TIG aluminum welder under $1000?

[macdonjo]

Everlast seems to have a few options.

I'm a hobbyist. I weld occasionally in my garage on weekends when something needs fixing. Nothing over 1/4. Mainly 12-16 gauge.

Looking to try my hand at some aluminum.

I don't really want to spend over $1,000 because I really won't use it much.

What welder would you recommend?

[Blaster]

So first realize that Aluminum is Very Different. You say "nothing over 1/4" but while 1/4" in steel is not all that taxing for a welder, in Alum it iS...

Lower your expectations or raise the funding

1/4" takes 250A. Plus you're gonna need a Water Cooled Torch and, at least a water source (should be a cooler but for limited use, you can get away with running from your Tap).

For Tig welding Alum, you have to go from a simple DC Tig welder to an AC/DC welder, because Alum conducts Heat so well you have up the Amperage capabilities, to do much more than sheetmetal you have to add Water, and this all adds-up!

[christian]

The 185DV is price well right now, comes with the NOVA pedal, has free shipping now, and undoubtedly no sales tax for out-of-state buyers.

Demo videos of it shows that the arc on it is very pleasant on AC, too.