Thermal Arc 300s questions

I forgot to mention that I'm trying to compare this against buying an older Miller Dialarc HF Big, old transformer based machine 500+ lbs with a TIG head for $700 Comments on the Miller Dialarc HF? Any other recommendations for something around $700-$800?

I would definitely prefer to get an inverter based machine for its size, weight and versatility. I would like to learn TIG and if I can get a nice, used unit for a great deal, I'd prefer to do that. Eventually, I will work with aluminum and stainless (tubing, plate, ...) as well as mild steels and maybe copper on occasion.

Thanks.

-Ralph

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

A 3 phase inverter needs 3-phase. If you don't have easy access to 3-phase or feel like building a HUGE rotary phase converter, stay away from this machine.

If you want to learn basic TIG and don't have much money, buy the $200 small DC inverter TIG from harbor freight.

Or just get a TIG package for use on any DC Stick welding power source.

Before you go hauling around some BIG machines, try something small.

Thanks for the reply.

I guess I forgot to put in the explicit question of whether or not the Thermal Arc 300s can actually be driven by single phase. I know that many inverter based machines can do either 1ph or 3ph.

I built a 5HP rotary phase converter a while ago, and I have a couple of 10HP 3 phase motors lying about..., but I'd prefer to go the inverter based machine route (less weight/size/...)

Has anybody actually used/tested the el-cheapo unit and have actual results to share?

Certainly the Harbor Freight $200 pricetag is tempting. I just want to avoid a $200 boat anchor.

Thanks.

-Ralph

Several people here have bought them and found them to basically work.