Advice on TIG welders?

[jmeehan]

I was thinking about a MIG machine, but for the type of things that interest me I think I'd be better off with a stick/TIG machine.

I'm looking at a couple different Miller machines, the Econotig, or one of the Syncrowaves. How does the Syncrowave compare to the Dynasty? I'm under the impression a Syncrowave would cost less. I'm not sure how much duty cycle I'd need, or amperage. This will just be for home shop use, truck projects, not full time.

I've done the search, and read lots. Has anyone wished they'd bought more or less welder then they did?

I should add that I can weld alright, but I've never had to purchase the equipment, I usually just use what ever's around. Never really paid much attention to what I was using. Now I'm trying to do my research and still figuring out what I need to ask. thanks, Jeff

 

[guava]

I've spent some time looking at the Dynasty 200DX model. Its a great set up and real compact. Has a real high duty cycle depending on the amps your using. (I'm currently saving my kids allowance for this machine)



Its about as perfect a machine for home use as well as light to medium industrial. I think the big difference is the dynasty uses inverter technology. Allows for smaller size and excellent control down in low amperage range. People talk about being able to weld pop cans and this machine could do it... although not with me at the controls.

 

[fishjack1]

This is too funny - I just started a post about the Henrob 2000 - www.cut-like-plasma.com - I have a mig and an arc and tried this the other day and it works great - easy to use.

 

[Chipstien]

I bought a Syncrowave 180 SD and have been really happy with it. Does just about anything you could want. I must confess though, TIG welding is taking much longer to perfect then I thought. In fact, I suck so bad that I have been using the stick instead. Once my tax return comes I am going to get a Millermatic 251.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

TDR member 'formula' and I are also Miller Syncrowave 180SD owners and are VERY happy with our machines.



If you plan on doing thick aluminum work... the 180SD doesn't have enough amperage. It works great on the thinner stuff, though.



I bought my 180SD a year ago and never once regretted buying it... same goes for my Hypertherm plasma cutter.



Spend the cake once, do it right the first time.



Matt

 

[willyslover]

Jeff . . no matter what brand you choose... spend a bit more and buy one with as much amps as you can afford. . better to "over do it" than buy twice

Mig is more "forgiving" for the learning welder. . but you may need to go to an Adult Education classes for some pointers. . looks are not the issue . . as your wife might say "penetration" is where it's at LOL puddle control will come with pratice

 

[jmeehan]

Thanks for all the input. It's been about 17 years since I did any TIG welding, back in the Navy. I never did pick up the technique for aluminum, but I loved mild steel and stainless work.

Like everything else, I'm looking for the one machine that will do it all. I know it doesn't exist in a welder.

I used a friends MIG machine last night, and the local dealer has a Millermatic 210 in stock. I like the speed of MIG, but I like the finess and detail of TIG. I believe the MIG will do a better job on large work then the TIG, and less cleanup then stick.

I guess ultimately I'd need both machines, I know I'll use the MIG. I can always see how much detail I try to get into, and buy a TIG later.

Just thinking out loud here... thanks for listening.

 

[TnLRacing]

At the Chassis shop where I work part time, we build mostly cromoly chassis', we use the Miller Econo-Tig great all around machine, that has done everything we have asked of it in the 3 years we have owned it.

 

[CWebster]

Go to your local dealer and have them set you up a demo of both (or all) of their models and have them let you weld with them. Not only will you be able to choose better, but you will pick up invaluable information regarding the capabilities of the machines and "tricks" to making them (and you ) perform better. Good luck (and ALWAYS buy Miller)

 

[jmeehan]

I bought the Millermatic 210 today, they threw in a 10lb. spool of flux core wire too. Read the book, got it set up and ran some beads. Really cool... way better then the Italian built Napa unit I used yesterday.

Did some tuning on a practice piece, and of course as soon as I get to my work piece it needs retuned. I tried it twice and decided it's time for a couple beers while I watch the video.



I should add that this is the machine I coveted five years ago when I bought my house and garage. I've been trying to get by with a Lincoln AC 225 welder. I found it used and it wasn't cutting it.



CWebster, I would have loved to try out different machines, that,s a good idea. This was the only one they had in stock. The hazards of living in a small, remote town. I really wanted a better welder now, instead of waiting until I go south next fall.

 

[C. Harlan]

I have a millermatic 185 mig welder, and cannot say a single thing bad about it... Sure, your tips get clogged, but thats just PM for your welder. Hope you enjoy!



-Chris-

 

[Scot]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

If you plan on doing thick aluminum work... the 180SD doesn't have enough amperage. It works great on the thinner stuff, though.



Matt

Define thick or what its real world limits are.

 

[lil red cummins]

i have a Lincoln TIG-250. i have had it for over 20 years. it is the BEST welder i have ever had and the one i use the most. (currently own 4). it is not used in a production environment but it does get used at least once a week. also have a water cooled torch for the high power use on aluminum.



i very highly recommend this unit. lincoln is top notch.



jim

 

[Hohn]

I know there are a lot of guys on here who bleed Miller Blue, but I have to say that the internals of the lincolns seem to be more impressive. More attention to detail and higher quality parts.



I was looking for a modest 115V hobby welder, and in that range, the Lincoln SP135+ seems to blow away the Miller entry.



ON the bigger TIGs, Miller seems to have quite a following, so there must be something to it. But I wouldn't hesistate to look at the better Lincolns.



Then again, Ford has quite a loyal following, but that doesn't seem to be as well earned.



Justin

 

[CWebster]

Both are great manufactureres and both produce fantastic equipment. Where Miller stands out (IMO of course) is that there servicability, parts availability, and parts/repair pricing is better than Lincoln. I feel that the operation of and weld quality of the Millers are slightly better than Lincoln, but I own a facility where we put our welders and equipment through some tough conditions. Early on we had an equal amount of Lincoln and Miller welders. Once we analyzed cost, maintenance frequencies, production output, and weld quality we switched everything to Miller. In my situation pennies add up significantly, and the difference between the brands was exactly that. Not enough to give Miller an undisputed title, but enough that over time Miller was the best option. Either brand should serve anybody exceptionally well in a less production oriented environmen.



My . 02



Chris Webster

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Scot:



I had trouble welding 1/4" aluminum with the 180SD cranked all the way up to its 180A maximum... however, I'll be the first to admit that I can't weld aluminum worth beans.



TDR member 'formula' posted some pictures of aluminum work he did with his 180SD... I'm not sure what thicknesses he was working with.



Matt

 

[Un-Hemi]

Well, I just went 'way over the edge and bought a used (slightly) Lincoln 175 Tig/stick. I'm gonna catch heck when the wife finds out! Now, just have to learn how to use the dern thing. Another project!



Tom