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Hypothetical Question - welders

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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One day in the as yet undetermined future, I would like to purchase a welder. As I watch them on the interweb, it seems that the technology is changing - Anyone have any experience with this combination machines? (Not worried here about the brand or the likely country of origin) Just that MIG and TIG in one machine seems helpful. thought?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/...90/1105133132?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
 
One thought : be sure to check into how much extra it will cost to add actual TIG (and MIG) capability. The unit you linked to appears to be just a power supply and MIG torch, looks like you have to add at least a gas bottle and regulator to get MIG capability. (Also no mention of sleeves and spool drive, etc, though perhaps they just didn't mention them.) For TIG, you'll also need a TIG torch and possibly a coolant pump/reservoir. My understanding is that the air-cooled torches get rather hot for any but very short term use.

For my own use, I went with a MIG-only unit. $300 less, brand new with a 3 year warranty, backed by a well-known name, and includes the gas regulator and separate torches for steel/aluminum.
https://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-175-amp-mig-welder-w-spool-gun.html
 
I have an old Lincoln 225 stick (arc) welder that hasn't seen much use, but I use a gas mig welder at work quite a lot. For someone with no or little experience welding, I would really recommend the gas mig setup. It's pretty forgiving, and easy to learn on, and can be used for almost any auto body steel welding with a little practice. Where I live there is a local welding supply shop... if I didn't know much (and I really dont), I'd go there and ask a ton of questions.
 
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