TIG Welder

[bsprowl]

I need to build a roll cage which NHRA says requires TIG welding.  I also want to build some aluminum brackets out of quarter inch plate.  The Lincoln and Miller TIG welders are expensive $3000 and up.  There are some Chinese 120/240 volt TIG welders that claim they will weld 5 MM (0.19 Inch) plate which is too thin for my use. 
What are you guys using?

[galaxiex]

I've got an AC-DC Everlast Power TIG 185 DV.

https://everlastwelders.ca/product/powertig-185dv/

185 amps max on 240 volts.

Weld steel to a maximum of 1/4" single pass
Weld steel to a maximum of 5/8 " multi-pass
Weld aluminum to a maximum of 3/16" single-pass
Weld aluminum to a maximum of 1/2" multi-pass
Weld to a minimum of .007" steel
Weld to a minimum of .018" aluminum
Weld with a minimum of 1/16" diameter electrode
Weld with a maximum of 1/8" diameter electrode

I'm not a pro welder by any means but I bought this after seeing a vid on Weld dot com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GJVSXj7ZYs

It's a nice little machine.

Fan is noisy.

[manofmerc]

I have been welding for a long time .And I have come to find that buying a name brand used welder always works for me . Go to your local welding supply and see what they have and see if there is a welding machine repair shop local to you they might have what you need .BUT you need to wire your welder according to what the tag on the machine says .My tig welder (an older Hobart) requires a 100 amp circuit . These newer machines probably dont need that 100 amp circuit but look at the tag on the machine . Buying from either a welding supply or welder repair shop will pay off in the long run those guys will always help you if need be .Doug

[pbf777]

       Along with the advice, that of buying a known name brand product, one also would be advised to buy something of probably almost twice the capability of that which one thinks that they need.  Of course, the electrical power available at your facility will ultimately limit the capacities in your welding work, but more machine than thought needed is wise.   

       Scott.

[Heo]

I use Old Millers my dad bought in the 70s. One 150 amp i use most of the time, Mostly for sheetmetal.  I used to weld cages
with that one to. I also use it to stickweld
And a big watercooled "refrigerator" i use for Aluminium both have worked flawless
I dont think i have welded aluminium the last 10 years.
Im an ex professional welder and we used mostly Millers or Kempi TIGs in the places i worked

My MIG is an 250 amp ESAB i found in a dumpster. I bought new what you call it... the "hoose" with the gun in the end
and it have worked flawless for 25 years

[kraut61]

  I would look at a Miller XMT 350 MPa. they can be found used on Facebook marketplace. I just bought a used XMT 350 CC/CV due to my old XMT 300  burning up because a dirt dobber nest built on the fan. The seller was an individual, they let me stick and mig weld with it, additionally they let me remove/open the machines blue cover to inspect the internals for condition issues. I paid $1000...just be patient and something will come up.
  The 350 MPa also has an option for a gas solenoid installed in the machine, not all have it.

[Heo]

I remove the "bodywork on them and blow them clean from dust now and then.
They collect a lot iron dust from grinding

[HarleyJack17]

Maybe a little late but I would look hard at a Prime Weld Machine or CK. I bought the Prime Weld Tig225 and it will do about anything you would ever want to and the price is very reasonable. They are good machines and use CK torch/lead and quality parts.
I will say as a novice, the knobs and settings re a bit more complicated than a machine that has auto adjust but you are getting a lot of machine for the money capability wise. I found pulse to be awesome doing some 1/8" AL boxes. Another machine is CK Worldwide. From a lot of research I feel like for the money both of these are machines that were affordable to a hobbyist, but yet as capable as about any pro would need.  Attached some links that may help.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YkWY3nVAlY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfORi2F7xWA