Need some help on where to look for a new welder?

[buellman1]

I am in search of a new welding unit, i am looking towards getting a plasma cutter and tig welder all in one unit but i have spoken with a couple of companies and they were a little to expensive for me at the time so does anyone know where i can start to look again for a reliable but affordable welder

 

[J_Undisputed]

Most of the places I have checked are expensive too (Northern Tool, Eastwood Company, etc). It's just the going rate and the price of the equipment.
There are cheaper models on amazon (including all in ones), but they're from makers I've never heard of. Every once in a while you will run across one that is the same model as the more expensive ones(same cabinet, same specs, same dimensions)but goes under the original factory name (Think they are made in Italy).
Whenever I look for Cheaper Tools, I check harbor freight... but even then, they'r not very cheap. Again, its the rate and price of the equipment. From what I've seen.

 

[bajabomber87]

Airgas or Praxair are welding supply shops.

Can't say I've come across a plasma built into a tig but for a Lincoln tig, expect to pay 2000 minimum. Miller's will be probably 2500 and up for the cheap units. And by cheap I mean price, not quality. My 2000 dollar Lincoln performs fine.

 

[Jornum1]

I was in the same boat last summer. I was looking for a moderately priced tig. I was about to buy a Miller 200amp for over 2k. I am not a professional, in fact never tig welded before. I wanted something to learn on, and be as versatile as possible. After tons of research and talking to their reps for a long time I went with a Longevity 160amp tig/stick/plasma inverter unit. They call it the weld-all 160 PI.
http://www.longevity-inc.com/productdetail_230/Multi-Purpose-Units/WeldAll-160PI.php

I have been very happy with it, and had no issues. It has been a ton of fun to learn on and has served me well in many projects. The plasma cutter is invaluable, I find so many uses for it. The only regret I have is not spending a little more and getting a 200 or 250 amp. I have a old heavy arc welder, for big stuff, but it would have been nice to be able to tig thicker then 3/16".
I cant give a long term review, but its almost been a year and I have had zero issues.
I suggest giving them a ring and talk to them.

 

[bajabomber87]

Really...1400 dollars for some chinese junk when you can spend 2000 dollars and have a quality American (albeit with jap crap possibly) welder.

 

[buellman1]

Thank you for the help and I have decided to go with longevity which had a great deal on some quality products along with a 5 year warranty, I am posting a link of the unit that i have

http://www.longevity-inc.com/productdetail_268/TIG-Welders/TigWeld-200-DX.php