Welding Tips and Tricks

I have a Fronius MagicWave 3000 that I am happy with.

However my Son in law (SiL) just graduated and would like to get a TIG welder as a graduation present. So we are considering getting him either a welder or some accessories (Helmet, gloves, torch, etc).

Fronius and Kemppi seem more popular outside the US, and the SiL is in SoCal.

His first project is a bunch of stainless for inside a truck/trailer.
He has 220v servicing the garage and a large compressor, so I think he has enough Amps...

Personally I do mostly thin material, and I like low amp stability. Occasionally some thicker material or copper, which needs more amps than thin tubing.

I am pretty confused as to what to get or what to recommend, and leaning more towards accessories - but some suggestions would be great.

First of all, welcome.

Now...more info would be good in order to help make a choice for your Son in Law. Does he have previous Tig experience? Is he a hobbyist or is he likely to want to try to make a living using this machine? What sort of welding work is he likely to try beyond this initial truck project, and finally, do you have a budget in mind?

Give us a bit of additional info and I'm sure the experts here will have some suggestions.



Kym

Well Kym - He has a squirt welder, but I think he either has no TIG, or minimal experience.
He is more inclined towards just getting stuck into it, than an academic/theory understanding of the topic.
I doubt he will ever be doing it professionally.

As to budget, he is inclined more towards Harbor freight.
(And I am not interested in getting him the same welder as I have.)

It seems like the high points for 'value' are:
Everlast (which is leaning towards)
Lincoln TIG200
CK MT200
Miller Syncrowave
(Kemppi and Fronius may fit here??)
Ideally a used Lincoln, Miller, etc if one can find one.

For budget... I spent a fair amount on grinder, jacket, helmet, pyrex cup and diffuser, tungstens.
So I am leaning towards just funding some of the accessories.

I also feel like some quality accessories might be a good choice - and a good incentive, too!

I have heard good things about Everlast but varying reports about the backup service offered by the brand, some good some bad. My own preference of course is always for a machine with solid after sales support.

As far as machines that are good value, hold their value well and simply don't stop, I hear good things about the old Miller Syncrowaves.



Kym

Welcome...