Please help me choose a TIG setup

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I am looking for a TIG machine for my shop. I probably would be looking for a used setup, as I don't have a ton of money to spend (maybe about $1300). I want to do steel, stainless, and aluminum. I don't know that I need to do up to 1/4", but it would be nice. I do chrome moly as well. The machine won't be used daily, but will be used. I appreciate any assistance. Thank you.
Reply:you only have 3 options for a NEW machine at that pricehttp://store.cyberweld.com/hotigweez16.htmlthe best choice I think same as a diversion with a foot pedal instead of a controlled torchI just bought a diversion excellent little machine some people dont like them but in all honesty I use tig for light metal and cosmetic work on stainless and some aluminum sculpturemig or stick for anything else or there is the everlast 200 model seems like a good deal but who knows how it will last?seems comparable to the dynasty to a certain extent its pretty tempting but i dont know whether its the right choiceor go used
Reply:Save some money; regardless of what welder you choose, you will need to pick up some other parts and consumables. As to which machine is right for you, that is really up to you. Lugweld has been pretty confident of the new Everlast units. They do seem to get right on customer service issues and the feedback is good; I don't hear much bounce back.If you are looking for a serious duty cycle, you really have to go up higher on the scale for the machine. If you are thinking 1/4" or more aluminum, you need to consider going up to a much more serious machine. I run the Lincoln Invertec 205. Water cooled torch, and I have run it like a whipped mule. It is a lot more than $1300 new, and with the torch and cooler, it was a whole lot more. I have seen Dynasty and HTP units for some great deals used; you'd need to be patient.... and quick!If you find a synchrowave 250, you just can't go wrong. You'll need big power, and some space, and 3 gorillas to lift it!!!! But I saw one last week for $1200. I almost choked when i saw it. It was sold in less than 1 hr.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I had a Synchrowave 180sd, and I loved it. It was ruined in a fire, and I have needed something to replace it for a while. I have een looking at the Everlast setups, and I'm a little hesitant. I may go that route, but still am looking. I could probably find another syncro180 for what I am willing to spend, but haven't found one yet.
Reply:If you are thinking about the Diversion - I would go for the Hobart linked above - it's the same machine, but has the footpedal included - which is much better than the finger control, in my opinion.  I hear all about duty cycle on this board, and I'm not a pro welder, but I've run a couple different Diversions for 3-4 hours at a time on  3/16 and 1/8 steel and 1/8 aluminum and not run into any duty cycle shutdowns. Perhaps I don't know what real use is, but for me it's worked fine.  Torch got real hot though.   The only machine I can compare it to is the Dynasty 200.   The Dynasty had a hotter starting arc - which would literally jump 1/2 inch to the workpiece, and I certainly would prefer it to the Diversion, but it wasn't enough of a difference on the metal I was welding to pay the 3x price.  If I welded every day, maybe...
Reply:At that price range and with the need to do Aluminum, you want a TIG machine with AC.  If you want new, you're limited to something like the Miller Diversion (they've added a new model this year so there are 2 to choose from).    If you want used (and this is what I'd do) you can probably find a decent "gently-used" Syncrowave 180 or maybe even an older 200 for that price.  Whatever you do, don't resort to the Chinese knock-off machines.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Welcome aboard sailor. Sounds like we're in the same boat at the moment. I've looked at the Diversions, but am worried about it not being enough to do 1/4" alum. I don't need it to do xray welds by any stretch, but I also hate buyers regret and out growing a machine too fast. I'd like to find someone in my area with one to try. Maybe you've got one of these mythical welding supply shops in your area that allows you to demo a machine. Good luck!!!!Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderWelcome aboard sailor. Sounds like we're in the same boat at the moment. I've looked at the Diversions, but am worried about it not being enough to do 1/4" alum. I don't need it to do xray welds by any stretch, but I also hate buyers regret and out growing a machine too fast. I'd like to find someone in my area with one to try. Maybe you've got one of these mythical welding supply shops in your area that allows you to demo a machine. Good luck!!!!Bert
Reply:Originally Posted by independentcustomsThat's what's stopping me from pulling the trigger on a new Diversion. I just know as soon as I get it in the shop, the first job I'm gonna need it for will be 1/4". I have a big MIG, so the only time that would be an issue is on Alum. But I'm still on the fence. I could buy the Chinese machine, but I'm nervous about that. This has become somewhat of a pain in the ***!
Reply:I picked up a Syncrowave 250DX for $1150 (I think it was a 2004 model)  big bastard.. but I love the welds it produces... Mine came with water cooler and water cooled torch... mine was on an auction of a business closing down
Reply:How many of those machines did they have left?
Reply:Sounds like you got a good deal tstrboy. I was able to locate an 09 Syncro 200 about an hour and a half away from me, It was gently used, supposedly for one job. I got it for $1200.
Reply:Congrats!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.