TIG machine

Woodfin · 12-14-2023, 10:24 AM

Welders, I am in the market for a TIG machine. This will be for personal, hobby usage, not production usage.

For reference, I have a Hobart 230 MIG that is an excellent machine. Does Hobart have a good TIG machine?

Other suggestions?

Alan Roehrich · 12-16-2023, 02:18 PM

My preference is Lincoln, and by a wide margin. Their 175 is plenty for most people, it will handle a chrome moly chassis and cage with ease.

Be aware, Weldcraft has the best TIG torches, and you do want water cooled. You also want a gas lens for the torch, and a pretty decent selection of cups, collets, and tungsten.

I strongly suggest "Performance Welding" by Richard Finch.

Larry Merk · 12-17-2023, 12:04 AM

Larry,

I will also recommend the Lincoln 175. When I was looking for a TIG machine my brother said they had 4 of these machines in their shop and all the welders loved them. As luck would have it when I went looking for a machine I found a dealer with 10 of them coming off lease. I got a terrific deal: machine, new cables, new torch, cart, and a 1 year guarantee for 1/2 of new price. Shop around, you might get lucky.

I added a Furick cup which is probably about the same as the glass cup Alan recommended. These are a great tool. You can stick that tungsten way out there, get into tight corners, and have a wonderful view of the weld puddle. We have done several roll bars, a roll cage, and all kinds of brackets and other stuff. I am very happy with this machine. Good luck.

Alan Roehrich · 12-17-2023, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Merk

Larry,

I will also recommend the Lincoln 175. When I was looking for a TIG machine my brother said they had 4 of these machines in their shop and all the welders loved them. As luck would have it when I went looking for a machine I found a dealer with 10 of them coming off lease. I got a terrific deal: machine, new cables, new torch, cart, and a 1 year guarantee for 1/2 of new price. Shop around, you might get lucky.

I added a Furick cup which is probably about the same as the glass cup Alan recommended. These are a great tool. You can stick that tungsten way out there, get into tight corners, and have a wonderful view of the weld puddle. We have done several roll bars, a roll cage, and all kinds of brackets and other stuff. I am very happy with this machine. Good luck.

Furick does make the gas lens and the cup I was talking about. They sell a wide selection of good products.

I also strongly recommend a top drawer auto darkening helmet, with the biggest lens you can afford, and maximum adjustability. The good ones, like Lincoln, are even capable of accepting "cheaters" for us old guys who need glasses of some sort.

Woodfin · 12-17-2023, 03:40 PM

Surfing the web, it seems that Lincoln no longer makes the 175. I see a 180 and 200.

Alan Roehrich · 12-17-2023, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodfin

Surfing the web, it seems that Lincoln no longer makes the 175. I see a 180 and 200.

The Square Wave TIG 175 is commonly available used, and for under $1K.

StarRacing · 10-04-2024, 10:58 AM

If you?re already loving your Hobart MIG, their TIG options might be right up your alley! I?ve used the Hobart EZ-TIG 165i, and it was super straightforward for hobby projects. Plus, it handles aluminum well, which is a bonus if you're into that. If you want to explore other brands, I?ve also heard good things about the Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200. It?s user-friendly and versatile for different materials.

1legjerry · 10-07-2024, 02:33 PM

I have been very happy with my Everlast 200DV, Air cooled. I just wish I had got the water cooler option. I don't do a lot of welding but when I need to the air cooled slows you down.
I will be doing a DIY water cooler the next time I need to get a new torch.

12-14-2023, 10:24 AM	#1
Woodfin Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 468 Likes: 5 Liked 125 Times in 55 Posts	TIG machine Welders, I am in the market for a TIG machine. This will be for personal, hobby usage, not production usage. For reference, I have a Hobart 230 MIG that is an excellent machine. Does Hobart have a good TIG machine? Other suggestions?

12-16-2023, 02:18 PM	#2
Alan Roehrich VIP Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 4,969 Likes: 1,136 Liked 1,221 Times in 315 Posts	Re: TIG machine My preference is Lincoln, and by a wide margin. Their 175 is plenty for most people, it will handle a chrome moly chassis and cage with ease. Be aware, Weldcraft has the best TIG torches, and you do want water cooled. You also want a gas lens for the torch, and a pretty decent selection of cups, collets, and tungsten. I strongly suggest "Performance Welding" by Richard Finch. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

12-17-2023, 12:04 AM	#3
Larry Merk Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 207 Likes: 31 Liked 221 Times in 108 Posts	Re: TIG machine Larry, I will also recommend the Lincoln 175. When I was looking for a TIG machine my brother said they had 4 of these machines in their shop and all the welders loved them. As luck would have it when I went looking for a machine I found a dealer with 10 of them coming off lease. I got a terrific deal: machine, new cables, new torch, cart, and a 1 year guarantee for 1/2 of new price. Shop around, you might get lucky. I added a Furick cup which is probably about the same as the glass cup Alan recommended. These are a great tool. You can stick that tungsten way out there, get into tight corners, and have a wonderful view of the weld puddle. We have done several roll bars, a roll cage, and all kinds of brackets and other stuff. I am very happy with this machine. Good luck. __________________ Larry Merk Last edited by Larry Merk; 12-17-2023 at 12:25 AM.

12-17-2023, 03:40 PM	#5
Woodfin Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 468 Likes: 5 Liked 125 Times in 55 Posts	Re: TIG machine Surfing the web, it seems that Lincoln no longer makes the 175. I see a 180 and 200.

10-04-2024, 10:58 AM	#7
StarRacing Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 4 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: TIG machine If you?re already loving your Hobart MIG, their TIG options might be right up your alley! I?ve used the Hobart EZ-TIG 165i, and it was super straightforward for hobby projects. Plus, it handles aluminum well, which is a bonus if you're into that. If you want to explore other brands, I?ve also heard good things about the Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200. It?s user-friendly and versatile for different materials.

10-07-2024, 02:33 PM	#8
1legjerry Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 76 Likes: 4 Liked 67 Times in 12 Posts	Re: TIG machine I have been very happy with my Everlast 200DV, Air cooled. I just wish I had got the water cooler option. I don't do a lot of welding but when I need to the air cooled slows you down. I will be doing a DIY water cooler the next time I need to get a new torch.