Diversion™ 165

When it comes to the Diversion 165 it is the ease use and setting up that is the most stand-out feature about this model. It is an easy welder to begin with and for continued using for a long period of time. It can come anywhere with you, being a very portable welder which can be used in a shop, a garage or even a race track. It weighs in at only 50lbs. It also has a reduced noise ability and is low on any extra costs – electric etc – having a high energy saving rate.

Like other models the Diversion has a cooling system that is at work when you’re doing your jobs – not overheating and breaking the flow of your work. It also cuts down on fan noise and reduces the power consumption. The contamination’s, in addition, are kept within the machine and things such as spillage are very limited. The full amperage range available is from 10-165 amps on both DC and AC output when purchasing the Diversion 165.

For its price it offers the basic tools for a welder but also has the new quirks that are needed when it comes to saving money and not being worried during work.

Specifications:

Input power – 230 V, 1-phase, 50/60 Hz
Rated Output – 150 Amps at 16VDC, 20% duty cycle
Welding Amperage Range – 10-165 Amps
New Weight – 50 lb (23kg)
Max Open Circuit Voltage – 80

Invertec V155-S TIG Welder

The Invertec V155-S has two stick modes – SOFT and CRISP when working. It provides a right arc characteristic for different types of electrodes which makes it a very versatile machine. When it comes to buying a welder it’s the versatile nature of a welder that is needed – especially when paying a lot of money. For under $2000 a Welder with a lot of different gadgets and advantages is crucial and a very good offer.

This model has a Fan-As-Needed quality which reduces noise and dust within the machine, in addition stopping any kind of spillage and pour when working. It also has an Auto-Adaptive Arc Force which minimizes electrodes sticking in the puddle without compromising arc stability or increased splatter, once again. When working you don’t need to think about the things going on around you, your mind will completely be on your own work.

The model also has an automatic hot start which boosts the current during starting to make a striking arc easier. It has a touch start TIG model which, in its own way, is like getting a TIG welder for free. Due to the money paid – under $2000 – it is a very good price for what is given. The extra things that come with this machine are the real benefits.

It also offers much more than any other welder of its size. The size of the machine is large but has many gadgets and functions that make it stand out. It weights 15lbs (6.8 kg) and is a no lightweight contender. It, therefore, is quite easy to take around with you to other places or, for professionals, to other jobs. It contains the equipment needed for demanding and challenging jobs for professionals.

With its features it also has a 120/230 V auto reconnect operation and can operate from a portable generator. It can also plug into a 200 ft (61m) 230 V extension cord so you can weld just about anywhere.

Specifications:

Power – 230
Rated Output – 130A/15.2V/30%
Input Current – 22.8A
Output Range – 5-155 ADC
Dimensions (HXWXD) – 11.3 in x 6.2 in x 15.4 in (288 mm x 158 mm x 392 mm)
Weight – 30.000 lbs (13.608 kg)

Chicago Electric Inverter Welding Machine: ARC, and TIG.

The Chicago Electric Inverter arc and TIG Welder is a 240 volt welding machine with Digital Readout, and it is by far the best inverter welder in terms of price.

It is made for both arc/MMA and TIG welding applications.

The welding machine is able to handle stainless steel, low alloy steel and Mild steel but is not suited for aluminum. MMA is equivalent to 18 gauge or 3/8” thickness.

The TIG has 22 gauge or 3/16” thickness. Welding with TIG results to far superior control and speed and is able to produce superior quality and stronger welds.

Specifications Of The Chicago Electric Inverter:

• Power requirements: 240 volts, TIG: 11 amperes, MMA: 37 amperes, single phase and 60 Hertz.
• Welding current: 10-165 amperes.
• Cycle: 30% at 165 amperes and reaches 100% at 140 amperes.
• Capacity of electrode: MMA: 3/32”-3/16” and TIG: 1/16”-1/18”

Included in the package are the following:

• 13 feet TIG welding cable with built-in Binzel® torch.
• 9.5 feet stick welding cable with multiple angle
• 9.5 feet ground cable with clamp

Features of The Chicago Electric Inverter Welder:

Extremely Portable: This product is ideal for welders who needed to move to do their jobs – down the manholes, up the ladders and even through some small openings. This is an important innovation under the MIG welding that you’ve always wanted. Its all-in-one packaging is a suitcase style which weighs 45 pounds and contains 8 inches spool of wire and the gas bottle. The total weight is 55 pounds including the gas bottle and wire spool.

Aluminum Welding: This is another great feature for the Passport Plus. It has the Spoolmate 100 Series spool gun, which allows you to set up the machine quickly and easily. The only thing you need to do is to plug in the spool gun, switch over to argon gas and choose aluminum as the mode of operation at the front of machine. With these things set up, you can now weld either 1/8 inches aluminum on 115 Volts or 1/4 inches aluminum on 230 Volts.

Fully Functional: The Passport Plus has the capacity to handle mild and stainless steel reaching up to 3/8 inches. The top quality arc characteristics allow the machine to start with spattering and popping. It also has high stability-low spatter carbon dioxide welding as well as it has excellent mixed gas. It also has the Arc Control that provides you a choice whether you need a crisp arc for mild steel or softer arc suitable for stainless steel or some mild steel functions.

The Fan-On-Demand™: The Fan-On-Demand technology by Miller operates when it is necessary to reduce the noise, power consumption and the release of air contaminants. This provides a highest level of degree in flexibility as it automatically connects to either 115 or 230 Volts Alternating Current. The flexibility extends since it has a single-phase power without having to remove the cover in relinking with the power source.

High endurance: The provided suitcase-style package gives it endurance and durability while protecting the machine components as well as the welding wire. You can store work cables, M-10 gun, clamps, MVP adapters and power cables in the side-storage pouch.

Wind Tunnel Technology™: This technology provides internal air flow hence protecting the electrical elements of the machine as well as the PC boards from dust, debris and all kinds of dirt hence significantly improving reliability of the machine.

Get It At The Lowest Price Of Only $399.99 (Compare That To $1300.00 or $1900.00 Inverters Sold By Leading Brands)!

The Millermatic Passport Plus 907401 New Model of Mig Welder is the best inverter welder without any price concerns (it’s very expensive).

The output can be changed by simply turning the power control dial while a big red and easy to red LED display gives the operator the amp level which is easy to read even with the face shield.

Directly below the welder’s power dial you will find a handy material guide which will explain what amperage levels to use depending on the material thickness you are welding. This takes the trial and error aspect out of welding and helps you get a good clean weld the first time.

Much like any TIG welder, the Miller Diversion 180 has a “duty cycle” users must follow. It has a 35% duty cycle at 125 amps which is based upon time intervals of 10 minutes.

This essentially means that at 35% the user may weld continuously for 3.5 minutes under full power every ten minutes. Do not simply turn the welder up to 125 amps and plan on welding straight all afternoon! After welding 3.5 minutes on full power, the welder required 7 minutes of cool down time.

Just in case users forget this however, Miller has incorporated an auto-shutoff feature to ensure you cannot toast the welder if you overuse it.

The diversion 180 also comes with a foot pedal which controls the welder’s power level, which can also be controlled by the wheel found on the torch handle.

These two options give the user complete control over how much power to apply to their weld and allows for a free hand when using the foot pedal resulting in faster results with superior control. Users will need to purchase an Argon gas tank to produce an environment which is oxygen free during welding to avoid contamination.

Given the quality of this product and the features it includes in its class we are happy to give the Miller Diversion 180 TIG Welder a massive thumbs up.

But, there is a competing welder near it’s class, the Lincoln Precision 225 (The Red company). It is also a fantastic tig welder, and some like it better. But keep in mind it’s a bit more powerful than the Diversion tig welder…

The Lincoln 225 does not have as many bells and whistles as the Diversion 180, which is a big plus for many fabricators.The Miller is a little more versatile.

However, there are some reports that the Lincoln can break down more often than the Miller. But, that is just hearsay unless you have personal experience. Lincoln and Miller both make great welders, and either one would be a good choice in this class.

The price for the Miller Diversion 180 is around $2000. The price for the Lincoln 225 is around $2200 – $2400.

It can be a hard to find a tig welder for your home or shop because there are so many to look at and review for your needs.

There are so many TIG welders on the market you never know which one will be right for the job! But in terms of your budget, the choices are a little more refined.

The reason why the lower budget area is so limited is because what is on offer is generally not worth purchasing because the build quality and quality of welds are below par.

The hard part of writing this article is doing the research on tig welders under $1000. There simply aren’t that many available. But after long hours of searching and sorting the wheat from the chaff, we found the winners.

If I may say so, we have gone beyond the call of duty when it comes to finding the best TIG welders under $1000 because we searched , read specs, read reviews, and contacted manufacturers (we are also doing an article on the best welders under $2000, and $3000).

If you are looking for a TIG welder under $1000 it must be noted that you are looking for a hobby or light industrial TIG welder, one that won’t be taken out into the field or used on thick materials.

If you are looking for a heavy duty TIG welder then you will need to look into the mid to higher range of TIG welders on the market.

After reviewing many on the market we have chosen three TIG welders under $1000 and we feel will give you the best value for your money.

Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder – Recommended retail price $899.99

This great budget TIG welder allows you to weld up to ¼ inch thick materials with precision to deliver a professional weld. The Eastwood TIG 200 can weld aluminum, steel and stainless steel along with all types of metals from flat sheets to bars and tubing.

You can use the Eastwood TIG 200 at either 110 volts or 220 volts; it also delivers a high frequency start so you can gain very precise arc control. The welder also has a square-wave inverter, this supports welding aluminum so you can deliver an accurate weld.

The full duty cycle of the Eastwood TIG 200 is 45% at 150 amps.

If you are looking for a flexible, lightweight TIG welder that is perfect for welding at thinner gauges then the Eastwood TIG 200 is a great welder to use.

Eastwood is an American company based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. However, the actual welder is made in China.

Thermal Arc 161S Stick/TIG Welder W1003603 – Retail price $899.00

The Thermal Arc 161S Stick/TIG Welder is a great hobby and light industrial TIG welder that can be used at 110 volts or 220 volts.

This welder has a maximum 160 amps output when run on 220 volts and a 110 amps output at the lower 110 to 115 volts.

The Thermal Arc 161S Stick/TIG Welder is a perfect companion for those looking for a small, robust and lightweight design as well as offering a professional weld through a quality and smoothly achieved starting arc.

Be aware that there are two packages for this welder, one that is stick welding only and the more important one which is a stick welding/TIG welding mix.

Thermal Arc is developed by the Thermadyne group in St. Louis, Missouri.

Everlast Power I-TIG 200 DC Stick TIG Welder – Price $778.00

The final welder in the best TIG welder under $1000 grouping is the Everlast Power I-Tig 200 DC Stick TIG Welder.

The Everlast Power I-Tig 200 DC Stick TIG Welder is a powerful little welder ideal for home and light industrial uses. You can weld anything from Aluminum to steel, stainless steel, copper alloys and even titanium. This welder can weld up to ¼ inch materials.

You can use this Everlast TIG welder at both 110 volts and 220 volts and it is an inverter Type dc welder. The full duty cycle of the Eastwood TIG 200 is 60% at 200 amps.

The quality of weld from the Everlast Power I-Tig 200 DC is very good and it offers a stable and smooth arc set up to get you going.

Everlast Welders are Canadian and are built in Canada.

Summary

The above three welders are a good value for money.

There is a huge market for TIG welders under $1000; these welders tend to be those built in places such as China. The problem with these welders is that the build quality tends to be poor and parts wear out very quickly, also the warranties are generally not very good either.

While the Chinese built market does serve a purpose and there are a few decent companies making welders, the three welders above are either built in North America (either the United States or Canada), or they are serviced here and built in China (Eastwood). This means that getting your machine serviced under the warranty will not be as difficult, and getting parts won’t be a big hassle, compared to a Chinese manufacturer.

If you don’t feel the three above welders suit your needs then take time to look at the budget market.

Keep in mind that there is a huge market of cheap tig welders under $1000. But the problem is that most are not quite up to the standards we would expect, so stick to quality welders that are serviced by American, Canadian, or the UK.

Make sure you look at the companies as well as the welders themselves to understand where they were built and the quality of the companies themselves.

The Lincoln Electric Precision TIG 225 is another quality welder put out by the old ‘Red’ company, and it lives up to its name (just like their Easy MIG line). When they say precision, they were right.

It’s set up to do both stick and tig welding. And the actual set up of the machine is so simple you’ll be up and welding in no time.

If you need a TIG welder and you want your welding to be top notch on anything from small hobby welding projects to larger motorsport projects then this welder is for you.

This tig welder will make a novice look like a long time pro who lays out beads like a stack of dimes with just a short time of practice. Of course, if you you’ve never welded before you should at least watch a few videos and read the Lincoln guide that comes with the machine.

There are no cons to the Lincoln Precision TIG 225 except for maybe the price. It’s a Lincoln, and it’s a quality product so you do get what you pay for.

There are some cheaper TIG welders that are worth a look, but if you want a TIG welder that will last forever, and keep working without a hitch, pay more and get this one.

General Overview of Lincoln Electric Precision TIG 225 welder:

The Precision 225 is designed to do both stick and TIG welding. So if you are in the area of fabrication, auto, or you are a hobby welder you will not a better TIG welder in the 230v range.

• This welder is pretty heavy, so it’s not easy to carry. Get a cart for it.
• It works great for aluminum.
• The air cooled torch has a good feel to it, which is an underrated feature in our opinion.
• Simple to use.

Features:

• Stick and TIG welding.
• 5 – 230 Amps provids for a full range of welding.
• Lincolns MicroStar® is patented technology that provides for a low amperage start which assists in welding and cratering for AC and DC welding.
• 100% duty cycle at 90 Amps 23.4V.
• There is an AC auto balance that provides for precise cleaning and penetration levels for aluminum welding and it is done automatically.
• It prevents overheating and saves energy using a ‘fan as needed’ feature (turns on and off as needed autmaticall).
• Place your torch in a small storage compartment

What’s You Get:

• Welder (1 each).
• 10 foot work cable with clamp (1 each).
• 9 foot input power cord (1 each).
• NEMA 650P plug (1 each).
• NEMA 650R receptacle (1 each).
• TIG procedure guide (1 each).
• TIG torch (1 each).
• Gas regulator (1 each).

Specifications:

• Volts: 230
• Amps: 5 – 230
• Duty Cycle: 90A / 23.4V / 100%
• Amperage Adjustments: Digital amperage meter
• Range Selection: 5 – 230
• Weldable Metals: Aluminum, steel, hardfacing
• Weld Thickness (inches): Up to a 5/32 electrode
• Electrode Size (inches): 3/32 to 5/32
• Electrode Cable Length (feet): 12 1/2
• Clamp Cable Length (feet): 10
• Regulator and Gas Hose Included: Yes
• Shielding Gas Required: When welding aluminum
• Power Cord (feet): 9
• Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 25.6 inches long, 14.5 inches wide, 20.7 inches high.
• Manufacturer Warranty: 36 months parts / 36 months labor
• Ship Weight: 212.0 lbs

Pricing: $2,200.

If the Precision 225 is in your budget, get it. It’s well worth the money. But if you need a welder that is much cheaper, or several hundred dollars less, please read our reviews. We also have a page on the best tig welders for the money that is worth a read.

• Low cost for a quality machine.

• Should get at least half your money back if you decdie to sell it later. There is good demand for this particular machine.

• AC/DC welding capability.

• Arc has a smooth start.

• Automatically switches from 110 volts to 220 volts without you having to make adjustments on the machine.

• 3 Year Warranty!

Cons Of The Eastwood Tig Welder:

• The guide that comes with this machine needs more details on setup and usage. It’s very basic.

• The ground lead is fairly short, so make do or get a longer one.

• Foot control is on the cheap side. Use it until it brakes and then get another one.

• Made in China.

Bottom Line:

You won’t find a machine of this caliber at this price anywhere. It’s not a professional grade machine, but the pro’s would be impressed with it. It’s best for small shops and part time hobbyists. But owners of the Eastwood tig welder range from first time welders to long time professionals.

The accessories are on the cheap side, but you can’t expect every piece to be high quality at the price. However, the actual machine is excellent. With a little practice you’ll be making nice welds on materials up to 1/4 inch.

Eastwood Tig Welder Review (The Long Version):

The Eastwood Tig Welder is a low cost machine for it’s class. Does it hold up as a quality tig machine? Is it worth your money, or should you get a higher priced Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart?

It’s at least half the price of the higher end welders on the market in (near) the same class.

The Eastwood Tig welder can run on a regular 110v outlet or a 220v outlet, and you don’t have to switch a thing because it automatically adjusts to input. So you can bring this thin anywhere!

The Eastwood Tig Welder 200 amp has a High Frequency Inverter which allows for more precise control over the output. In other words it provides a more consistent welding arc while using less electricity.

The foot control and amperage is infinity adjustable so regardless of what you are welding you have more control. However, the foot pedal is not a quality accessory. You may want to upgrade it or use it until it needs replacing. Overall, this tig welder will give you a nice arc start, stabilization, and bead cool-down, as advertised by Eastwood.

In addition, you have the option of a thumb control in the case where you will be out of position to use the foot pedal. Some welders think this thumb control is not very good, others think it’s just fine.

Eastwood Tig Welder Features:

• 10 – 200 amp AC/DC inverter.
• 1/4 inch thick welding capacity.
• Welds aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper: sheet, tube, or bar stock.
• High frequency start gives you precise arc control.
• Square wave inverter (for accurate aluminum welding).
• Torch accepts common cups and collets, up to 1/8″ electrodes.
• You’ll get a regulator, ground cable, clamp, foot pedal, torch and a 110 volt to 220 volt plug (adaptor).
• 3 year warranty (Eastwood has a good one and they are very responsive).
• 61 pounds (shipping weight)

What You Get:

• High-Frequency Voltage Sensing TIG Welder with Inverter Technology
• (Model 12746) with 220 Volt NEMA Power Cord
• Foot Pedal Amperage Controller
• Hand Trigger DC Amperage Control
• Torch and 10 foot Supply Line
• 10 foot Ground Lead and clamp
• Shielding Gas Regulator Assembly with Gauges
• Gas Supply Line
• Instruction Booklet

Conclusion:

The Eastwood tig welder 200 amp (AC/DC) is a low priced, high quality tig welder that is perfect for the novice or hobby welder, but it’s also a professional quality machine that long time welders will appreciate.

If you want to weld aluminum or steel, and you wish to have a precision when working with thin gauge metals, and up to one quarter inch, and you want a tig welder that is half the price of welders in it’s category, then you should get the Eastwood tig welder.

The Hobart 165i is one of the better tig welders on the market. Maybe the best for the price. Here’s why:

One reason it’s a good tig welder to consider is that it’s easy to get a handle of, even for a beginner tig welder. You don’t have to manage a bunch of controls, and all you need to adjust are the polarity and the current, and that’s it.

If you want a Miller but can’t afford the price tag, the Hobart EZ Tig 165i is basically the same machine. The only difference is that the Hobart tig welder has a foot control and the Miller has a thumb control. You can always set either one up for thumb or foot control later on.

Features:

• The Interface is Easy To Use: Turn it on, choose the metal you’ll be working with, select the thickness of your material, and your welding.

• Reduces debris: A fan runs only as needed so you will have less debris and/or dust sucked into your machine. It’s called ‘Fan On Demand’.

• Infinite Control: You’ll get infinite control of amperage which gives you more control.

• Inverter: The Hobart eZ Tig 165i has a welding arc that has consistency that is just as good as some of the more expensive welders on the market. Plus, you’ll use less energy.

• Portability: It weighs just 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which makes this a light weight machine that you can tote easily.

• HF Starts: ‘HF’ stands for High Frequency. This feature eliminates tungsten and material contamination with a non-contact High Frequency Start.

• Optimum Shielding Gas: An Auto-Postflow feature gives you a shielding gas flow that is at its optimum but without wasting it or time consuming adjustments.

• 5 Year Warranty: Hobart gives you a killer warranty which includes a five year warranty on transformers, stabilizers, and generators. Three year warranty on electronics (rectifiers and drive motors). One year warranty on torches/guns.

• This machine is certified by Canadian Standards Association and U.S. standards for Safety.

Bottom Line: if you want a low priced tig welder that is simple to use and is of the highest quality, the Hobart EZ Tig 165i is the way to go.

Specifications Of The Hobart EZ TIG 165i Tig Welder:

• 230 Volts

• 165 Amps

• Duty Cycle: 20% at 150 Amps

• Infinite Amp Adjustments

• 10 – 165 Range Selection

• Welds Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, steel/chrome moly

• Weld Thickness (inches) 22 gauge to 3/16.

• Electrode Size (inches): 3/32 collet & collet body with 2% ceriated tungsten

• 12.5 Foot Electrode Cable Length

• 12 Foot Clamp Cable Length

• Includes a Regulator and Gas Hose

• Shielding Gas IS Required

• 10 Foot Power Cord

• Dimensions: Length: 17 Inches. Width: 9 7/8 inches. Hight: 23 7/8 inches.

• 12 months parts  and 12 months labor Manufacturer Warranty

• 61.0 lbs Shipping Weight

List Price: $1749.
Actual Pricing: $1400.

• Prepare the power source – on the front panel of the welding machine, check each switch carefully (this includes the power switch, the SMAW/GTAW mode switch, the amperage control panel/remote switch, the output panel/remote switch, the ARC force/balance control switch, the preflow and postflow switch, the START mode switch, the weld current control or amperage current control, the remote amperage control receptacle, the AC/DC selector/polarity switch, the high frequency control, the primary overload circuit breaker switch, and the spark gap assembly switch).  Connect the torch to the front of the machine as well as the regulator and gas hose.

• Prepare the weld joint – this consists of the following steps:

• Prepare the base metal – the metal should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible using either manual mechanical methods or liquid or vapor cleaners.

• Arrange the parts to be welded – the two pieces to be welded should be arranged together and clamped.

• Preheating the base metal may sometimes be required depending on the thickness of the metal; this may be done with an oxyacetylene torch, heating coils and blankets.

If welding aluminum, the extra steps below must be taken:

• Remove the surface oxide from the aluminum using either mechanical or chemical methods.

• Clean both sides of the joint.

• The filler rod should be cleaned prior to use.

• Choose the correct type of tungsten and determine the proper diameter of the tungsten electrode; use the smallest possible diameter for the amperage using.  The tungsten must also be dressed prior to use, as if sharpening a pencil.  Attach the tungsten to the torch.

• Choose the right filler material, shielding gas (this should be 100% argon), and amperage (for aluminum, use AC current and a ceriated, orange identifying tungsten band or gold identifying tungsten band; for steel, use DC straight polarity and a red identifying band tungsten), and gas flow rate.

• Determine and set the high frequency mod and hold the torch about 1/16 inch from the metal at a 15 degree angle (always use a push technique with the torch); strike the arc (to do this using high frequency, the electrode should be held about 1/8 inch from the metal and the pedal depressed) and wait for it to stabilize and form a puddle on the two pieces; add the filler material to your puddle and when you see them combine/join discontinue.  Guide your puddle with the weld-joint, all the while maintaining a consistent arc length and travel speed appropriate for the desired bead shape

• For stainless steel, keep the heat as low as possible as a general rule.

• For titanium, shielding of the weld when temperatures reach 1200 F is required, and a trailing gas is also needed.

• If you see smoke or sparks forming from the weld puddle, you must stop and clean both the weld joint and tungsten.

• Do not have contact with the filler rod at any time during the welding procedure to avoid an electric shock.

• When get to the end of your welding pass and stopping the arc, let the shield gas afterflow (or post) flow cool the weld  puddle.