I looked for TIG welders today, I'm starting to believe they don't exist, I've been to 4 welding suppliers - none had any TIG's in stock. Also went to Tractor Supply and 3 Rural Kings (not all today). Not 1 single TIG anywhere. I contacted 2 places that have them, or at least claim to, here's an email of prices from one about 40 miles away.
"we have a Syncrowave 200 package, factory refurbished with 2 years left on warranty $1898.32 before tax. And we have a brand new Diversion 180 package, full 3 year warranty, $1554.80 before tax. All the Syncrowave 250DX packages that are in the rental fleet are pretty close to brand new, so the selling price would be around $4100.00 before tax. They are the full water cooled tig runner packages."
Their prices seem reasonable but I've found better, such as brand new Syncrowave 200 packages for less then their refurbished equipment. Their Diversion 180 is the best price I have found so far. Syncrowave 250DX rentals are higher than another welding supplier in the area... But so far new TIG's for sale around are more scarce than UFO sightings, and descent used machines for reasonable don't actually exist. I put a "Wanted" ad on Craigslist, there could be someone with one they would be willing to sell but haven't advertised.
I found new Syncrowave 250DX's listed locally for just under $2600 for the box only, I'm thinking I can use the number 18 torch, water cooler, etc from my old 330A/BP, I guess I would have to buy a foot pedal though.
I am supposed to try to weld up some damage on a Featherlite trailer this weekend, some welds are broke loose inside one of the fenders, hopefully I won't have a melt-away! I'll practice on some scrap first and start in an inconspicuous spot. There is also a fender support on the frame that has a broken weld. Luckily all these broken welds I need to repair are mostly hidden.
I have a brand new stainless steel hand brush, any cleaning or other recomendations for welding aluminum? I have welded aluminum before but it has been a few years ago, I did fine running beads but when trying to weld 2 pieces of aluminum together it was difficult to get a puddle to bridge between both pieces. Both sides of the aluminum would melt but they had a skin between the 2 pieces, I'm hoping a good SS wire brushing will take care of this.
RogerN