I want to learn how to tig weld but 1st i need to buy a tig welder.
There seems to be alot of different types. Whats the difference?

I have been looking on ebay at welders under £200

have you considered some tuition first, not sure where your located but Martin Keenan of MK fame does teach welding and from previous posting he does a good job. A good tutor would also be able to advise on a machine fit for purpose,

200 quid will get you a DC tig welder which will not work on aluminium if you want to weld ally the you need a AC/DC one. You will, with a little practice weld mild and stainless ok with a DC machine. Can you get Argon? it's a nigtmare unless you know someone with a BOC account or want to pay the rental charge. You can get small bottles from Halfrauds but they will give you 10 mins welding for 10 quid.

I bought I "Giant" 200amp TIG off ebay, it's a chinese imported one. Worked well for a while but is now stuck permanently live. Makes starting welds very difficult as it strikes up as soon as you get within a few inches of your target. Had it about a year.

The Rehmann German machines seem to have a better press for similar money. Some sellers offer a guarantee with them too.

I bought a Rhemann DC TIG welder which packed up after a month or so.

I sent it back (to Germany = £££'s) for repair and it has been faultless ever since (over a year).

It'll cost nearly as much again for a regulator, screen argon etc so you may need to look at your budget again.

HTH

Neil

You pays for what you get, £200 buys an invertor which if it fails goes to the bin, but is efficient.

Coil wound ones cost 10x as much but in pratice rarely fail as they are commercial units.

If you can grow your budget get a second hand Millers or similar.

Gas does cost a lot though, my rental is £100 p.a, only had the bottle filled twice in 5 years so I need to think about a different policy myself.

Regards Mark

I was trying to keep under the £200 mark as i dont really need a TIG welder i just wanted to add another string to my bow

i will keep looking on ebay and car boot sales for a bargin AC/DC TIG

Thanks for the info guys !!!