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Hey, I'm new to welding and wondered if I could get your thoughts on a couple things.I have been wanting to get into TIG welding and I saw that Miller recently came out with the Diversion 165. It seems to be a more simplified machine at a lower cost.Are there any current users out there? How easy is it to use?Also, I did some research and found that a company called Baker's Gas has the lowest price. Has anyone heard of them? Where would you recommend buying from?Here's a link:http://www.bakersgas.com/MIL907005.htmlThanks in advanced for any help!
Reply:Do a search, several threads on the 165. I have had one about eight months. I bought it thinking I could fix up an aluminum engine block that had a thrown rod. Well, the Diversion probably could have welded the block, but I sure couldn't have. I'm a hobbyist and previously have mig welded and done a little stick welding, but I haven't done enough at any to be very good. You have to be good to lay down a good looking Tig bead. I ended up taking some classes and I'm getting better now. I've used mine for probably close to 30 hours now. It welds great. They say 3/16 steel and aluminum is the limit., but I've done 3/8 steel with mine, and thicker than 3/16 aluminum. I've gone through about 3 pounds of steel rod and about 2 pounds of aluminum just learning - up to 3 1/2 hours at a time , and the machine has never slowed down, gotten too hot or shut down due to duty cycle. I'm not sure if a professional would like it, but for me it's perfect. It's a simple machine - on/off, AC or DC, and set the amps (metal thinckness) then weld. It doesn't have a pulser, or any balance control, or any pre or post flow controls, but I haven't needed any of that yet. If I were buying today, I would consider the Hobart version. It comes with the footpedal instead of the hand controls. I bought the footpedal separate for mine - so I have both choices, but that's more money. I like the features of the hand controls, but I can make a better weld with the foot control. They also have brought out a Diversion 180 - but I heard it's several hundred dollars more - at that price, there are other options to consider. |
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