Pick up a book and get acquainted with terms and techniqes. "Welding Essentials" would be a good place to start.

Once you've made some decisions with respect to the other posts ahead of mine, get back to us. We're here to help!



Hank

[arcdawg]

Doctor D,




ArcDawg,

Don't forget some of the specialty VP TIG units that push the $50,000 and above range.

well hawk on my DOLLAR MENU budget .........i cant even get the biggie size fries let alone a $50,000 tig machine

dawg

[Sberry]

Hey Dawg, you bought the book, went to the school now you have to get a job ??????

[aphexafx]

i cant even get the biggie size fries

Well, at least you'll probably live longer.

DoctorD:

I learned how to gas weld in HS, and this indeed helped when I learned to TIG weld. BUT, I know two people who have never tried any other type of welding, and they can TIG really really well - and they've never, nor have I, attended a class. If you have a chance a class would probably help you get where you want to be much faster.

I think, though, that anyone who is set on learning how TIG weld and can course themselves through the learning process will be able to pick it up no problem. You do seem enthusiastic about it and I'll bet you'll find that you will do very well.

Oh yeah, you should go with a Miller. Realistically, since your learning, you should go with whatever you can find that will fit your needs and budget. (Well, duh!..yeah, I know...) If you can find a used machine, that might be a good, safe route to follow. The Syncrowave 180 is great to learn with so I've heard. If you have the cash, you really couldn't go wrong with a Dynasty 200DX as a first machine - it will do anything you might be interested in trying as you experiment and learn.

Or you could get an Econtig with everything you need except gas. You will learn how to TIG weld, but at some point you will be like..erm..this machine is limiting me...

Get back to us and good luck!

[arcdawg]

Hey Dawg, you bought the book, went to the school now you have to get a job ??????

cary, there are NO welding jobs in my area..........and if there is its a s.hole paying 8$ an hour.......so i work for my neighbor making $15 an hour banging nails..........

dawg

[wendell]

Doc,
If you spend half your time in front of a TIG and the other half infront of the computer looking at this site, you'll be up and running in no time.

If you want to weld AL (hard to imaging a welding dream that didn't involve aluminum) and you have 100A service with a 220V outlet start looking for a used syncrowave 180, 250, 300 or 350. You shouldn't have a problem finding one for under $1000. Once you get one, badger the kind folks on this board till you figure out how to stick two pieces of metal together with it.

Sounds easy right?