HELP Miller Econotig AC/DC TIG/Stick Welder

[jessie]

Hi All I am new to welding and wont to buy a new welder.
i wont to welding aluminum allso is a Miller Econotig AC/DC TIG/Stick Welder 30-160 amps wood this be best for the $$ for the long run????

[Sundown]

If you won't be doing aluminum then I would take a good look at the Miller maxstar 150STL or the Hobart 150STi, which are basicly the same machine and in the same price range as the Tigmate. If you need HF start and pulse then the Miller Maxstar 150STH would fit, but it's a few hunderd more. They are light weight at under 20 lbs, have great arc quality, are plug and play at 120V or 230V and come in a very nice case with everything you need to get going except argon.

Added Note: In the case that you wont want to weld aluminum, the above can apply. However, in the case that you will, as opposed to wont, want to weld aluminum, then disgegard the above recomentation, provide more information as suggested so that guys here can help you.

[fun4now]

if you want to be doing aluminum, i would save a little longer and get the syncro 200. its well equipped and easy to use for the beginner. as well as has the power to keep you happy for a long time.
keep in mind the econo TIG and the syncrowave will require a 240V 50-60amp service.
if you don't have the power to offer you should start looking at inverters like the max-star and dynasty, these will run off 120V or 240V with a 30amp or less draw. the max-star is a DC only unit the dynasty is AC/DC . again if you want to do aluminum you will want AC. if you cant swing the $$ for the dyn200DX you could look at the TA-185's . the TA's don't offer 120V as the max-star and dynasty do but the TA will run on a 30 amp 240V circuit.

you need to look at power available, $ available, weather you need it to be portable or not, and space available. as well as the thickness of and type of material you intend to weld on. if you can answer these questions we can point you to the best suited welder for you.

welcome to the board.

[jwsrep]

Jessie,
Clarify your post and I will be happy to give you my opinion. Examples: wont or want for starts. Then give us an idea on what thickness' you want to weld. Is this hobby or business? Do you have a $ you are limited to? That should get us going in the right direction.

[srl_welder]

I used the econotig for almost a year, and would save up and get something with higher amps. I had the best luck welding 1/8" steel, but anything thicker the machine just couldn't quite do it. It's a great beginner machine, but is quickly outgrown. And plus even if you mainly do thinner material its always nice to have the extra amperage if its needed. hope that helps.
-SRL

[wireburner]

if you want to be doing aluminum, i would save a little longer and get the syncro 200. its well equipped and easy to use for the beginner. as well as has the power to keep you happy for a long time.
keep in mind the econo TIG and the syncrowave will require a 240V 50-60amp service.
if you don't have the power to offer you should start looking at inverters like the max-star and dynasty, these will run off 120V or 240V with a 30amp or less draw. the max-star is a DC only unit the dynasty is AC/DC . again if you want to do aluminum you will want AC. if you cant swing the $$ for the dyn200DX you could look at the TA-185's . the TA's don't offer 120V as the max-star and dynasty do but the TA will run on a 30 amp 240V circuit.

you need to look at power available, $ available, weather you need it to be portable or not, and space available. as well as the thickness of and type of material you intend to weld on. if you can answer these questions we can point you to the best suited welder for you.

welcome to the board.

yeAh if you want to do alum. I would save a littler more and get the syncro. 200 my cuz bought in Jan. & it does GREAT , I been using it my self alot