Am I crazy for wanting a Dynasty 200 for home/hobby use?

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I've ruled out the Syncrowave 200, the Diversion 180 doesn't seem like it has much room to grow, so the next cheapest machine is the Dynasty 200 dx. I'm also concerned about the longevity and reliability of inverter technology. I found that the earlier Dynasty 200 had some issues that were supposedly worked out. I want to buy a welder once and never buy one again. It will always be used in my home and for my hobby. It'll be used for all the basic car stuff. Exhausts, catch cans, roll cages, chassis reinforcement, turbo setups, etc. I learned to tig on a Syncrowave 200 that had a board on its way out. Do inverter machines use a "board" like the new Syncrowaves do? I'm really expecting the machine I purchase to last me a lifetime like how transformer machines from the 1970's are still kicking strong. If I have to be realistic, maybe 20-30 years. Thanks for any assistance in advance.
Reply:It's the best little welder that Miller makes, and will do anything you throw at it. I have a Lincoln invertec 205, and they are great machines. I run mine somewhere between home use and commercial, no problems with it.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:Nope, Not crazy at all, Thats exactly what I did and dont regret a bit of it.
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmangqNope, Not crazy at all, Thats exactly what I did and dont regret a bit of it.
Reply:Are you guys running the Invertec 205 & dynasty with watercooled torches?
Reply:You said you ruled out the Syncrowave 200, but you did not say why.A used Syncrowave 200 is roughly $3000 cheaper than a Dynasty, so that is 3000 reasons to buy the Syncrowave.   Of course the Dynasty  by all accounts is a great machine.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:A good friend of mine has been running a fabrication shop for over 10 years. He fried the board on a Syncrowave 200 quite easily. He recommended the older Syncrowaves, not the newer model. However, I'm more interested in purchasing a new machine mostly because I can't really tell the history of a used machine. I've tried searching for used Syncrowave 200's, but I'm only finding machines from the early to mid 90's, which is a little too old for my preference.
Reply:I have the Dynasty200dx with the aircooled torch. For hobby use the aircooled should be fine.But I use mine at home as well as field. I don't want the mess of the coolant when I transport my rig laid down in the back of the car or little truck.If you master the little dynasty, you will be using it more than you figured I hope. It is just that good. The arc starting quirks have been ironed out with the new Blue lightning start features. If the default starts are not to your liking, you can change the settings for softer starts on thin materials. When I am doing really thin sheet, I just push the pulse button on to really soften the arc. The little Dynasty does not have 9  programable arc profiles like it's bigger brothers.All that and plugged into house current.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:+++ on the dynasty200dx  You will have to pry it out of my cold dead hand.Have both h2o and air torch.Great setup.V
Reply:Originally Posted by Vinnie+++ on the dynasty200dx  You will have to pry it out of my cold dead hand.Have both h2o and air torch.Great setup.V
Reply:another +1 to the dynasty... you don't have to be a professional to benefit from professional tools. it can sometimes be the opposite, where professional tools can make an amateur that much better... if your serious about your hobby then professional equipment is the way to go & the dynasty is an awesome piece of equipment to have imho miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracin I want to buy a welder once and never buy one again.
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracin I want to buy a welder once and never buy one again. .
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracin Do inverter machines use a "board" like the new Syncrowaves do?
Reply:I got a great deal on a new Dynasty 350 and went that route - thinking it would be the perfect replacement for the Dialarc HF - both 300 Amp + machines.....   I never use that much power.  Had I to do it over again, I would have saved the dough and gone with the 200.Its an awesome machine, it will do everything you need - and if you need more umph, pick up a 251 MIG.  Should be able to get a used one for about $1000 US, give or take based on condition.  I would even go so far to say for hobby use, air cooled is OK.  Build your own cart.  For now, buy something to hold the gas bottle only.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6another +1 to the dynasty... you don't have to be a professional to benefit from professional tools. it can sometimes be the opposite, where professional tools can make an amateur that much better... if your serious about your hobby then professional equipment is the way to go & the dynasty is an awesome piece of equipment to have imho
Reply:Crazy? Yeah, probably, but hopefully in a good way!    I would not recommend a Diversion (aptly named, IMHO), but if it is for personal use, and you have the electrical service to support it, a used Synchrowave may not be a bad idea. If you need the portability or the advanced features of the Dynasty, and have the $$$, then go for it.   Many people worry about the reliability of inverters, but in my experience these concerns are largely unfounded. I have several inverter machines, 4 of them from 1997-ish, and all are going strong to this day. There is no certainty that ANY welder will last forever, but if you buy an industrial-grade welder for home & hobby use, it will depreciate faster than it will wear out.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinAre you guys running the Invertec 205 & dynasty with watercooled torches?
Reply:lime rojo says.. its not a matter of hobby use or professional use that determines the torch..i.ve found i can do 3/8 steel with an air cooled torch, no problem, but 1/4 aluminum gets much hotter in my hand to where water is needed...........
Reply:If you can afford the best, you get the best.Get yerself the DynastyBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Thanks for all the input. It seems like I'll be purchasing a Dynasty 200. I really doubt I'll get into welding to the point where I'll be buying a bunch of different welders. I'll probably only buy a mig welder some time in the future, but that's significantly cheaper so it's not as big of a deal to me. Can I use the watercooled torch without the watercooler? It seems to be a lot cheaper to piece together a setup instead of buying the Dynasty 200 dx Running package. That cart is so expensive. I'll definitely be building  my own cart.I figure I buy the 200, a regulator, a torch, & a foot pedal to get myself going. If the watercooled torch won't work without the watercooler, I'll buy the watercooler as well. I don't want to buy an aircooled torch then buy a torch again when I eventually buy a watercooler.
Reply:Did some searching & reading. Seems I'll need a watercooler to go with the watercooled torch. Not a big deal.
Reply:If you like saving a few hundred $$$ look into getting a used  McAnn Carbonator off eBay or CL and convert it to a cooler. The SS tank, Procon pump and motor are perfect for re-tasking into a very good torch cooler. All you really need to add is a heat exchanger coil of some sort (heater core, trans. oil cooler etc.), a few fittings and some time and you're there. I used a McAnn Big Mac carbonator for mine and the whole thing cost me $100.00. The Procon pump/motor pair that comes with the carbonator are extremely similar (if not exact) to what you would find in a commercial TIG torch cooler.Search the forum on homemade TIG cooler projects and you'll see the other threads. Enjoy the Dynasty. I'm a satisfied Syncrowave 250 owner but I've welded on the Dynasty's at school. They are definitely sweet machines.Eric
Reply:You may as well pop for the cart to hold your water cooler.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:Ok, so here are my two options. Everything in that picture should be ALL that is included in the Tig Runner Package except for the cart. The Runner with the cart is about $4600 whereas that list is $4,253.Can anyone confirm that my list contains everything that is in the Tig Runner package so that I'll be good to go when this thing arrives at my door? I really don't see the point in spending $350 on a cart when I have the table space to place the parts or I can build a cart for significantly less.Originally Posted by rcracin[ Everything in that picture should be ALL that is included in the Tig Runner Package except for the cart. The Runner with the cart is about $4600 whereas that list is $4,253. I really don't see the point in spending $350 on a cart when I have the table space to place the parts or I can build a cart for significantly less.
Reply:Does that really say $525.00 for a water cooled TIG torch package?Hmmm...So, that's over 4 grand for a TIG welder that has a 150 amp output at 60% duty cycle. Yes, I understand that its got some features that my Syncro 250 doesn't but wow. That's a lot of dead presidents for a hobby welder. I mean if money is no object to you (must be nice) then who cares right? I'm just saying that you could probably save some serious funds by getting the machine and making a cart, get a decent torch off the web (like a Speedway or something) put a cooler together and integrate it into your custom cart and look for a used pedal on Craig's for about $150.00 or so. But, that's just me. Full time college student so money's very tight and I put just about every cent I make from side jobs back into my tools for the business I want to start next spring. So, I work pretty hard trying to figure out ways to save a buck or two.On the other hand, there's a lot to be said for buying a brand new top of the line welding package with all Miller accessories. So, I definitely see your point. But man that's a lot of dough for those extra goodies.Just sayin...Eric
Reply:I don't know where you are pricing this, but check www.bakersgas.com before you buy.  I bet they will save you some coin.
Reply:I priced all the items from your list at bakersgas.com and the total was $4207.  But, this seems to be the best deal:http://www.bakersgas.com/MIL907308.htmlIt comes with everything you are looking for except it has an air cooled torch.  I bet you could get an aftermarket water cooled torch and a used water cooler for a song on ebay and save yourself a couple of thousand dollars.  My 2 cents.
Reply:Hi RCRACIN,   Everything in your shopping cart looks good to me except the torch kit, which seems way overpriced. The Weldcraft WP20 torch in that kit is the best one for that machine, but if you price the items separately you can do much better. The Smith flowmeter in that package is a cheapo model; a better one (the Smith 32-30-580) is about $120. The torch connector and ground cable are standard items available from any welding supply.   The prices on the Coolmate & the foot pedal seem very good- looks like you're good to go!JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinA good friend of mine has been running a fabrication shop for over 10 years. He fried the board on a Syncrowave 200 quite easily.
Reply:I'm very happy with all the replies, info, & help I've received on this thread. Thank you to everyone for contributing. My friend probably abused the Syncrowave 200 and that's why it went out on him. However, his shop machine is a Syncrowave 250 from 1999 and it's still kicking strong for all the insane fabrication he does. I don't shop like money is no object. I just went from spending $2300 on a Runner Syncrowave 200 to over $4k on a Dynasty 200. I'd prefer to purchase something new if I can swing it. I don't know if a use machine saw 200 hours of easy use or 10 hours of serious abuse. Thanks for the info on the flowmeter Silicon-based. I will certainly look into it. The prices all came from brweldingsupplies' website. I morgaj1, I'm leaning towards not getting a Syncrowave 200 at the moment. I did learn on a Syncrowave 200, but that was the one with the board that was very temperamental. The Dynasty 200 seems to have a little more room to grow over the Syncrowave while already incorporating the watercooled package. I was seriously ready to place the order on the Syncrowave 200 last Sunday until my friend called me and strongly recommended against it while suggesting I get an older model Syncrowave or even a Diversion 180 over it. Quite frankly, the only reason I'm not considering the Diversion 180 is because I like the pulse. My buddy hates on me all day long for liking pulse, but I like using it.
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinI'm very happy with all the replies, info, & help I've received on this thread. Thank you to everyone for contributing. My friend probably abused the Syncrowave 200 and that's why it went out on him. However, his shop machine is a Syncrowave 250 from 1999 and it's still kicking strong for all the insane fabrication he does. I don't shop like money is no object. I just went from spending $2300 on a Runner Syncrowave 200 to over $4k on a Dynasty 200. I'd prefer to purchase something new if I can swing it. I don't know if a use machine saw 200 hours of easy use or 10 hours of serious abuse. Thanks for the info on the flowmeter Silicon-based. I will certainly look into it. The prices all came from brweldingsupplies' website. I morgaj1, I'm leaning towards not getting a Syncrowave 200 at the moment. I did learn on a Syncrowave 200, but that was the one with the board that was very temperamental. The Dynasty 200 seems to have a little more room to grow over the Syncrowave while already incorporating the watercooled package. I was seriously ready to place the order on the Syncrowave 200 last Sunday until my friend called me and strongly recommended against it while suggesting I get an older model Syncrowave or even a Diversion 180 over it. Quite frankly, the only reason I'm not considering the Diversion 180 is because I like the pulse. My buddy hates on me all day long for liking pulse, but I like using it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeSo, that's over 4 grand for a TIG welder that has a 150 amp output at 60% duty cycle. Yes, I understand that its got some features that my Syncro 250 doesn't but wow.
Reply:Check Indiana Oxygen too. I have much liking for their customer service.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welding_SwedeRCR, I did a lot of research on TIG machines before I made my decision to go with the venerable Miller Syncrowave. The main issue that did it for me was reliability and the fact that I was using one at school and loved it. After searching Craig's for awhile I found my deal and although I had to drive a few hours to get it it was a sweet deal. An older unit from a machine shop that went out of business and reasonably well cared for. These machines are virtually bulletproof. Your friend's model with the bad board is pretty rare as far as stories I've heard about failure. Not to say anything disparaging about inverters but I have heard a few stories about board failure and very high costs for replacement modules (out of warranty of course). Personally, the newer technology features were not enough for me to go the lunchbox TIG welder route.Have you looked at used Syncros online in your area? I got my 250 with a K series tank, a good flow meter, foot pedal, WC torch, running gear, 40 ft SMAW leads and about $300.00 worth of filler for $1500.00. I've seen members of this forum get even better deals than that recently. The Syncrowave model line is not going anywhere anytime soon and parts availability remains high. One final argument for older transformer TIG welders... take a look at Zapster's work on this forum. I'm pretty sure he does most of that with an old Miller 330 A/BP.Good luck with what ever you end up choosing.Eric
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinI'm not denouncing Syncrowaves altogether. Only the new ones.
Reply:Heh, I can't say I dislike the way you guys are ripping apart everything I say. It's extremely helpful. I actually did a double take today. The Syncrowave 200 & Dynasty 200dx share almost the same duty cycle & ability to weld the same mac thickness aluminum as per Miller's website. I've read a lot of reviews about the Dynasty welding aluminum a lot better, but it isn't anything that couldnt be learned and accomplished with the SW. I do like like the less power drain of the Dynasty on the electrical system in my home. It seems to be a package of new technologies that are very beneficial. I'm still debating what I want to do.
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinHeh, I can't say I dislike the way you guys are ripping apart everything I say. It's extremely helpful. I actually did a double take today. The Syncrowave 200 & Dynasty 200dx share almost the same duty cycle & ability to weld the same mac thickness aluminum as per Miller's website. I've read a lot of reviews about the Dynasty welding aluminum a lot better, but it isn't anything that couldnt be learned and accomplished with the SW. I do like like the less power drain of the Dynasty on the electrical system in my home. It seems to be a package of new technologies that are very beneficial. I'm still debating what I want to do.
Reply:the extra cash spent will be felt for a month or 2, but a top of the line welder like a dynasty should last you many many years, no ones gonna say forever, but with moderate hobby use I bet 15 years from now the extra cash you dumped here wouldn't mean a thing. go for it man & you'll never wind up ever thinking woulda coulda shoulda...miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinI've read a lot of reviews about the Dynasty welding aluminum a lot better, but it isn't anything that couldnt be learned and accomplished with the SW.
Reply:love my syncrowave 200 had it 5yrs never  had a problem when you need a little more oomph mix some helium with your argon and you'll get by
Reply:I don't need tig welding lessons. I've had all the lessons I need. Only practice will make me better at this point. So mad. I found a nice deal on a Syncrowave 250 locally $(2,500 w/everything), but it has the integrated cooler (made in 2006), that has a tendency to fail. That requires the whole machine to go in for servicing. Blaa got all excited and everything. Back to the drawing board.
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinthe integrated cooler (made in 2006), that has a tendency to fail..
Reply:The 2006 model with the integrated water cooler has a weak pump. Something about the motors & pump failing. To top it off, the entire machine needs to go in for service to get it fixed. There's a reason Miller went back to the separate water cooling system on the Syncrowaves.
Reply:Do not be afraid to get the dynasty. I wanted to get into tig and went for the dynasty 200 dx for my home use. I also am apprenticing at a local fab and repair shop that runs all dynasty tig equipment. the most used tig is the 200dx and it has been in use for years no issues. All of the shops dynasty 200 and 350 units are water cooled but my personal one is not. Honestly I would skip the water cooler for personal use. I work on all kinds of home projects and have yet to feel the need for a water cooled system.Also your comment about instruction is questionable. I have taken 2 tig classes at Lincoln so far this year and have one to go in nov. Plus talking a local shop to let me hang out and work on projects and learn has taught me a lot that friends, books, and YouTube never could. My thought has always been the more I know, the more I have to learn!The time spent at the shop has been the best but with out the school I would not have been able to take on the variety of projects I have tackled at the shop this soon.------------------------------------------Millermatic 185Miller Dynasty 200dxHypertherm powermax 30
Reply:I'm welding strictly for hobby use. I basically got one on one classes from a buddy over the course of a few months whenever I had time to go to his shop. I basically learn & practice from hanging around shops as well I really need more seat time than instruction. I do intend to take my pieces to have them critiqued at the shop so I know where to improve. I have better personal resources available as opposed to taking a class. I really have no intention of taking my welding any further than the personal level. I have to worry about passing the CPA and working in the Accounting field more than anything else. Welding & Cars a strictly hobby. I've had my share of working on cars for $, and I know for sure that it's not what I want to do for income.
Reply:Originally Posted by rcracinThe 2006 model with the integrated water cooler has a weak pump. Something about the motors & pump failing. To top it off, the entire machine needs to go in for service to get it fixed. There's a reason Miller went back to the separate water cooling system on the Syncrowaves.
Reply:Me, myself, and I. Also 1 or 2 good friends that either need some work or want to learn how to weld. I'm not the selfish type. I'd rather not buy a machine with a defect that's out of warranty. I've spent too much time researching and thinking about this whole thing. Getting kind of frustrated. Going with my instinct and getting a Dynasty 200. I'm going to be sure to open it up and check on the screws securing the boards along with a few other recommendations I found to avoid any sort of failure. It's always best to be the only one that has touched something I expect to keep and trust. That's why my race car is a car I bought brand new and my street car build that was purchased used, was entirely stripped and rebuilt. That way when I'm out on track or even the street, I have confidence in what I'm driving. Worst case scenario, if something happens, I have only myself to blame unless I bought a defect part & installed it on my car. Now you see why I'm so picky & selective of my purchases.
Reply:To get back to the original question..NO.You are not crazy for wanting what you wish for..The more the merrier!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.