Let's talk TIG

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich) 08/03/2017 at 14:07 • Filed to: None

0

7

What’s the least expensive TIG welder that either comes with a foot pedal? Alternatively, what’s the least expensive TIG welder and pedal combination?

I’ve seen a few multi-process machines (like the Tweco Fabricator 141i), which are around $600+ USD, but either they don’t take a foot pedal, or it’s an absurdly expesnive add-on. The least expensive brand name welder I’ve seen was a Hobart EZ Tig 165i, and they are closer to $2,000 CAD. It seems like there isn’t much in the way of DC TIG welders that take foot pedals between those price points. I think the only one I’ve seen between that range is the Eastwood TIG welder. It looks to be around $700 USD, and has a foot pedal.

Has anyone here seen any other TIG welders (DC or AC/DC) that have a foot pedal and aren’t too expensive?

CaptDale - is secretly British > BaconSandwich is tasty. 08/03/2017 at 14:19

0

Alternatively

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CaptDale - is secretly British 08/03/2017 at 14:30

0

That is an interesting alternative.

CaptDale - is secretly British > BaconSandwich is tasty. 08/03/2017 at 14:35

0

And cheaper

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > BaconSandwich is tasty. 08/03/2017 at 15:00

0

...Someone say Tig??

PartyPooper2012 > BaconSandwich is tasty. 08/03/2017 at 15:06

0

The least expensive one is the one you gonna buy the first time. The next one you buy is gonna be the good one.

benjrblant > BaconSandwich is tasty. 08/03/2017 at 15:09

0

I hate to suggest HF, but they have one with a foot pedal for $400. I shudder to think how crude and crunchy it might be though.

sn4cktimes > CaptDale - is secretly British 08/03/2017 at 19:49

1

But S L L L L O O O O W E R R R R R.

I haven’t done gas welding in years, and never once professionally while on the job. Maybe a braze weld to join some some dissimilar bits together, but never any steel-to-steel. The heat input is way too high

TIG is great for alternative material types like aluminum or stainless or even brass. Shielding gas can be pricey, as is the cost of entry, but as far as precision fab goes it’s about the best. One of my old weld instructors had some Tungsten electrodes about the thickness of fishing line to do some very precise jewelry repair for a friend. He was reconnecting gold filiments together INSIDE a bird nest-like pendant. Was impressive. TIG is also great for anything decorative. Just leave the welds in plain sight. They’re beautiful if done well.

The two best TIG machines I’ve ever used were an old ESAB and also a newer Miller with square wave and an independent power source. But that one was about a $5-6k setup. But ran like a dream.

Besides the initial cost, keep in mind being able to get things repaired and replaced. Just make sure whatever you get is name-brand enough that you can get parts. Otherwise it’ll eventually become a really expensive paperweight. That’s been my biggest detractor from buying my one small-n-cheap rig for my own personal use.