American made TIG options

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I'm so far happy with my little Multimatic 200.  I have been spoolgunning aluminum.  I am finding some limitations working with tubing.  I am considering a small AC tig machine like a Dynasty 200. Price would keep me from doing that purchase for a while, so are there any other options?I already have the Miller contractor TIG kit with an air cooled torch.  It would be nice if that set up would work on another brand machine.  What options do I have?
Reply:Diversion 180Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I like the Diversion180 also. It is very simple to learn. The tradeoff is duty cycle, but your learning curve is very short.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I've been looking at a Lincoln Squarewave  175, about the same price as a Miller,but has a transformer instead of an inverter.
Reply:If you want a good basic TIG, without spending a lot of money, it is hard to beat a used Miller Syncrowave 180 or 200.  I have owned both, both are good.   Both have High Frequency, AC and DC, so you can weld any metal, including aluminum.  Both include stick and TIG.  The original version of the Syncrowave 180 is arguably better for beginners, as it has minimal controls, three switches and one knob, simple to use.  The  later version of the 180 (180SD) added an AC balance knob and digital displays.   The 200 has lots of bells and whistles, including pulse, which I like for thin copper.   The 180 is a little smaller, but both are relatively big and heavy, around 200 pounds.  Figure on at least a 50 amp 220V circuit for either welder, which is what I use.  Some recommend a 60 amp 220V breaker. I bought the 200 for $1300, too good a deal to pass up, and then sold my Synchrowave 180 for $1150.   The 180 price that I got was probably higher than average, and the 200 price that I paid was lower than average, so I did very well, paid only $150 to upgrade.Anyway, for somewhere between $1000 and $1500, you can buy a used Syncrowave 180 or 200, and have a welder that will probably serve all your needs for decades.   If you buy used, and you decide you need a bigger or fancier welder down the road, you can get almost all your money back when you sell it.  You will take a big depreciation hit if you buy a new welder and sell it later.  With TIG you can weld any thin metal, and you can stick weld any steel 1/8 inch or thicker.   I used the 180 as a stick welder for months before I got around to buying an argon bottle.  Some report that the 180 had a higher than average repair rate, but my original version 180 gave me no trouble.I am not a big fan of the Miller Diversion because it lacks stick.  Stick is what you need to weld thick steel.   The Dynasty is a great welder, but way too much money unless you have to have easy portability, or need 110V.   (Note that a 20 amp 120Volt outlet will only run a welder at very reduced power, so 110V operation is not that great an advantage).   The Miller EconoTIG looks good on paper, but a Miller factory guy said that it was not that great, that the Syncrowave 180 was a much better machine.  Lincoln makes the Square Wave 175, and Precision TIG 225, similar to the Syncrowaves, look for a used Lincoln as a possible alternative.  Most inverter welders are DC only, so you can’t TIG aluminum.  Note that many inverter welders do not come standard with a TIG torch, regulator, and foot pedal, so they are even more expensive than they look at first glance.  The Syncrowaves come with everything you need except a gas bottle.  The welder manufacturers are pushing their inverter machines, but it is hard to justify the much higher cost, especially when you can find a used Syncrowave for not much more than $1000.  They have sold a lot of Syncrowaves, so you should be able to find a used one if you look.Just for comparison, a new Syncrowave 200 retails for $2900, a new Dynasty 200DX with torch, regulator, foot pedal, etc., retails for $4680.   On the used market, the Dynasty 200 welders are hard to find, and priced around $3000.   The Syncrowaves are easier to find used, and priced right.The Syncrowave 250 is an industry classic, a great machine, but big and heavy, and more expensive.  It should probably have a 100 amp 220V circuit.  The 250 is just more welder than most folks need, unless you need to TIG 1/4 inch thick aluminum.   RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Originally Posted by raferguson Most inverter welders are DC only, so you can’t TIG aluminum.
Reply:Thank you for all the responses.I do like the idea of the diversion 180, but I already bought the TIG contractor's kit for my little multimatic.  I see the diversion only comes in a kit.  I guess I could always sell my contractor's kit.The Syncrowave doesn't run on 110V, so that would not be an option for me.Are the TAs, longevity and eastwood tigs US made?
Reply:No they are not made in the US. However I will say I am very pleased with my longevity (same as eastwood, slightly different)The older thermal arc machines were made in Japan. Newer stuff is made in China. Like the 186. Not sure if TA has a 110/220v, but eastwood/longevity does. Diversion 180 is. The diversion 165 is NOT.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:lincoln Invertec line and also look at ESAB, they make very good equipment...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:Originally Posted by middleofnowhereAre the TAs, longevity and eastwood tigs US made?
Reply:I suggest you reconsider what u really need/want.    The lincolns and dynastys are the top of the line and cost it both new and on the used market.    Regardless what you get,  the output of all of them is going to be similar on 110vac.   Do you need all the advanced features of a dynasty?  I can tell you the Longevity 160sx, 200sx and I think 200ex run on dual voltage...   I have the 200sx now and have several hrs running it between myself and our club members and its a good machine for getting into AC/ tig cheap.   Good for learning on too as I have already taugh several members on it an so far no one has any complaints about how it welds...  My 330abp has a better feel to the arc. However I did post up some beads done by a club member with some TIG experience and he said he could not feel a difference between my 330abp and the 200sx.   I am betting the 200ex has an arc feel much closer to the 330.   Also they will do Stick.   Get the EX if u want to run 6010 though. The Longevity machine are standard dinse so will be plug and play with your current tig torch...  same fitting as my Invertec hadI don't gain anything from u getting a longevity, just sayin for your limited 110vac u may want to consider starting a little lower on the totem pole...   $849 list for the 200sx is not bad and I know Simon will give WW members a discount.   U can also ask him for a longer $ back window of say 3 or more months instead of 1 if you are on the fence about it..  (tell him it was my suggestion)  sure its China made but sold by an american company.  Enjoy it while drinking a Budwiser made in America by a Chinese owned company.  .   Also see gamble's TA186 review.   Though right now it looks like he got the machine made on Friday at 4:49pm.  Heh heh. BTW if u said u were using this in a welding business to make money or cost of machine is of no concern, I would totally recommend u get the Invertec V205T ( I owned one) or the Dynasty 200 hands down over a Chinese built machine.Last edited by soutthpaw; 01-22-2013 at 03:07 AM.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:Where are you located?What type of power do you have available in your shop?  Is space a concern?Buying a used Synchro 250 will give you all the machine you ever need, but you really need a 60 amp 220 breaker at a minimum and it's a big 600 lb machine.You're not gonna get an inverter that your contractor kit hooks up to other than a Miller or a TA300 Arcmaster.  The TA 300 is hard to find used and you're stuck with the possible inverter problems.  I found mine new on CL for a steal.  It accepts the Miller 14 pin plug and is plug and play.The new TA 186 Arcmaster is the best deal going right now.  Unfortunately, Gamble is having problems with his.  This can happen with any machine, so we have to see how responsive customer service is with him.   Its 220 only, but much less than the HTP or the Miller/Lincoln.I'm still a bit scared of the Lincoln invertec V205ACDC.  The voltage sensing relay that changes the input voltage automatically for 110 to 220 apparently gets stuck if left on a certain voltage for a while.  Then I've heard that it frys a $1000 PCB, usually after warranty period.So my vote would be Syncro or the TA186(if Gambles issue is promptly resolved in a reasonable manner).TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:not American made, but havent seen anyone mention the Italian made HTP221..  HTP imports them from Italy.  I havent heard anyone post a negative review of them in several years and they stand behind thier products.. American made I would look at the Miller Syncrowave 200 or Lincoln precision tig 225..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Lincoln Invertecs are not American made. They are made in Italy.The Multimatic is only "assembled" in USA.The Diversion would be the best bet for something closer to this shore at a better price.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:All of Miller's inverter machines are "assembled in USA".  I called them before I bought the little Multimatic, they said about <3% of the components on the boards are imported.  With the new laws, they felt legally they could only say assembled.   The customer service/tech support guy I spoke with said he had received a lot of calls on this subject.  BTW, the older Dynasty that said "made in USA also had some foreign parts I was told, Miller's thinking on labeling was just different a year ago.Thanks again for all the replies.  Power is a problem for me and portability is an option I want.Attached is one of the items I am welding, it's an aluminum davit for recreational lobster fishing.  so far the little spool gun has been adequate for stuff like this, it doesn't have to be pretty.  The bar stock is 3/16" and the tubing is 0.125 wall x 1.5" tubing.  My problem is with thinner Aluminum, I burn through with the mig, or I lay really tall cold looking beads.  working on tubing with the mig is also a problem for me with the starts and stops.  positioning is awkward with the bulky spool gun.  I am not a pro, just looking to step up my game a little and get some more versatility. Attached Images
Reply:Will my TIG torch and components in the Contractor's kit work on other little tig machines?
Reply:Originally Posted by middleofnowhereThanks again for all the replies.  Power is a problem for me and portability is an option I want.Attached is one of the items I am welding, it's an aluminum davit for recreational lobster fishing.  so far the little spool gun has been adequate for stuff like this, it doesn't have to be pretty.  The bar stock is 3/16" and the tubing is 0.125 wall x 1.5" tubing.  My problem is with thinner Aluminum, I burn through with the mig, or I lay really tall cold looking beads.  working on tubing with the mig is also a problem for me with the starts and stops.  positioning is awkward with the bulky spool gun.  I am not a pro, just looking to step up my game a little and get some more versatility.
Reply:Originally Posted by brucernot American made, but havent seen anyone mention the Italian made HTP221..  HTP imports them from Italy.  I havent heard anyone post a negative review of them in several years and they stand behind thier products.. American made I would look at the Miller Syncrowave 200 or Lincoln precision tig 225..
Reply:Italian made is the European version of "American Made".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:Miller Dynasty200DX.2 ea. 5/8" x 3" x 9.5" long, fillet all around. DC straight root, with AC cover weave.This unit hums right along welding 1/8" alum with 75/25 Argon/Helium mixed bottle at 115/120 volts single phase input on a 20 amp service. Whan I am doing 1/4 to 3/8 alum I fire up my 230 generator. Only thing holding my little Dynasty back is the aircooled torch. And yes I have burned up 2 already.You guys got to remember that inverter technology puts out a much different arc than tranny welders.Last edited by shovelon; 01-22-2013 at 11:19 AM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:We should get FusionKing to weigh in also. He basically does all his alum field work with a Dynasty 200DX.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.