That HF TIG again...

Go buy a pig ear. Now make a silk purse out of it.

Let us know how it works out.

Save your money by buying a good machine from the get go.

Steve

Carl,

How much are those sets?

When new, the Miller Maxstar 140s were about $699 without the TIG accessories (set up for stick only).

Mine's still going strong. And it's still my favorite. Speaking of real estate it's about the size of an 'arn worker's lunchbox.

Vernon

The Harbor Freight TIG he's talking about is often and currently on sale for $199.99 including the torch but not a regulator. It's about the same size as the Maxstar 140 but will only work on 220V. It's lift-arc and does not have the option of remote current control.

Definitely not the quality of the Miller but it's been discussed faborably here by a few that have bought them and it's a cheap way for the hobbiest to get started with TIG.

Best Regards, Keith Marshall snipped-for-privacy@progressivelogic.com

"I'm not grown up enough to be so old!"

I bought one about 4 months ago when it was on sale at the near by HF. I already had an AC buzzbox, and MIG. I have probably used the HF TIG for DC(-) stick welding as much as I have used it for TIG'ing. I use the same regulator and gas that I use on my MIG. I have a quick disconnect line so its easy and quick to switch from one to the other.

I haven't had any problems with mine. You don't have to have AC or HF to weld aluminum. AC is ½ DC(+) and ½ DC(-) and as the DC(+) side of AC current is what provides the cleaning action to aluminum anyway, the HF TIG will weld aluminum all day long. The only thing is that without a foot control and HF to aid in starting the arc, you just need to practice and develop you skill.

The best thing I like about the HF TIG is its small size. I can carry it anywhere I need to. It helps sometimes to make a quick repair.

BTW its an inverter welder, changing it to an AC welder while not impossible, would probably require money and the skills of a professional electrical engineer. But then again what do I know about electrical engineering, I ain't never stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Thank y'all for the informative feedback.

The only thing I'd seen about 'em was the guy talking about destroying his at the firing range.

It sounds like they'll do everything the Maxstar 140 will, at about 20% of the price. Therefore, if they're only "half as good" you're still money ahead.

Hey Carl. Did I see you in the Volksie aircooled group?

Vernon

Carl,

Based on the other responses I'd buy it in a new york minute.

However, I'd weld with it like there's no tomorrow 'til I thought I'd got my money's worth.

Based on other inverter products I've owned and reviews I've read inverters are very mercurial little critters.

Things are swimming right along. Then "blink". They're daid daid daid.

Apparently, once that happens, repair is often not cost effective.

Therefore, I'd buy the sucker, weld like the dickens widdit right until the warranty expires. With any luck you'll kill it on the 89th day of the 90 day warranty (if that's what it is). Hurry to HF, look indignant, and get another one.

I don't care who's machine I bought. If I spent a major amount of money it would worry me to buy an inverter machine. I don't weld often enough to get my money out of it before the warranty's up.

V

Ayup, and I did you as well. That old "that guy seems just a bit familiar" routine! My wife's the one who owns the bug. She swore up and down that when we got it that she'd take care of it, wash it, yada, yada, yada. What a fool I was. For those who don't know, they aren't quite as easy to work on as you've all been lead to believe. I just had to replace the alternator recently. Engine out again... I'm pondering one of those HF motorcycle lifts or hydraulic platforms modified to take the engine in and out faster.... The world gets smaller and smaller...