Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello! Im an automotive mechanic and do lots of modifications to cars. My own 4 cylinder has 612hp. Thing is. I always end up paying big money for aluminum welding or exhaust mods.

I chose tig for this cause of lots of people saying that tigs are best for aluminum pipes (intercooler pipping mods) & for exhaust mods it does well, this is not my opinion, just what I've been told.

Now i live in Puerto Rico (This matters cause availability of products) having said that. What kind of welder can i buy on the economic side? Y want to practice and see if this is for me. If it is I'll hop on to a bigger stronger welder.

Also i did read of combo welders that offer plasma cutting. Is this something that should be avoided? Just think it is good for me to practice more. Anyways. As of now thats enough. Let me know your opinions!

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum
Multi use machines can be very convenient, but also they may not be the best at any one process as a single use machine. But you also have to consider in this decision what your budget is, what processes you really need for the work you'll be doing, and also how much welding/fabrication you'll be doing now and in the future.

For your use I believe TIG would be best for the Al welding you described

First price out argon shielding gas, because that is what you'll need. Look up all the welding suppliers in your area, as prices can vary a lot. If the price of the tank and the refills doesn't scare you, then look for a TIG welder that you can have a warranty for in P.R. would be my suggestion.

From a price perspective, you might look for a used Synchrowave 250. It’s a workhorse of a machine, more than capable of the scope of work you describe, and probably readily available on the used market in PR. Repair and Service for it is also very strong still.

If you head to any of the marinas, boat repair shops, body repair shops etc, you might trip across someone who is looking to upgrade and will make you a heck of a deal on their old “package”. Just got to get out and kick the bushes a bit.