TIG Welders for Headers: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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April 6, 2010 5:04 p.m. Stuc HalfDork

The cheap headers which came with my Corolla project completely cracked off in the "2" section of my "4-2-1" headers.

They were Pacesetters, although used, and they were wrapped tightly when I used them.

Anyway, everything I'm looking at to replace them, besides the OBX eBay special (which are known for being thin and having fitment issues) is $400+. Now, I learned how to weld on the FSAE team in college and wouldn't mind having access to a welder. I figured if I don't go with the OBX (which I might just have to do), the $400 would be better spent towards a welder.

I'm going to be looking around at deals on used, low-ish spec TIG welders, but how low can I go on specs? What should I look out for in a used welder? From what I learned, it's pretty hard to actually break a welder.

Stu
April 6, 2010 7:35 p.m. SkinnyG Reader

Miller Diversion 165 might do jes fine.... Lincoln has something similar I'm sure. There are other off-shore units for less.
April 6, 2010 7:41 p.m. Marty! HalfDork

I'm a big fan of HTP rigs.

http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig130.html

There has been plenty of discussion on here about them. The great thing is that they come with all of the extras that the others charge for (pedal, regulator, hose). I believe the cheapest tig ,machine is $699. Also have a 90 day no questions asked return policy if you don't like it.
April 6, 2010 11:31 p.m. 93gsxturbo Reader

I got a Lincoln Square Wave 175 for a really good price off Craigs.
April 7, 2010 7:19 a.m. Paul_VR6 Reader

If ALL you're going to do is think stainless/mild you can go really low on the spec. If you ever want to do alum you're locked into AC/DC and you'll want get something with a little more grunt.

I have a Thermal Arc 185TSW and I'm really happy with it.
April 8, 2010 12:45 p.m. jimbbski Reader

Second on the Lincoln 175. I've had mine for about 8 years now.