TIG machine questions

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I am looking to replace the Miller Syncrowave 180 that I have used for the past couple years and have a couple questions. I don't have the money to buy a new one, so I have been looking for a used unit. I have found a couple local welders on craigslist, but I'm not familiar with them. There is a Miller Maxstar 151, and a Airco 150. Both are similiarly priced (around $600), but I just don't know enough about either one. I weld steel, from sheet metal up to 1/4", stainless, again up to 1/4", aluminium, and chromemoly. Can anyone give me some input or suggestions? ThanksMike
Reply:Originally Posted by independentcustomsI am looking to replace the Miller Syncrowave 180 that I have used for the past couple years and have a couple questions. I don't have the money to buy a new one, so I have been looking for a used unit. I have found a couple local welders on craigslist, but I'm not familiar with them. There is a Miller Maxstar 151, and a Airco 150. Both are similiarly priced (around $600), but I just don't know enough about either one. I weld steel, from sheet metal up to 1/4", stainless, again up to 1/4", aluminium, and chromemoly. Can anyone give me some input or suggestions? ThanksMike
Reply:Jimmy, thanks for the reply. I should probably back pedal on what I said, as I have probably never in my life welded 1/4" aluminium. In fact, I have not done much aluminium at all, I just started welding that recently. Unfortunately I do not have the a ton of money right now, and I do need to do some welding, of the two that I mentioned, which do you feel would be better? Thanks
Reply:the maxstar range is DC only.Don't know much about the airco but think it'd be a backward step from the syncro. I would keep looking for a 200A (or more) AC/DC machine
Reply:I guess I don't want to buy something just to get buy for now, and I really like the syncrowave I had. Maybe I will take the advice and wait.
Reply:The Miller Marstar is a DC only machine and you won't be able to do Alum. with it. Their dynasty machines are the AC/DC equivilant of the maxstars. The Maxstar 151 should be about the same rating as your Syncro 180 so you wouldn't gain much other than portability with it and loose tha alum capasity your syncro has.
Reply:Reddarc has two used synchros available right now. One is a 250 and the other is a 350 if you are interested in going that route. Quite a few other machines as well. I've bought two used machines (one an inverter and the other an engine drive) from them and am very happy with them. In fact I have one of their used plasma cutters on the way right now. For 10% of the purchase price you can get a one year extended warranty.Their list is at www.reddarc.comThe difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:You can do everything you need with a Miller syncrowave 250.You need the water cooled torch. AC/DC TIG machine.The Miller 151 will NOT work. It is a portable stick and scratch start DC only welder. Air cooled torch.You can get a used Miller synrowave 250 for about $1500 used. That IS THE AWNSWER.A Lincoln 250 syncrowave will work too but there are not as many for sale.
Reply:I am looking for used tig welder as well. Do you have a list of website  that offer used equipment?thanks,Rob
Reply:Used will be the way to go on a budget. I would search locally, as chances are something from a website is not going to be local, and shipping will kill and savings you got by buying used. Local Craigslist would be a good start.