TIG Machine Recommendation for Hobbyist

starlifter71 · Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:07 am

I learned basic welding at the local tech school. I particularly liked the application of stick welding to my home and auto projects. I purchased a used Miller XMT 304 that also has scratch start and lift start DC TIG with a foot pedal. I have grown to prefer TIG welding and would like to trade the XMT for a machine that has more TIG features, including DC/AC. What would be a good machine for my home application? I have 220VAC available. I’m a hobbyist so I don’t really need a long duty cycle or high amperage. I was thinking Diversion but that may be overkill. Thanks

G-ManBart · Mon Jun 07, 2021 12:33 pm

I can't imagine buying a Diversion when so many better alternatives are available for less money. I have a pile of Miller machines, but I'm not impressed with the lower end they offer....certainly not when I look at the cost and features.

For $825 you can get a Primeweld 225X that will do more than a Diversion for a third of the cost. I think it's probably the best hobby TIG welder around when you balance the features to the cost. I have yet to see a bad word written about them and they come with pretty nice accessories like a CK torch. If I was just starting out on TIG again I'm pretty sure that's what I would buy.

cj737 · Mon Jun 07, 2021 12:37 pm

Ditto on the PrimeWeld for a hobbyist machine. Even a light duty, travel box for a Pro.

VA-Sawyer · Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:15 am

As a Neverlast owner, I suggest that you avoid the brand.

The Primeweld has a much better reputation for good customer support. For the money, I don't think you will find a better welder.
Good luck.

starlifter71 · Tue Jun 08, 2021 8:44 am

Thanks everyone. This is the advice I was looking for.

'Stang · Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:43 pm

You don't mention your budget, or the available space you have. I would personally look for a used Syncowave 250. There are a lot of them out there at reasonable prices. They do a good job at both tig and stick. And, being a transformer machine-they last forever.

G-ManBart · Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:55 am

'Stang wrote:You don't mention your budget, or the available space you have. I would personally look for a used Syncowave 250. There are a lot of them out there at reasonable prices. They do a good job at both tig and stick. And, being a transformer machine-they last forever.

Not so much any more. I buy every decent one I can get my hands on, and the prices have jumped in the past year. Machines I was picking up for $750-1500 are now bringing $2K at auction on a regular basis, sometimes more.