I am looking for a general purpose welder and found the invertec v155-s, has anyone had experience with this model. I need it for general purpose welding with the ability for TIG as well. I am also looking for something within my budget and since they offer finance options this would work well for that. what is the maximum that can be welded with this and how does it perform? any info would be appreciated.

Doesn't look like it comes with the TIG torch or a foot pedal, if it has the option of a foot pedal for the TIG....
I would suggest the lowest end full function welder, Miller Syncrowave 200 or equivilant, but I realize it's 3x more expensive also. But I honestly think it you made the investment, you wouldn't regret it.

BUT, that v155-s probably would lay down some nice TIG welds with the inverter type supply, if you can deal with no amptrol or HF start. But you would also have to buy a TIG torch with an on/off valve and a regulator just to get started, plus a cylinder and argon, but no welders come with the cylinder.

MC

actually they have a full package option with regulator and torch. i never used a foot pedal before when i used to do a lot of tig. i have a mig which does pretty well but cannot reverse polarity so if out in windy areas i can use stick, and also i do some intricate machining on occasion and tig would be great, also better for getting into tight areas. it looks like a good unit and on lease wouldnt cost much. i will ask on the lease if there is an option to upgrade down the road. the miller looks great but they dont offer lease or finance options. thanks though. probably the biggest i will be welding is 1/4 inch, maybe occasionally little larger but with proper surface prep i can do that. plus works on 120 or 240 as i dont have a generator would work well going to site as mostly what i do is small work such as brackets or supports with some small fabrication work and most people have one or the other available and i could get a 200 foot extension for it as well.

You shouldn't need more than 120 amps for welding mild and SS. Up to 300 amps is nice for aluminum, but seems how your limited to DC, guess that doesn't matter. Electode positive can be used for welding aluminum, but it's an up hill battle, not a good idea for trying to lay down more then 1 or two small welds, more frustrating than anything. By the time you get a tungsten large enough not to melt, you lose your arc control.
3/32 tungsten and 120 amps will weld any thickness material, it will just require multiple passes. A larger tungsten and more heat will just result in excessive heat input and excessive warpage. And obviously, a smaller tungsten and lower amperage would be better for thinner gauge applicatons.

But I do think you will love the arc control of the inverter type power supply, far superior to the transformer type. Only 2 drawbacks in expense and easier to steal due to compact size and 1/3 of the weight.
MC

I recently got a good deal on a Lincoln Invertec v250s. I have been mig welding but am interested in learning tig. I need a torch, 200amp air cooled should be good for what I am doing. Any suggestions on torches, tungsten and rods would be much appreciated. I will be practicing on 1/8 angle and 16gauge tubing. Thanks in advance.