TIG welder users...

blamkin86

blamkin86

Well-known member
OK, after a lot of research, I think the Miller Dynasty 200 dx is what I want. Don't see myself needing anything bigger.

Before I shell out the big bucks for one of these things, someone tell me I wouldn't be just fine with a syncrowave 200 or a precision tig 225... or the Thermal Arc ArcMaster or even the new PowerMaster stuff... something about 1/2 the price.

I've had a miller 140 110v welder for a number of years; I want to learn to TIG and do some aluminum as well. I doubt I'll ever do 1/4" aluminum.... but it would be nice to fix a radiator or whatever.

Thanks in advance.
 
Up until I tried a Lincoln Precision TIG I thought all the features were just fancy toys. I no longer believe that. To clarify, I did not try the Miller machines to compare, this deal presented itself and well, I bit. I think now a days, technology has to be equal between the Red and Blue companies.

I replaced my old TIG machine this year with a 375 unit.
I have welded .025 stainless and repaired transmission bosses by completely building up the section. Never a hiccup or belch.

My preference is to have dual current settings, initial start and high. This stops cratering thin sections and the rise timer helps control this function. On AC, it is nice to have the ability to adjust for deep penetration or shallow cleaning of the weld. I start off burning deep to locate any cracks that might have escaped the grinder and use the clean for finishing off the weld to look the part.

I am not familier with the Miller line up of machines, but I attended a Gene Winfield metal shaping clinic a few months ago and they had a Miller TIG machine used for demonstration. On AC it sounded like crap, sorry no offense, like the IRL cars a few years ago. See if you can do a demo with the units before you buy, if like me, I work late at night and there is no use in having a machine too noisy to run.

Good luck, John
 
I went through this process not too long ago. I know a number of professional welders that use the older Miller units that do a great job, but then again they have a lot of experience. They are not in a big hurry to trade up The newer inverter based units with digital displays and microcomputer controllers seem to be easier for the beginner to use and seem to work a little better on thinner materials especially for the novice. Inverter machines also require about 20% less amperage for the same penetration. I got lucky and took a little risk with an Italian FIMER 185 amp I found on CraigsList cheap. It's an in between unit that's an inverter but has knobs and no display. It works great and I've welded 18 gauge stainless tubing and 1/4" aluminum. I'm really curious about the Eastwood TIG 200 welder. The price is certainly right. http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-s-ac-d ... elder.html . Miller's website has lots of good information for the beginner including a TIG calculator to help you with machine settings.
 
If you can wait a month and know someone going to either the IMIS show in Indy or PRI in Orlando Lincoln usually gives out NICE discount coupons towards there welders there. Worth around $200 on a Precision TIG225 (unit I was considering) as I recall.
 
Thanks for the replies...

As SCCA members, we can get the Precision Tig 225 for like $2100 with free shipping - about the best of any online deal I can find.

Still trying to justify the Dynasty 200dx, which is a full inverter unit... and $1500 more.
 
I bought the Dynasty 350 and it is incredible to say the least. A big step up from the syncrowave in the ability to weld less than clean material and on thin sections. I actually ran a bead on a diet coke can. Full control of the wave design as well as the ability to use other than a square wave is very useful. It takes some time to sort out the bells, but I call it aluminum welding for dummys. The 200 would have been fine for 90% of my work, but got the 350 for a special job with thicker sections. Go to your local welding shop and demo one. If they do not have a demo most will take you to a customer shop to see one work.
 
Well, I can't choose between the Arcmaster TA200 and the Dynasty 200dx, which is a better welder but $1000 more.

So, I've signed up for two TIG classes (mild steel and aluminum) next weekend up in Greeley.

After the class, I'll buy *something.*

Thanks for the help everyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top