After a quarter of a century mucking about on this earth I finally got a tig welder. Miller Maxstar 280, DC only, used. I've wanted an inverter tig machine for years, but the cost of any machine over 200amps was prohibitive, and I get nauseous at just the thought of buying chinese tools, especially amidst this economic catastrophe. And yes, I know Miller outsources; I did my best.
However, once I finally sacked up and bought the welder, I made the terrible discovery of the cost of a quality water cooler system.
I need to do some welding on 1/4" and 3/8" material for my truck, I suspect I will be using all 280 amps for at most, 2-3" at a time.
My first choice is picking up this Weldcraft 250amp air cooled behemoth. Simple, but apparently big torches suck. So I would also buy a 150amp air cooled unit down the road for tight stuff.
I like to keep my work area tidy, and I HATE clutter, and so aside from price, the simplicity of only two lines on the torch appeals to me.
But then again the ability to shoot all 280 amps into tight spots with room to move is probably a big plus.
I am hoping someone here can counter my theorizing with real practical experience. Is a water cooled set up easily justified in the hobbyists garage, or is a bigger air cooled torch like the one in question below good enough?
However, once I finally sacked up and bought the welder, I made the terrible discovery of the cost of a quality water cooler system.
I need to do some welding on 1/4" and 3/8" material for my truck, I suspect I will be using all 280 amps for at most, 2-3" at a time.
My first choice is picking up this Weldcraft 250amp air cooled behemoth. Simple, but apparently big torches suck. So I would also buy a 150amp air cooled unit down the road for tight stuff.
I like to keep my work area tidy, and I HATE clutter, and so aside from price, the simplicity of only two lines on the torch appeals to me.
But then again the ability to shoot all 280 amps into tight spots with room to move is probably a big plus.
I am hoping someone here can counter my theorizing with real practical experience. Is a water cooled set up easily justified in the hobbyists garage, or is a bigger air cooled torch like the one in question below good enough?