Posted for "kevin lane" <n3773@attbi.com>:

I realize how much welding I have yet to do between my intake and radiator systems and think it is the perfect excuse to buy some more tools!  do people have strong opinions about TIG welders?  I was quoted locally for $1495 Lincoln sq175, which welds AL up to 5/32", which I would think would handle most everything.  I've never tig welded, but know how to wire-feed and stick weld, sort of.  the tig looks pretty neat and I'm sure once I have it I'll find lots of uses for it.   kevin


[I bought a Miller Syncro-180... supposedly good for AL up to about 1/4", although all of what I've done has been much thinner and it handled it well. I can now mostly actually weld AL instead of melting it like I did with my Henrob oxy/acet setup <g>.  Swith to steel and DC and you'll look like a pro right out of the gate if you can lay down a passable bead with a torch.  I paid about $1800 for the entire setup, including helmet, large argon cylinder, spare cups, electrodes, collets, and a supply of AL rod.  Next to my milling machine it's probably the best investment I've made in the last year or so.    <Marv>   ]