Hi all, i thought i`d ask this here instead of the uk forum as you guys seem to be far more technically minded, a tribute to you.
I`ve been welding for quite a few years now, and have a fairly respectable array of workshop equipment. I started off gas welding, then MMA and finally moved to MIG/MAG, but have always wanted to go TIG.
I currently have a Migatronic 180mxe (set for MAG), Oxford 250 MMA, and a 200 amp Mosa engine driven lump, but i`ve been offered a rather nice Lincoln V200 tig plant with all the toys for a bargin price. Currently the type of work i do ranges from gates and railings to sculptural stuff and everything in between, but i`d say about the thickest steel i weld is about 3/8. Thing is, i`ve recently found myself turning away a lot of work on stainless steel, i know i could use the MIG, but i`m more worried about welds cracking as i have a small reputation to withold. I could pick up a lot of work if i could move to stainless.
So my question really is, should i sell the MIG and MMA equipment and buy the TIG? Are the slower process times worth the ability so produce solid work on stainless? Am i going to regret getting rid of the MIG for those bigger jobs?
Ive got to say, the portabilty factor of the TIG might make it a winner in the end, after all the MIG must way about 150lbs, the Oxford is virtually unmovable, even on wheels, and the noise from the Mosa is a bit of a concern in most areas.
Cheers folks, I look forward to your opinions on the matter. Jay