Lincoln Invertec V205

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If you could buy a brand new Lincoln Invertec v205 for $1700 brand new for just the power source would you do it?I been mulling this decision over for some time.   I need a welder.  And inverter would be nice since I am low on space.  But I wanted to be able to do some materials up around 1/4" at a maximum.  Probably very rarely but I want the option of being able to do it.I would really like the miller dynasty since the lincoln is limited to 170amps on the top ends if the ac frequency is over 85hz. And for the little bit more adjustability offered, mind you I am newb, but I like to buy something once and be done with it.The other option was the everlast unit at $1600 and you get 250amps but I just can't bring myself to pull that trigger on that due to the fact that down time can be several months before getting a replacement unit etc.Is the Invertec V205 a very good machine?  Will I feel limited with this machine? almost 100% of my work will be motorcycle stuff, be it exhaust, brackets, mounts, a lot of steel tubing probably in the 1" range.
Reply:i dont know bout u , but it sure would be nice to try  the dynasty  and the lincoln    to see which u like best or are more comfortable with ....     expecialy    since ur putting that much coin down  ....    personally id do the  miller  no questions asked , the reliability  alone  pays for it self  in my book.
Reply:A small TIG (less than 200 Amps) is plenty for everything up to and including light trucks (ie neighbor's pickup).You will not find much, if any , 1/4" steel in those - maybe on some trailer hitches.If you are going to do work on trailers, you have to understand they are typically over built and require lots of long welds.  The bigger machines have the capacity and the duty cycle to handle that job.  If you are going to build a trailer, get a big MIG instead (250 or larger)As for Miller vs. Lincoln.  Its a preference thing.  Each has their own pluses and minuses.  Saving $1000 over the price of a new Miller is an awful big '+'.  BTW, the big thing with these high end inverters (dynasty and invertec) is aluminum welding.  They are pretty much overkill for steel only.   Maxstar 200s (DC only, not designed for aluminum) are about $1000 used give or take.  I picked up a perfectly good one for $600. A little beat up, About $150 worth of elbow grease and replacing some plastic parts and it was all good (looks almost new).   Hmmm, OK, a lot beat up.  New cover, straightened the bottom, put new feet on it, lots of paint on bottom, new brass fittings for gas, some new stickers.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9You will not find much, if any , 1/4" steel in those - maybe on some trailer hitches.
Reply:I'd definately like AC so I can weld aluminum (big thing for motorcycles). There are a couple transformer machines close by for a great price IMO.  A new model Synchrowave 250 for $1200 and a Hobart 250 for $700.  My only issue with these welders that they take up space a lot of space in my small garage (12X19), and need a 100AMP service to themselves.
Reply:Most of these inverters in this class should be able to weld 3/16" Al and should be able to be pushed to 1/4". You stated that almost 100% will be done on smaller tubing so you we be more then covered, but you'll have spend another $500 or more in acessories to get the machine running. If you had the right skill you could get that machine to weld on 1" plate so thick stuff shouldn't be a problem.  Use the search function to look for more info.
Reply:Originally Posted by Thiel-Metal-Fabi dont know bout u , but it sure would be nice to try  the dynasty  and the lincoln    to see which u like best or are more comfortable with ....     expecialy    since ur putting that much coin down  ....    personally id do the  miller  no questions asked , the reliability  alone  pays for it self  in my book.