MaxStar 150 or Invertec V160

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I'm itchin for a TIG machine. Which one?I'm a hobbyist. No interest in alum. Besides I can spoolgun it with the Lincoln.Any major differences in these two besides color?RyanLincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:The V160 is a more simple/straight forward machine to use.  And red is faster than blue so it must be better I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Look closer at the specs.  I have a V160-S.  100% duty cycle at 130 amps.  Does the miller even come close?I bought the -S instead of the -T because I have little use for pulse.  Used it yesterday at a doughnut shop welding some stainless (on 110v).  It will pay for its self in no time.  I have some pics of stick welds from it too.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks guys.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Maxstar 150 STL/STH duty cycle rating is 100 amps at 100%MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I've had both, the thing I hated about the maxstar was the button pushing to get all the setting's right, a real pain in the aRse. The red one is a lot more user friendly but they both weld wellI'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Blue: smaller, lighter, lower supply current draw on 120V and 240V for a given welding currentLincoln: higher rated output on 120V, ability to control dig.For reference, I have used both, but not side-by-side. Not easy to run 3/32 7018 on the Lincoln and 120V unless you have a 25 or 30A circuit. The Maxstar will do it all day long. The Maxstar is also a little (emphasis on little) happier with 6010. Neither one is real happy with it, and both will run 6011 fine. The invertec has the ability to tune the arc, the Max doesn't. The maxstar is a smoother TIG machine, in my opinion.
Reply:I have to check, I don't think there is a dig (arc force) control on the V160-T, only the V160-S.  I have never used the blue one so I can't say.  I have a V155-S and for stick on 110 volt its kind of useless unless you like running 1/16 and 5/64 rod.  The V160-S will run 3/32 7018 with out blowing a 20 amp breaker.  The bead is buttery smooth.  I am going to try it on a 15 amp breaker.If you get the machine, be sure to have 220 for it. You WILL want it.David Edit:  Here is a review of the Lincoln V155-S.  It does more than the manual states especially the duty cycle part.  Post #6 has pictures.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...highlight=v155I have some pics of the V160-S beads, but its not the V160-T.Last edited by David R; 04-29-2009 at 11:38 AM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:For Tig I much prefer the miller, I have never stick welded with the red one so I can't comment on its performance there, but having a dig setting would be nice.
Reply:we have two millers at work. i have a 155 lincoln invertec and the lincoln wins hands down. i wanted the 160 but didnt wanna blow the extra dough when i was gonna use it mainly for light tig work. welds aluminum very nice too for a dc machine. can make it look almost like an ac weld.
Reply:I want to weld lots of different types of metal. I want a Dynasty DX, but can only afford a MaxStar, so do these units have the capacity to weld aluminum?  Before I moved here I sold my Millermatic 210 w/spool gun, and man... that aluminum welding looked some kind of ugly. Oh, and I wouldn't be using this to do "work", I'm just a fanatical, mad scientist, who builds stuff..(like veggi powered trucks and stuff). TIA
Reply:Then you don't need to weld ali if your the scientist type, but the little maxstar won't anyway.   Sell an invention, then all will be good  I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.