Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

So there are a few out there. Several on ebay. How about the experienced TIG guys let us know how these are? I know quite a few of you have had some good experiences with the cheap Harbor Freight TIG.

http://cgi.ebay.com/30A-PLASMA-Cutte...QQcmdZViewItem
https://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/c1/56/4e_1_b.JPG

http://cgi.ebay.com/THERMAL-ARC-DRAG...QQcmdZViewItem
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...al_arc_006.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/DC-130-AMP-TIG-W...QQcmdZViewItem
https://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/ima...sale/tig01.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ARC-WELDER-130-A...QQcmdZViewItem
https://i24.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/aa/47/05_1_b.JPG

Which is really someone just reselling the Harbor Freight TIG:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91811
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...1899/91811.gif

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

Maybe only the first one. Majority of "Chinese TIGs" are Scratch Start. SHITTY!

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

I've personally used the second one, it isn't that bad.

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

i bought HOTREXs old "smiley tools" models, its high frquency button start and i love the ---- out of it, seriously, plus it has a plasma cutter

my hatch just got MAD jDm lie yO!

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

I have the smiley tools unit that we use just for plasma cutting. Never touched the tig function as i wouldnt dare disrespect the miller 180sd that the smiley sits on top of. ;)

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

the smiley tools welder welds just fine. only thing \that makes the miller 180sd any better than it is its a bit easier to control the heat with a pedal rather than trying to master hand speed heat control. that and the miller welds aluminum. other than that, they are no different, except the fact the smiley tools tig draws way less amps and uses way less power.

if i wasnt looking to weld aluminum, i woulda kept the smiley tools. oh btw.

nchatch, i found the ground strap. you want it??

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

im good josh, thanks tho

i just thrashed a set of old jumper cables!!!!!!!!!!!!!



2 days later my civic battery was dead...................OWNED

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

which one is the smiley tools welder are is it not in the list above

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

Search Ebay for "TIG, Plasma" Almost al the red machines that come up are all the same! Mitec, Smiley, Yada Yada

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

Thanks! Ya I knew you guys were all over the smiley stuff, I just never saw what one looks like so...
Stupid question. So that frist Smiley one has high-freq start on it? Sounds like what I need hah.

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

HF Start, Plasma, and Stick. I've use all 3 function and I've been very pleased!

I actually only see 1 of the Smiley Units for sale and it's the 160amp version. Good price too! Basically what I paid for 4month ago(120amp) is the price for the 160amp now!

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

i'd buy the thermal arc machine if it was a little higher up model

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

I own the thermal arc tig. It welds better then i thought it would i can lay a beed pretty good with it. My only con is that it isn't adjustable you have to guess if the amps are right.

Re: Rate the cheap TIG's thread
 

I'm just looking to do some manifolds, exhaust work, mild parts fabbing with one. Sick of the MIG-100 flux of awesomeness.
I really, really hate not having the extra money for a better & bigger welder, but I can't help it. I'm turning a GF into an F & this is pretty much the one shot at getting something with gas for the indefinate future...
Can I get by with the smaller 120amp smiley tig?
https://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/c1/56/4e_1_b.JPG