Recommendations & feedback on TIG welders Options

[draganc]

Hi Folks!

Looking for first hand experience with AC/DC TIG welders for Al and Ti.

I'm looking to weld mainly 6061 up to max 1/4", some thin wall Ti and
anything in between.

Budget-range $1500 to $2500 max.

Currently dialing in on Miller and ESAB but to recommendations.

Thanks in advance!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

dc


PS: open to used units in the tri-state area, just in case someone is selling.

[jd74914]

Currently dialing in on Miller and ESAB but to recommendations.

I'd highly recommend looking at HTP, the Invertig 221 is an awesome welder. They run ~$2400 and are worth every penny. I've got probably 2000 hours welding on one over the last 10-ish years and have been really impressed. I haven't welded any Ti, but have welded carbon/stainless steels, inconel, a bunch of different aluminum alloys (incl. the casting alloys), and magnesium from soda can/razor thicknesses to about 3/16 inch.

For reference, I've spent a considerable time running a Miller Syncrowave 300 and bit of time with an Econotig. The HTP blows both out of the water. After welding on it I've really become a strong believe in inverter (vs. transformer) machines. Perhaps a Dynasty would be better, but one with comparable control settings is significantly more expensive.

Edit: Running 1/4" 6061 single pass requires a lot of power and really pumps heat into the torch. If you're going to do that regularly I think you need at least a 250A machine and water cooler. The max I've done single pass is ~3/16" without preheating.