Peter and I are getting away from the original brief.
I agree that an AC/DC TIG is a more versatile machine, but it's also much, much slower, especially while you learn not to dip your electrode.
It's the choice I made for all the reasons mentioned. I went with a Unimig Razor 200 for home last time the bundles were advertised, and I got a TokenTools MetalMaster 215 for work a few years ago, where we do thick aluminium mostly.
You're going to struggle to get a name brand AC/DC TIG in the budget from earlier.
As a beginner, I find myself wishing I had a MIG when I'm doing simple stuff in steel. I know as I get better at TIG I'll get faster, but the fastidious prep needed and the constant grinding of electrodes makes a MIG very compelling. I think I'll just have to get both eventually.
Just got to the bit where he used the cordless drill as a lathe to make a small plug.That shoudl be fine... You only need a small cheap welder for car panels .... you'll have hte power set as low as it can go. You can't just "weld" sheet metal. repairing something like that floor with look absolutely shithouse with booger welds dobbed everywhere. You just grind flat ... and fill any missed spots. It's very time consuming.
this guy is just amazing the way he builds patch panels with a 4" grinder, hammer and welder
I have a Token Tools AC/DC Tig /Plasma Cutter. It has been Fantastic. Having the ability to weld up a stainless exhaust system from mandrel bends, then at the flick of a switch repair an aluminium casting or cut any metal up to half inch thick is very convenient. His after sales service is outstanding, it had an IC fail in the current control circuit well after warranty ran out and he fixed it with no charge. He really is a character, but also very genuine and great to deal with.Wow ... you said token tools ..... I've seen that guys posts on the woodworkers forum in the past. He seems like a hell of a character. What are his welders like ?
seeya,
Shane L.
I've seen the trade tools equivalent get into the $700s when on special and it comes with a pedal.How cheap is this! Add $90 for a foot pedal. I have no idea what they're like but on paper, perfect for the home workshop:
https://www.australiaindustrialgrou...6VkyfoIuGhmFtVzwA_RT8zBYEMB6b0p5R1Axxk4AyMKS8
That one would be fun to try. I'd need to wait until I retire in 20years time. I certainly don't have enough time to learn how to fabricate to the tolerances required for TIGI've seen the trade tools equivalent get into the $700s when on special and it comes with a pedal.
https://www.tradetools.com/renegade-200amp-inverter-ac-dc-tig-welder-35-duty-cycle-riacdc200i
Dave
I have a 'Unimig 180' - had it a few years now & so far so good. If yours is going to have 'infrequent' use I'd advise going with a purchased Argon cylinder rather than rented! Have used mine to weld both mild & stainless - yet to try alloy. For descriptions of my metal-butchery to date see the threads under "Mathilde - Traction Bodyshell Repairs" in the 'Restoration Projects' sectionYep, Aaaaand I think I've settled on a Unimig 172 package that's going around.
VIPER 182 Mk II MIG/STICK Welder Bundle | UNIMIG® Welding Supplies
Gas & Gasless MIG Welder | STICK (MMA) | 10 AMP Plug | Spool Gun Ready | Geared Wire Drive | 2 Year Warranty | RRP $755.00unimig.com.au
$750 will see me with everything minus the Argon, should be plenty of fun. Yaaaaaay.
I think that's the one (or similar) used and reviewed in some of This Old Tony's videos. Seems to be quite good but he did have to get quite a few other gizmos like cups, torches etc. Not essential as far as I understand it, but significantly improving the work process and the results.How cheap is this! Add $90 for a foot pedal. I have no idea what they're like but on paper, perfect for the home workshop:
https://www.australiaindustrialgrou...6VkyfoIuGhmFtVzwA_RT8zBYEMB6b0p5R1Axxk4AyMKS8
Re the Gas, yes I've seen deposit schemes like. Pay $200 deposit, then $99 bucks each time you empty the bottle. get your $200 back when you have had enough. Is that the kinds thing you cool kids are doing?I have a 'Unimig 180' - had it a few years now & so far so good. If yours is going to have 'infrequent' use I'd advise going with a purchased Argon cylinder rather than rented! Have used mine to weld both mild & stainless - yet to try alloy. For descriptions of my metal-butchery to date see the threads under "Mathilde - Traction Bodyshell Repairs" in the 'Restoration Projects' section
Regards,
Rob
I have a 'Unimig 180' - had it a few years now & so far so good. If yours is going to have 'infrequent' use I'd advise going with a purchased Argon cylinder rather than rented! Have used mine to weld both mild & stainless - yet to try alloy. For descriptions of my metal-butchery to date see the threads under "Mathilde - Traction Bodyshell Repairs" in the 'Restoration Projects' section
Regards,
Rob
I purchase my own bottles, I have "E" size bottles for Oxy-Acetylene and "D" size for my MIG & TIG welders. Over the next 10 years will save about $7000 over renting each year. It cost about 2 years rental to get set up but worth it in the long run.Re the Gas, yes I've seen deposit schemes like. Pay $200 deposit, then $99 bucks each time you empty the bottle. get your $200 back when you have had enough. Is that the kinds thing you cool kids are doing?
Similar thing,Re the Gas, yes I've seen deposit schemes like. Pay $200 deposit, then $99 bucks each time you empty the bottle. get your $200 back when you have had enough. Is that the kinds thing you cool kids are doing?