The Harbor Freight TIG is probably the scratch-start DC only unit that my friend has, there is no foot pedal and no AC so you can not weld aluminum...
Setting aside the super-cheap stuff for a moment, I have what I would consider an "entry level" TIG and it set me back $1800, but it has AC with wavebalance, adjustable weld paramaters, etc, etc. It will do up to 160 amps. The TIG is way cool, I can weld my own aluminum intercooler pipes, do fine repairs on exotic metals, etc. However there are a lot of times where I wish I had a MIG as well it is much faster and easier for the day to day stuff. If you dont ever anticipate doing odd projects in exotic metals *and* you dont want to spend a ton of time practicing (TIG is difficult to master) then just get a decent MIG. As far as MIG welders go I would recommend the Lincoln SP135+ or whatever replaced it in the current lineup, key features are 20amp 110v supply and fully adjustable heat range. (an easy way to spot a "cheap" MIG is turn the heat knob, if it clicks into only a couple of positions then it is not "infinately adjustable" and not as flexible in use) -Zach --- Jim Cathey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Yeah, I was just discovering that! I had been assuming that an > entry > > level TIG unit would be similar to a MIG. > > I keep seeing this Harbor Freight TIG unit that pops up for sale > at $200 every so often. I'm not sure, but I think it's just an > inverter accessory for a regular (stick?) welder. > > -- Jim > >
