Anyone got one ? Like it ? Hate it ? Bacon?

I'm looking to weld some ~12ga I've searched here and google and havn't found much other than it lacks a foot peddle. My guess is people either are ashamed that wasted the money on it or afraid to tell their friends they actually like their HF tig.. .


If not what can you get in the <$500 range???

Junk, I had a friend (seriously a friend) who had one, the thing was complete shit. That is the best wayo to describe it, shit.

Cheap isn't good and good isn't cheap.

but this is close (http://www.weldingmart.com/Qstore/p000014.htm)

It is a lift arc welder NOT scratch start. If you use it as it was designed it works. I bought one just to play with. I replaced the original power cord with a 25 ft extension cord. I have not used it to TIG in a while as I have a Miller Syncrowave. You can TIG weld with out a remote. If you are burning holes turn the knob down, or move faster.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376488&page=1

Lift arc = touch and the tungsten will heat up and as you lift it goes to full power and starts the arc. LIFT UP NOT SCRATCH.

Every body is of the opinion that this is a crappy scratch start TIG. It is because it IS NOT A SCRATCH START. If you try to scratch it it will not work correctly. If you try to scratch the tungsten will stick to the work or become contaminated.