I'm going to be buying a welder this winter and I'm torn between getting a MIG or TIG. What I need is something that can handle 3/8-1/2" steel, be under $1500 and, also weld aluminum.

I have never used a MIG to weld aluminum and that is the only thing stopping me from getting a MIG. I want to try and make my own intake and will need to be able to work in tight places. So is that big *** gun a PITA??

The only TIG I've ever used was a 3 phase, will I notice a difference with a single phase TIG???

Any machine recommendations??? Right now I am leaning toward the Miller Econo-Tig.

Thanks

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1988 Formula L98
1988 IROC-Z supercharged
http://www.shsu.edu/~stdvjs11

 

I would go with the TIG, it is much more versatile. Look at the Lincoln square-ware series TIGS

 

don't believe any GTAW (tig) is 3 phase. i tihnk if 3 phase is ran in it only uses 1 leg of it. not an eletrician. GMAW (mig) would give you way more range of application and be easier to use, unless you have a fair amount of welding skills. tig is slow, generates the most heat, and is hard to use in restricted areas. ok i reread your post. for a intake i'd prefer tig also. you can get about any gun you want put on a feeder. mig does a great job of alumnium, but you'd need2 gas bottles for steel and aluminum. i like 75/25 for steel and argon for all other metals.

[This message has been edited by ede (edited September 18, 2000).]

 

double post

[This message has been edited by ede (edited September 18, 2000).]

 

GTAW for the intake(borrow or rent one or source out the welding or this project).

GMAW for everything else.

Miller is my favorite(most reliable) and Lincoln second.

TIG is superior for geometries allowing a lot of heat input, but only for the skilled welder.

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350 Vortec, forged flat-tops, CompCams XE268, Edlebrock RPM, Holley 3310, TH350 w/Holeshot 2400, 3.23 posi, Heddman shorties, HEI

 

Thanks guys,
I have decided to get a MIG. Main thing is price and speed. Forgot how monotonous it was running a long bead with tig until ede said something. I can get a really bad *** MIG for the price of a mediocre TIG. Plus when using TIG every time the electrode touches the weld pool it really pisses me off!!!

ede: I'm not sure on the 1 vs 3 phase I know that to run a 3 phase machine on 1 phase power some internals have to be changed out. I always ran strait argon for steel, maybe I'll play around with that.

Thanks!!

Now I just have too decide on what type of roll cage I want

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1988 Formula L98
1988 IROC-Z supercharged
http://www.shsu.edu/~stdvjs11

 

if you use tig argon is the only gas to use. for mig i like c25 (co2 argon) or 98-2 (argon oxygen) the 98 2 is real hot, i'd guess you'd need water cooled gun, but it sure makes a nice smooth bead.
on the 3 phase thing i'm thinking someone told me once all tigs only use single phase, even if you put 3 phase in. thats something i don't know for sure, but seems like i heard it once.

[This message has been edited by ede (edited September 19, 2000).]