MitsuStyle - WTB: Welder

MitsuStyle (http://www.mitsustyle.com/forums/index.php)

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- - WTB: Welder (http://www.mitsustyle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33380)

I think i'm pretty set on the handler 140. However i'm just going to throw this out there. http://www.longevity-inc.com/product.../tigweld-160sx I've seen it do some pretty mean beads on aluminum and steel.
Heard these were similar http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...00-348-pd.html and the everlast 200 has great reviews

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...o-3910-pd.html This has even better reviews. And is AC/DC

I have no personal experience with Longevity, I do know there is a guy on dsmtuners and dsmtalk (Gamble, Gamble97, or something) that loves their welders and highly recommends them. I have had a chance to try an Everlast (200DX I believe) and I did like it. Solid arc, plenty of pulse and misc other features that go far beyond my experience in TIG. It all come down to how long you can be without a welder when it goes down.
I have no doubts that some of these cheaper Chinese machines can put out good results. But how long will they last? What will break? And when something breaks can you get parts and get back to welding in a sort period of time? I've read of 6 week to 6 month waits on parts on these machines. I really researched them to death. Some have no problems for years, others aren't as lucky. I had pretty much decided on a Everlast Powertig 250EX and last minutes decided against it. I would rather spend the same money on a US made welder that pretty much any part I can get within a week or so.
Also, I don't know what you're skill level is when it come to welding but the learning curve for TIG is far steeper than MIG. Just something to keep in mind

TIG will have much more of a learning curve than MIG. They also have very different uses. Get the handler 140, then if you decide you need to do aluminum, then get an ac/dc TIG. Those TIGs will need some options if you are going to be doing much aluminum, the aircooled torches get really hot. The few times you would probably do aluminum just have somebody else do it. Most welding will probably be steel.

Found a Handler 140, Just need to find a tank then I think I might go pick it up this weekend. Where do you guys get your tanks filled?

I get mine filled at toll

Ok. Should I be getting argon?

I got me a Hobart Handler 140 for an awesome deal! Going to pick up a tank tomorrow. What gas should I start with. I also want to get some replacement tips and what not.

If you are doing stainless you want a trimix like Stargon. Just tell them what you are welding and they will hook you up.

Here she is. And my first beads with her.
3/32 steel with .030" flux core wire.
voltage set at 1 and wire speed at 30

Flux core always looks like crap, it is worthless.

That's flux core for ya, gunna have all that spatter flung around all over. Get some gas for that bad boy!