Entry level 200A Tig welder

[TIGL]

Hey, I'm looking at these four TIG machine. Anyone have any experience with them that will help me choose? Alternatively, are there any other, better options for foot pedal AC capable variable frequency TIGs under $1000

https://www.harborfreight.com/protig-200-welder-with-120240-volt-input-63619.html
http://www.eastwood.com/tig-200-digital.html
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00REX6USW/ref=psdc_13400561_t1_B00K1MZ6E2
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/tig-stick/powertig-185-dv

Thanks!

 

[anickode]

For like the 20th time on this forum...

These just came out. Many stores don't even have them in yet. Nobody has been brave enough to drop the cash.

 

[kevbo22]

I have been in the market myself for a new welder. I was looking at a multi process for a while, but now I think I also will be going with a ac/dc tig instead, I cant make up my mind.

The new vulcan is a little to "new" for me if you know what i mean.

That eastwood tig 200 digital is a real nice one. It goes on sale quite a bit for $899

The one you listed from amazon, the ahp is the same as eastwoods tig 200 non-digital. For the price get the eastwood with that nice 3 year no questions warranty.

Most of my buddies are mobile welders, they are either "red guys" or "blue guys", but all of them say stay away from everlast. I am sure the everlast is fine however.

The eastwood tig 200 digital is what I would go with. my .02

 

[anickode]

Everlast is a fine machine for the hobbyist and light fabricator.

You won't find them in a 3 shift manufacturing facility though.

 

[TIGL]

For like the 20th time on this forum...

These just came out. Many stores don't even have them in yet. Nobody has been brave enough to drop the cash.

I hadn't seen the other threads when I posted this but in my defense, I'm asking about a number of machines and for general advice

 

[anickode]

I hadn't seen the other threads when I posted this but in my defense, I'm asking about a number of machines and for general advice

I stopped at my local harbor freight on my way home and looked at them.

I can tell you they feel cheap. The dials wiggle and wobble, and feel like they would break easily... No doubt the rotary switches and potentiometers have plastic shafts. The molded plastic handles are hollow and have a very cheap feel to them as well.

The TIG 200 machine uses a gas-through DINSE connector, and would therefore be compatible with most aftermarket torches, including water cooled, without modification of the machine. Given that it has a 30% duty cycle at 160 amps however, a water cooled torch would likely be unnecessary.

It has variable AC frequency and balance control, along with a basic pulse feature.

I might consider one for my garage eventually, once they've been tested a bit, but I wouldn't drop $800+ on an unproven machine.

 

[TIGL]

Ended up going with this machine. Took it for a test drive last night and its great. some of the options are confusing but i think thats more me the machine. eastwood.com/tig-200-digital.html

 

[Kartorbust]

Let us know what you think of it after a couple months of use I may end up buying one.