Air cooled TIG machine comparo QUESTION

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A buddy and I are thinking about buying a new Air cooled TIG setup and are looking at both the Miller Syncrowave and the Lincoln 225 Precision TIG as they are in the same, more or less, power and price ranges. The Lincoln seems to be more along the lines of the KISS principle with a minimum of adjustments available, where the Miller has more options for adjustments and, I think, has more stuff that can be set via "hidden menus".  Also the stock torch on the miller seems to me to be little more flexible and easy to use, though we do know that torches and etc can be changed to suit the user.We don't intend to use the TIG for any seriously long welding sessions or for production work, so air cooled seems the way to go for us though all either of us has ever weled much with have been water cooled. The problem, for us anyway, is that when you ad water cooling, the price seems to go up SIGNIFICANTLY, so we are looking in the 200 to 225 amp range and for air cooled.Has anyone on this forum used either or maybe both the 225 Lincoln and the 200 syncrowave enough to comment on pros and cons of each? We would really like some input on this if we can get it, particularly in reference to how thick one pass aluminum can actually (not advertised) be done.Thanks!
Reply:I've got the Syncro 200 and like it a lot. It was a good choice balancing functions, power and cost. I would have loved a Dynasty 200dx, but couldn't justify the extra cost for the portability or few extra functions. I definatly wanted an AC machine that would do at least 1/8"-3/16" alum. Running maxed on alum a cooler is definatly one of those things thats worth the money if you want to be productive. There are a few times I would have liked the extra power of the Syncro 250 especially with alum, but again cost vs needs the  Syncro 200 wins for me.There are any number of DIY cooler threads on here if you look. Several people also just run standard tap water and dump the "waste" down the drain. As long as you work where things won't freeze you should be Ok going that route..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:My dad has a Syncro200 and I LOVE it!! I've welded up to 1/4" aluminum with it.  I like it better than the Syncro 250 that I use i the shop I work in.  Never used the Lincoln so I can't advise.  If I were gonna buy a new machine for aluminum tig Syncro 200 is what I'd get.
Reply:You're the guy from Reno, right???Just be sure you do the correct research, I remember a couple weeks ago you were ready to swear on the bible, a guy could tig with 75/25 shielding gas.  As far as the two machines you mentioned, just flip a coin.
Reply:Originally Posted by SJCMy dad has a Syncro200 and I LOVE it!! I've welded up to 1/4" aluminum with it.  I like it better than the Syncro 250 that I use i the shop I work in.  Never used the Lincoln so I can't advise.  If I were gonna buy a new machine for aluminum tig Syncro 200 is what I'd get.
Reply:If you're going with a big transformer shop machine that's obviously not going to be ported around, there really isn't any good reason NOT to go with a water cooled torch.  The water cooled torch itself isn't much more expensive than an air cooled torch, so the only real expense difference is the water cooler.  I got my Dynaflux Tig'r water cooler for about $500 with all the hoses and stuff to connect the torch.  You can build a water cooler yourself too from a soda fountain pump, used radiator, electric fan and a home fabricated tank.  Many here on the forum have done it.  Once you start welding aluminum, you'll appreciate having a water cooled torch.As far as the machine size goes, buy as many amps as you can afford.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I think the water cooled torch on the 250 turns me off.  The torch on the 200 just seems easier to hold and manipulate as I need.  The torch on the 250 seems a little more bulky and all the hoses seem to have a twist in them I always have to fight with to get a comfartable grip.  I guess I don't dislike one machine over the other. That flexible hose on the 200 is just more joyful to weld with.
Reply:Originally Posted by SJCI think the water cooled torch on the 250 turns me off.  The torch on the 200 just seems easier to hold and manipulate as I need.  The torch on the 250 seems a little more bulky and all the hoses seem to have a twist in them I always have to fight with to get a comfartable grip.  I guess I don't dislike one machine over the other. That flexible hose on the 200 is just more joyful to weld with.
Reply:I've used the WP20 and the WP 18 watercooled torches. I'd vote for the WP20 anyday over the 18 because of how light and compact it is vs the larger 18. As said I wouldn't vote out any machine over the torch..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by jsfabYou're the guy from Reno, right???Just be sure you do the correct research, I remember a couple weeks ago you were ready to swear on the bible, a guy could tig with 75/25 shielding gas.  As far as the two machines you mentioned, just flip a coin.
Reply:The water cooled torch is really worth it. The WP-20 can handle 250 amps continuous, so it will handle all that a sync200 could put out and more.Will the welder be set up anywhere near running water? If so, you can use a total loss system for really cheap. All you need is a filter, a valve to turn it on and off, somewhere to drain the water, and a sign mounted right over the power switch to remind you to turn on the water because the leads will melt if you forget (guess how I know).I've used both of the machines mentioned and both are really good.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Air cooled torch or water cooled torch have nothing to do with which machine you buy.Almost everything I own is red.  I have used the 2 machines and if you are welding aluminum go for the miller.  Take a close look at the ratings and duty cycle.   DC tig is all the same to me no matter what machine so more amps are better.My TA185 came with an air cooled torch.  I use a water cooled WP 20 on it all the time.  For jobs out of the shop, air cooled wins, same machine or not. I have a finger tip control WP17  with flex head and gas valve 25' torch for on the road.  It plugs into any lincoln machine I have.   I just ordered the WP18 so i can use the bigger gas lenz on a stainless job.  It will probably end up hooked up to a V350 pro, its only for DC tig on stainless and mild steel heat exchangers.  I bought a Lincoln Water cooler to go with the torch.   I think I have enough work for it.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.