TIG Welders

[Spaced]

Hey Guys, I want to get a new welder to suppliment my old MIG.
I was looking at getting a plasma torch, and a new MIG, but I was told that with a TIG, you can actually cut light material with it. I have been told this by a couple of people, but as yet havent had it confirmed, nor how thick I can cut with it.
I would also like a TIG because its something that Ive always wanted to learn, but havent had an adequate excuse to buy one untill now.
I have a rangie which is to be a project truck, and I would also like to make a few things for my disco.
A plasma torch isnt cheap so if I can get one tool to weld and cut it would be a big bonus.
Any help appreciated.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

you can cut material with any old stick welder just by cranking it up and blasting the material away with amperage.

but it is not the best way to cut material.

using a tig to cut will cost you an arm and leg for all the tungstun electrodes you will go through.

Tigs advantage is very accurate heat control and flow characteristics, not cutting.

get a tig but reley on a sawsall or band saw to cut your material, the end results will be much better and cheaper.

or if your loaded...by the plazma cutter and the tig

Thom

 

[marc olivares]

do yourself a favor and sign up for a TIG class at your local tech school or community college first. understand what you are getting into before you spend the money.

and no, don't waste your time or money using a TIG as a cutting device. like Thom states, you'll spend a ton in tungstuns, but if you knew that you wouldn't have asked the question. a welding class will cover most of this stuff, as well as helping you decide what you would want in a home/hobbyist machine...

once you learn and master a TIG, you'll never want to use anything else.
the old guys i work with call it the "white mans weldin...civilized and clean"

 

[Spaced]

Thanx Guys.
Im planning on trying to get into a TIG class early next year.
Im going to try and get a TIG and a plasma cutter, but I have to speak with more people first. I could just get a gas axe and be done with it, but Id rather not keep gas at home.
Im really looking forward to getting the TIG, its something Ive always wanted to do, but have never had the chance to learn.
Ive been told that there are plasma torches that can weld and cut, so Im trying to get some more info on those before I purchase.