Welder Buying Basics

Thinking about buying a welder for your home workshop or already have one that is causing more trouble than usable parts?

A welder is one of the biggest investments many of us make when it comes to workshop tools, and Trae Humphreys of Miller welders is here to help us make sure we don't waste money by buying something that doesn't suit our needs, making us 'buy twice'.

A lot of quick points are covered along with the fact, if your budget allowed for it, a Miller Multimatic machine that does both MIG and TIG welding doesn't compromise on either option while saving you both money and workshop space having this 2:1 machine on hand.

If you only take one thing away from this interview, make it this: Quality is more important than features. Get the best welder you can afford that has a proven reputation.

Quick tip notes for budding TIG welders:
Don't let price be the only consideration, and remember to check the local secondhand market for a used, but not 'used up', machine.
A 200-210A machine will get you to at least 1/4"/6mm steel (Which is thick for motorsport applications).
'Pulse' feature helps when welding thinner material.
'Balance' and 'Frequency' features also help with thinner material.

Good additions to a good welder (you can often get a deal if you bundle all this when purchasing a welder, even if you put it on a payment plan):
- Gas lenses
- Quality Helmet (often a massive oversight! Or is it an 'under sight' if you can't see what you're doing?)
- Foot pedal - Gives finer control
- Good torch
- Use good tungsten and filler material
- GOOD FIT UP! Your welds can only ever be as good as the work you do before you are ready to weld. If you have massive gaps and dirty metal, expect your welding to be difficult and poor.
------------------------------------
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Entry-Level TIG Welder
0:10 - Amps - DC
1:08 - Pulsing - DC
1:26 - AC & Aluminium
1:32 - Frequency Adjustment
1:51 - Balance Adjustment
2:07 - Settings You Grow Into
2:31 - Budget $2,000USD+
3:05 - Quality & Reliability
3:50 - Basic Accessories
4:51 - Shop Locally
5:14 - TIG/MIG Multimatic Compromise?
6:04 - Thanks Trae!
6:22 - The More You Know, The Faster You Go!