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I am ready to buy my first welder and I need y'alls help I want to buy quality but then again how much quality do I need since I am just a DIYer. So here are the choices.I have narrowed down to two processes Mig and Tig (although these tig machines allow stick aswell)Choice 1: Millermatic 211 (MIG) ----------Cost of machine & all supplies: About $1800 (Ballpark prices)Choice 2: Miller Dynasty 200dx (TIG) ----Cost of machine & all supplies: About $5000Choice 3: AHP Alphatig 200x (TIG) -------Cost of machine & all supplies: About $1700I have watched everyone's reviews on YouTube but I am still SO TORN on this choice 1. I really want to TIG weld but I will end up having both MIG and TIG sooner or later2. I am a complete Miller fanboy3. I am just a DIYer so what level of quality do I really need although a Miller 200dx is nice to have4. My current budget is about $2000 so if you guys say go with the Dynasty I will have to wait5. My thought process on shopping "Dynasty 200dx its quality and only 3000 more!!" but then again number 36. People keep saying TIG is too hard to start out on but honestly I don't care about the difficulty, I will learn after enough mess ups.Lastly (sorry for this long rant)I know those two Millers are amazing machines but this AHP thingy....I have seen Mr.Tig, Kevin Caron, and ChuckE2009 review this machine and they all say it is a very very good machine for the price but the question is. Will it crap on me in like 5 years or will it last??Truly thank you very much for the help.
Reply:Buy the Dynasty if you have the funds. The bare machine can be had under $3k if you watch the right sales ads. AHP is nice and a good hobby machine or entry level machine to learn on. If you decide TIG is not for you then you can probably sell it and only be out $2-300 bucks. Our sell it and upgrade if you get hooked. It has no where near the advanced features of the Dynasty. Both machines come with 3 year warranty. No one can predict how long a specific machine will last you.Last edited by soutthpaw; 05-02-2015 at 02:44 PM.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:if youve never welded befor i go for a tweco fabricator 211 you get mig tig and stick out of one machine or get the miller 211. If you do get the tig find someone local to help you out for a few hrs to help learn the machine functions and generally how to tig. It can be a very frustrating exp for a beginer to learnHigh Octane Welding
Reply:Tig!!!
Reply:there is the lincoln 210 mp too! however they are all pretty much on backorder!!VictorPraxairAir LiquideMillerLincoln Electric
Reply:I think you're a bit too high on some of the prices. I got my Dynasty 280 for $5k.I thought the Miller 211 was going for about $1100 a while back. I didn't look too hard though. I don't need one.My name's not Jim....
Reply:When I checked couple years back when I was first looking into welders miller 211 was 1100$
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313When I checked couple years back when I was first looking into welders miller 211 was 1100$
Reply:Both the Miller units are top notch. I'd toss the Multimatic 200, Lincoln 210 and the tweeco machines in the mix as a possible mig/tig/ stick machine. Right now between the three the Lincoln would probably be my 1st choice for a multipurpose machine.One thing you might give some thought to if you are looking to just start out would be to take some of that money and take a class at a local tech school or community college. You will learn faster and better without developing bad habits if you have some one who knows what they are doing looking over your shoulder. When you sit down and add up what material, gas, wire/rods, electric and so on would cost you, not to mention the instruction, a class is stupid cheap. Around me it breaks down to about $11-12 an hour. It's easy for students to burn up that much in materials alone doing mig or stick, if you apply yourself. If tig is really the direction you want to go, then I highly recommend taking a class to learn. Tig allows you the most control over the weld, but because of that, there are so many different variables that you need to control all at once to succeed well. With someone who knows what to look for and help you learn, starting out with tig isn't impossible. You won't get as far with tig as you would with say mig in a class because of this, but you will make leaps and bounds over what you would trying to do it on your own with out help.You might also want to take a minute and add your location to your profile at the top right so we always know where you are. There are plenty of great used machines out there that can save you a lot of money. Many guys regularly browse CL looking for stuff, and if they know you are in the market, they can pass along deals they find that might be in your area. I know quite a few members here who have picked up really sweet deals that others directed them to..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I've been actively shopping for welders for about the last 2 months doing my research, defining what I want out of my tools, and what I plan on doing with them both near and long term. It's been educational but also frustrating.Spent a lot of time going back and forth between getting a single multiprocess (multimatic 200), or getting discrete machines. Round and round I've gone, even posted up a plea for help in the Miller forum, and an accompanying poll.In the end it sounds like for my needs a Multimatic 200 is a sensible and affordable way to go. Affordable vs Millermatic 211 and Synchrowave 210 that is. Which is great, one machine that can do it all... Sorta. But I'm still waffling around here, my primary interest is also Tig, the complexity, obsessive nature, and flexibility of Tig really appeal to me so why am I dicking around with a machine that is DC only Lift arc? Well for learning purposes DC Lift Arc is probably going to serve me just fine, at least there's no valve on the torch screwing me up. By all accounts the Mig with the Multi is just fine, and the stick is serviceable as well. However, I keep going back to a Millermatic 211 with a $400 rebate used to get some useful gear, then grab the damn Synchrowave 210 and simply be done with it. Two full featured, light duty machines, that truly cover just about every welding need that comes along. Not cheap, and portability goes right out the window, but solid machines that should last a long time and do anything I want to do. Then again all three basic processes and portability for roughly $1550 less... sigh... Round and round.I'm curious though, how you have the Dynasty and Millermatic machines as first welder choices, as they are pretty darn far apart in mission, pricepoint, etc... have you considered the Synchrowave 210? A lot less money than a dynasty while still being a full featured Tig machine.
Reply:Don't forget to throw the HTP Invertig221 into the mix. A complete water-cooled, dual-voltage setup will set you back only ~$3500. Hard to beat for the money. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:I would go for the Lincoln 210MP as a first welder, the multiprocess is the key. You can learn all three processes on the one machine. The price is right. Don't buy the torch from Lincoln, you can get it cheaper elsewhere, try Tig Depot. I like Miller, but Lincoln is also a top tier supplier.I am skeptical about the wirefeed/spoolgun for aluminum, especially for a beginner. I understand that the travel speed on thin metal needs to be very high. I would probably not buy the spoolgun, instead saving my cash for an old Syncrowave for TIG.If you are really focused on TIG, look for a Syncrowave 180 or 200 or even a 250. It might require some patience to find one within driving range. The Syncrowave will do any metal up to 3/16 inch, and stick weld any thickness steel or stainless. This would also make your inner Miller fanboy happy. ;-)A Lincoln 210MP and a Syncrowave would be a great combo, a MIG welder, a portable 110/220 welder, plus a good AC and DC TIG welder. Most people would probably never need any more welder than those two welders. My current setup is a Miller 211 for MIG, and a Syncrowave 200 for TIG/stick, stacked on top of one another. It is so nice to be able to grab the right tool for the job at hand. I have a more powerful welder in the shed, but I never use it.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Boostinjdm : The prices I put were for everything, machine helmet gloves, gas etcRevlis: The only reason there is such a huge gap between my two choices is because I won't be going to high up in metal thickness so a miller 211 mig is fine allowing me to do up to 3/8 and then on the tig side of things I did not want anything to bulky so it was either a Miller Diversion or Miller Dynasty and since I know will be doing this for a long time coming a Diversion would of pissed me off probably 1 or 2 years down the road. Then I saw this AHP and everyone is pissing themselves over it.BUTTT I have made a decision to go with the tried and true and proud to be blue Dynasty 200dx I'll have to wait a bit though since it is a hefty price tag but by then I'll probably convince myself into a 280dx Last edited by SUPERMAN; 05-02-2015 at 07:42 PM.
Reply:Buy a used Lincoln Tig 300 or Miller A/BP and a feeder for mig LN-25 /12VS.
Reply:Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I really can't appreciate the trade-offs of dual-voltage machines like the MM211 (and others). Although it seems like dual voltage (120VAC/230VAC) would be a big plus, the output and duty cycle @120V is pretty anemic (20% at 90A and 20 VDC), and therefore of limited practical value. Even at 230V input, 30% duty cycle at 150A and 23.5VDC is marginal. When you're just starting out, duty cycle will be less of a concern because you'll be slower, so you probably wouldn't find low duty cycle to be a problem. But as you get more efficient, waiting for the machine will be more and more frustrating. The MM212 (60% at 160A and 24.5VDC) is a bit more expensive, but seems like a better price/performance trade-off, IMHO. Lots of assumptions, I know. Just offering a counter-point.I don't think TIG is any harder to learn than MIG. MIG might actually be harder, in the sense that it's easier to lay down beads that look good but have poor penetration. It's easier to see the puddle with TIG, although it is harder to make pretty welds. I know that sounds like a vote for TIG, but I just find the assertion that MIG is easier to be understating how easy it is to produce deceptive welds with MIG, and how hard it is to do MIG well.I'm just a hobbyist, so take my comments with a grain of salt.
Reply:Originally Posted by PavinsteelmanBuy a used Lincoln Tig 300 or Miller A/BP and a feeder for mig LN-25 /12VS.
Reply:Originally Posted by INTPPerhaps I'm in the minority, but I really can't appreciate the trade-offs of dual-voltage machines like the MM211 (and others). Although it seems like dual voltage (120VAC/230VAC) would be a big plus, the output and duty cycle @120V is pretty anemic (20% at 90A and 20 VDC), and therefore of limited practical value. Even at 230V input, 30% duty cycle at 150A and 23.5VDC is marginal. When you're just starting out, duty cycle will be less of a concern because you'll be slower, so you probably wouldn't find low duty cycle to be a problem. But as you get more efficient, waiting for the machine will be more and more frustrating. The MM212 (60% at 160A and 24.5VDC) is a bit more expensive, but seems like a better price/performance trade-off, IMHO. Lots of assumptions, I know. Just offering a counter-point.I don't think TIG is any harder to learn than MIG. MIG might actually be harder, in the sense that it's easier to lay down beads that look good but have poor penetration. It's easier to see the puddle with TIG, although it is harder to make pretty welds. I know that sounds like a vote for TIG, but I just find the assertion that MIG is easier to be understating how easy it is to produce deceptive welds with MIG, and how hard it is to do MIG well.I'm just a hobbyist, so take my comments with a grain of salt.
Reply:It's really easy to hit 40% and higher duty cycle with MIG. Also some machines performance and weld quality drops when you approach the duty cycle.Tiger Sales: AHP Distributor www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P, Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma. For Sale: Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun. Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Be careful running an LN-25 on a Miller A/BP! The LN-25 has to be a certain model. I dont think any of the older Gray ones will work. The contactors burn out is just a few seconds. Dont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:More info on what type of work you plan on doing would help. I would buy a new machine that would fit your need for majority of the type of work you will doing most. Big buck Dynasty has lots of bells and whistles , this is a machine I would try to find someone near you that would give a test drive. Post your location, a member maybe nearby. You'll find one machine will not be enough. Check craigs list too .
Reply:Originally Posted by RevlisYeah, duty cycle is an interesting bullet point, everyone focuses on it, but it's largely meaningless. Sure, there are some folks out there who are welding for a living on large stuff, for them it might matter, and these machines are not for them. For the rest of us 90% or so, we will never be able to produce 2-3 minutes of quality welds out of 10. It's just not going to happen for the hobbyist/casual or even the advanced home shop user. Saying that 20% @ 90amps is of marginal use is just silly when you consider who these machines are aimed at.
Reply:i'd get the ahp from home depot wtih the extended 5 year warratny.only problem is the ahp has been back ordered for months.
Reply:Originally Posted by RevlisI've been actively shopping for welders for about the last 2 months doing my research, defining what I want out of my tools, and what I plan on doing with them both near and long term. It's been educational but also frustrating.Spent a lot of time going back and forth between getting a single multiprocess (multimatic 200), or getting discrete machines. Round and round I've gone, even posted up a plea for help in the Miller forum, and an accompanying poll.In the end it sounds like for my needs a Multimatic 200 is a sensible and affordable way to go. Affordable vs Millermatic 211 and Synchrowave 210 that is. Which is great, one machine that can do it all... Sorta. But I'm still waffling around here, my primary interest is also Tig, the complexity, obsessive nature, and flexibility of Tig really appeal to me so why am I dicking around with a machine that is DC only Lift arc? Well for learning purposes DC Lift Arc is probably going to serve me just fine, at least there's no valve on the torch screwing me up. By all accounts the Mig with the Multi is just fine, and the stick is serviceable as well. However, I keep going back to a Millermatic 211 with a $400 rebate used to get some useful gear, then grab the damn Synchrowave 210 and simply be done with it. Two full featured, light duty machines, that truly cover just about every welding need that comes along. Not cheap, and portability goes right out the window, but solid machines that should last a long time and do anything I want to do. Then again all three basic processes and portability for roughly $1550 less... sigh... Round and round.I'm curious though, how you have the Dynasty and Millermatic machines as first welder choices, as they are pretty darn far apart in mission, pricepoint, etc... have you considered the Synchrowave 210? A lot less money than a dynasty while still being a full featured Tig machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by RevlisYeah, duty cycle is an interesting bullet point, everyone focuses on it, but it's largely meaningless.
Reply:Is that because of the pacing of Tig on aluminum? Is it slower? I'm not going to be welding aluminum anytime soon I don't think, but I'm curious.id buy a Syncro over a dynasty, not sure on the price now a days bt when i bought ym dynasty i could have got a syncro for the same price if not cheaper.Got A Few Welders....
Reply:Originally Posted by RevlisIs that because of the pacing of Tig on aluminum? Is it slower? I'm not going to be welding aluminum anytime soon I don't think, but I'm curious.
Reply:Aluminum dissipates heat much better than steel thats one reason I can think of for Kelvin's response
Reply:Yup, aluminum is the grand leveler that can bring a machine with a low-duty cycle to it's knees quickly if one over-estimates it's true capabilities. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIt's really easy to hit 40% and higher duty cycle with MIG. Also some machines performance and weld quality drops when you approach the duty cycle.
Reply:Dynasty 280 is the most versatile welder I've owned. Fact is it's a little small this week. It stick welds with the best, is an incredible TIG. My experience with aluminum is you can never get enough heat. Oh I have a Miller 252, it's the perfect size. It's a matter of budget. You can get older used machines, Syncrowave 250, or Millermatic 200 pretty reasonable. Or if money's no object, get both a Dynasty, and a good mig.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:I would recommend the Syncrowave 210 for the DIY guys but the price tag is not DIY friendly I own the syncrowave 210 and millermatic 211, If I didn't have a 211 I would of went with the syncrowave 210 complete package for mig/tig/stick. I think the syncrowave 210 complete is a great package as you can weld with 3 different processes and if you don't like one you still have the others, syncrowave 210 is dual voltage, doesn't need a cart and the AC/DC expansion cards really make the machine shine. Expansion cards will cost you extra but having the AC frequency card alone is worth the extra cost which is also my gripe plus the spool gun only takes 4" rolls which can get really expensive if you do a lot of mig unless you buy a big spool and roll small ones from that Syncrowave 210 works awesome on 120v and it runs 6010 on 120v very beautifully Is the syncrowave 210 portable ? around the shop it is for me especially when it has a 330cf cylinder strapped to it, probably won't have success lugging it around on soft ground but one could always install some pneumatic tires and turn that SOB into 4X4 . The millermatic 211 is an awesome mig and dual voltage like the syncro 210, rebate with free spool gun makes it an awesome buy. The multimatic 200 is also another good buy and after rebate its $1,599 or get $500 rebate if you buy the tig kit & spoolgun and you are ready for steel/aluminum welding !The Dynasty 200DX is a little pricey but I would rather go for the 280DX since its not that much more. Just my opinions and not up for debate, can't say anything about the imports since to many people complain about them so I stick to miller. |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:37:03