Tom here, from Green Bay Wisconsin. I am a hobbyist mainly, but have done a whole bunch of oxy-acetylene welding to aircraft components over the years. I haven't done much TIG or MIG welding however. I have signed up for an "advanced welding" course at a local technical college starting in January, and hope to get a bunch of experience in the different processes.

I am putting together a little hobby shop in the third stall of my garage, and would like to buy a small TIG unit to go with the gas torch set I'll have there. I am also considering one of the multi-process units like the PowerPro 205, so that I would also have a plasma cutter. However I'm aware that there are those who say it's maybe better to have separate units, so if one goes down...you don't lose everything. So I am still exploring different options. I plan to weld the standard stuff (mile steel, 4130, stainless and aluminum), but I actually may do a bit of work with the nickel alloys as well--stuff like some titanium and even inconel. I am a high-powered rocket hobbyist, and might like to try fabrication of some plans-built rocket nozzles. While that's down the road a bit, I would certainly like to buy something that would allow me to do stuff like that.

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself now that my account is enabled. I welcome any advice or opinions as to the different options I should consider for a unit for a hobby shop, and would be especially interested to hear from anyone using an Everlast unit within a couple of hours of Green Bay--I'd love to take a look at one first-hand.

Thanks a lot to all who post here, and happy to meet you!

TB