A good DC inverter Tig?

[kenc]

The more I think about it, the less likely I think aluminum welding capability is for me. Anyone have a good suggestion for a DC inverter Tig with HF start at a good price point?
The Millers of course are nice, but a DC Miler inverter is still very pricey - as much as a DC/AC Thermal arc in some cases. I would hope to be at $1000 or less.
Most typical use would be autobody sheetmetal.
TIA

[dseman]

Ken,
You did't mention max. amperage needed, but for sheetmetal use the new maxstar 150 stl should fit the bill nicely. It operates on 110 or 220vac. It is priced at about $745 at www.brwelder.com and then you can add your own torch and regulator. You can run tig up to 150amps on 115vac even. Built in gas solenoid, lift-arc (not HF). They are coming out with another model with HF starting and pulse capability (maxstar 150 sth), but it hasn't been released yet. If you buy your own cables and such you can usually save money over buying the kit, if price is very important. Check out:

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/comparisons/maxstar_150_stl.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC27-1.pdf

Others can now tell you about how great the yellow, red, and burgundy boxes are, but none of them will be as efficient on power as this bad boy. You can tig all day at 100amps or less and only draw 18amps on a 115vac line. Really a nice, efficient, inverter.

Bill has the maxstar 150s for stick, and I think Dan is still considering the 150 sth that will be forthcoming.

-dseman

[Paychk]

Here is a quicky chart of specs for TIG machines.

http://www.thefabricator.com/croydon/buyersguides/2003GTAWPwrSrceBG.pdf

[dseman]

I didn't want to say anything before about the fabricator equipment tables, but since it keeps popping up I feel compelled to say it is inaccurate. Just looking at the dynasty 300 dx indicated inaccurate DC duty-cycle ratings, and this model does have 4T triggering which the table indicates it does not. So examine the table carefully.

-dseman

[Scott V]

Maybe ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2576402821&category=45031

[Scott V]

Also,I picked this awsome unit up for $650.00 It was the machine only but has very nice arc.It is a full featured unit with pulse,memory,and really nice stick welding features.

[Dan]

Originally posted by dseman
Ken,
You did't mention max. amperage needed, but for sheetmetal use the new maxstar 150 stl should fit the bill nicely. It operates on 110 or 220vac. It is priced at about $745 at www.brwelder.com and then you can add your own torch and regulator. You can run tig up to 150amps on 115vac even. Built in gas solenoid, lift-arc (not HF). They are coming out with another model with HF starting and pulse capability (maxstar 150 sth), but it hasn't been released yet. If you buy your own cables and such you can usually save money over buying the kit, if price is very important. Check out:

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/comparisons/maxstar_150_stl.html

http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC27-1.pdf

Others can now tell you about how great the yellow, red, and burgundy boxes are, but none of them will be as efficient on power as this bad boy. You can tig all day at 100amps or less and only draw 18amps on a 115vac line. Really a nice, efficient, inverter.

Bill has the maxstar 150s for stick, and I think Dan is still considering the 150 sth that will be forthcoming.

-dseman

The Maxstar 150 STH looks like it will be a sweet machine, once Miller finally realeases it. The pulse feature should make it a good light gauge sheet metal machine. A cool thing about this machine is the fact that I can plug it into a 120 volt, 20 amp supply and pretty much weld up to about 1/8" steel or stainless steel all day long.

[Scott V]

I will say one thing about the purple machines is they have a real proven track record.Since they have been out way longer than something that was just released/So staying something that can weld all day seem a little premature!I would rather have something that has been welding for years not days.