are you talking about the ac/dc smiley welder, i heard they are ----, but if your talking about the mitec 160, best tool purchase ever, ive done soo much ---- with it. and it hasnt failed me yet.

 

I duno what Im talking about, people say there is a new smiley that can do aluminum and has a lot mroe features but costs a bit more

Dont know anything

 

bump

 

Honestly after going to school for a while and getting certifications in MIG, Stick, TIG, and Advanced TIG (aluminum, stainless, titanium, and magnesium) if your 100% sure you want to pursue it, but a nice expensive machine you can keep with you forever. If your not sure dont do it. To be honest I dont think I could have taught myself half the stuff I learned in school, especially with aluminum and rare metals.

And foot pedal and high freq start is sorta a must if your just starting out (especailly if you get fustrated easily).

 

bump for the new smiley

 

I would stick with a Lincoln thats all I use. Heres some of my TIG A36 mild steel flange hoop to ANSI Schedule 40 10" OD

the second link is of it in 800x600
http://www.picturehosting.org/images...Eater/weld.jpg

 

need the entire weld picture, anyone can bust out a 1" long perfect weld

 

Not everyone can lay a perfect 1" long weld. I have seen alot of people fail their G6-R(pipe) and even a G3(vertical V groove plate upward progression) test. I have over 2 years of TIG exp. Close to 3000+ Hours. Sorry they are blurry I took them in shop with a cell phone camera. There is all around the pipe.

http://www.picturehosting.org/images...er/weld3_1.jpg
http://www.picturehosting.org/images...ater/weld4.jpg
http://www.picturehosting.org/images...ater/weld5.jpg

 

nice hand control, i wish i was that good