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I need to upgrade my TIG welder to something in the 300 amp realm. This will be the primary machine in a 1 - 1 1/2 man aluminum fab/manufacturing business, so it'll get daily use 5 days a week, and be powered on 6 - 7 hours a day, but it also gets a lot of idle hours, with probably around 1 - 2 hours a day of actual at the bench weld time. Dynasty 280 is the obvious choice. Not sure what the Lincoln Aspect has over the Dynasty. Given the great service my old Sanrex made TA-185 has given me over the past 10 years of daily use, I'm still inclined to consider the Sanrex 300, although it does seem to be a little outdated at this point. Other options leave the ESAB ET 301i, which I know nothing about, and the HTP 301 or 313, which I also know nothing about, but have heard nothing but good stuff about the 221, so I'm willing to give them a shot. I've already got water cooler and torches, so I'm just looking at machine+pedal, wireless if possible. I do have 3 phase power, but don't have a particular affinity towards using single or 3 phase unless one or the other has an advantage. I'm intrigued by the HTP offerings. The 313 looks to be fairly comparable to anything else I'd look at, for a pretty decent price. The new 301 looks like a screaming deal, especially at the current intro price. From what I can see, the two are comparable, with the only difference being the lack of the 3 phase option, which means limiting the duty cycle to the lower range, which doesn't bother me at all. I primarily work with .090 - .125" aluminum, with just minor forays into thicker stuff. The little Ta-185 has kept up fairly well as long as I could supplement with Helium. When I lived in N. Ga, I could easily get a 50/50 Ar/He mix, which it did well with. After recently moving to the Gulf coast, all I could get was 75/25, and that definitely made a noticeable difference. Now that it's getting real tough to get any helium at all, it's time to un-backburner the upgrade. Anyone have any thoughts on the 301? Is HTP trusted well enough to trust a preorder machine to have the kinks worked out? Anyone own a 313? What about thoughts on HTPs (actually SSC controls) wireless pedal? I do greatly prefer the low-pro SSC pedal to the taller Miller pedal as I primarily weld standing.Who is John Galt?
Reply:Here is my opinion based strictly on my experience with certain machines. I have a dynasty 280. It is an excellent machine. I have welded on ESAB Tig machines, also excellent. I never have used the HTP 313 but have used the 221 which in my opinion is excellent which is why I am also considering the HTP 301. In my opinion there is absolutely nothing better in the price range then an HTP 301.
Reply:I haven't used one, but I believe HTP is certainly trustworthy enough to preorder if that's the machine you really want. The only concern I would have with HTP machines is that you probably lose the ability to get a loaner unit from a local shop if yours goes down. If I was running a commercial shop I'd be inclined to buy from a local shop for just that reason. Maybe that's not a concern if you keep your old machine as a backup....just a thought.Check out my bench vise website: http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Just curious but two questions: First why 300 amps? Seems very specific, and really not required for .090 - .125" aluminum. I mean a 200 amp TIG with enough duty cycle will handle that without helium, no sweat. Second why TIG? You don't see a lot of medium or high volume production aluminum work done with TIG. At least I haven't seen it when looking at trucks, trailers, boats, etc. What are you building, and at what volume? (if you don't mind me asking).Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:
Originally Posted by Louie1961
Just curious but two questions: First why 300 amps? Seems very specific, and really not required for .090 - .125" aluminum. I mean a 200 amp TIG with enough duty cycle will handle that without helium, no sweat. Second why TIG? You don't see a lot of medium or high volume production aluminum work done with TIG. At least I haven't seen it when looking at trucks, trailers, boats, etc. What are you building, and at what volume? (if you don't mind me asking).
Reply:Thanks for that. Makes sense. I don't own an HTP as it really doesn't make sense for me to have an AC/DC TIG (I actually sold my Syncrowave 250 last year), but I welded with one of the 221 units, and I liked it. I have yet to see anyone have any kind of a gripe with them. I have bought lots of stuff from HTP and their customer service is second to none. In your situation I would probably pony up for the 313 model and go 3 phase to get the 300 amps at 80% duty cycle.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I think Oscar is the man to askHe is the resident HTP expertLike Louie saidThe HTP 221 really cant be beatI havent had any problems with mineI dont think many people have. If you can swing it I would go HTP all the way.Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221 True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:If it's anything like my Invertig 400, then it will kick a##. I don't think anyone has one yet since it is pre-order at the moment, but based on the spec's it looks good. txrpls and ToolFanGeoff both have a 313 on 1-Φ. ToolFanGeoff posted up his review of the 313 sometime back. Had good things to say about it. They can chime in or you can ask them what they think about their 313, since it's probably closer to the 301 than my 400 is. I tried the wireless pedal but I sent it back. It works just fine; I sent it back because solely because I prefer to use my TIG Button as opposed to a pedal in general. I think txrpls has the wireless pedal but I'm not sure.
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Reply:I have the HTP 313, and I am very pleased with it. I went from a AHP 201 to the HTP. The AHP was a good machine, but did not have enough power for 3/16" to 1/4" aluminum projects I was working on. I tried helium and preheating. Both worked to some degree, but I really wanted a machine with more punch. The HTP gave me a LOT more power. I will admit I use it for my personal projects in my garage and tiny ranch. Because I don't have access to 3 phase, if I did it again, I would probably buy the 301. All in all, the HTP has treated me very well, I am impressed. It has the "quality feel".GeoffLast edited by ToolFanGeoff; 4 Weeks Ago at 08:13 PM.Reason: spelling
Reply:You have to remember Esab uses Lorch, and Stel to supply there machines..(HTP is Stel) My friend has the 281 model with 250 amps, 100% duty-cycle.. (Stel) And likes it a lot,, Still prefers his Sanrex 300 overall.. Just won't keep up pushing like the Stel at full output/ long welding times..I like the Lorch Esab, only because it's as close to a Sanrex as you are going to get,,, (IMO) Great machine, but limited to 3 phase when you need 300 amps.It also cost a lot more than a Made in Italy unit..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyEsab CV353Thermal LM-200/ Lincoln feedersThermal 60i- 3phase Pak 50Thermal 35CThermal 15cINE 1500 Klutch 220iBlue Demon/140 msi/90sti
Reply:
Originally Posted by Brand X
You have to remember Esab uses Lorch, and Stel to supply there machines..(HTP is Stel)
Reply:
Originally Posted by Munkul
Lorch is coming to the end of the agreement with Esab, according to the guys at Lorch UK. They still have a few machines made by WTL.I've never seen any Esab machine made by Stel, ever... can you expand on this?
Reply:Just ordered the 301. Should be shipping next week.Since I've got water coolers already, I called to see if I can buy the air cooled package, but substitute for a water cooled torch. Not a problem at all, apparently I'm not the first person who's asked. $50 bucks more than the 12.5' air cooled price to get a 25' water cooled torch substituted. Also, I had them quote the machine with the wireless pedal, but it turns out they were going to be out of stock on them at the time the machine ships. I got to looking, and the quoted cost for the machine + just wireless pedal is the same as buying the two separately, but if you buy just the machine, it comes with a standard pedal. So pro tip, buy just the machine first, then go back and buy the wireless pedal, and you'll end up with the spare wired pedal at no extra cost (at least with current preorder pricing).Who is John Galt?
Reply:Nice to see HTP (Stel) offering USA units in the range above the 221's. Never welded with one, but I have never read anything bad about any of their machines.If I didn't get a killer deal on a Esab 301i made by Lorch (thanks Brand X for the heads up), I probably would have seriously considered an HTP (Stel).The Esab is a great unit, plenty of power and duty cycle. I run it on 3phase, I suppose for efficiency but don't know if it would make any difference. I have gone portable with it on single phase a few times, no problem. It's light enough (36lbs) for an old buzzard like me.Ernie F.
Reply:
Originally Posted by bassboy1
Just ordered the 301. Should be shipping next week.Since I've got water coolers already, I called to see if I can buy the air cooled package, but substitute for a water cooled torch. Not a problem at all, apparently I'm not the first person who's asked. $50 bucks more than the 12.5' air cooled price to get a 25' water cooled torch substituted. Also, I had them quote the machine with the wireless pedal, but it turns out they were going to be out of stock on them at the time the machine ships. I got to looking, and the quoted cost for the machine + just wireless pedal is the same as buying the two separately, but if you buy just the machine, it comes with a standard pedal. So pro tip, buy just the machine first, then go back and buy the wireless pedal, and you'll end up with the spare wired pedal at no extra cost (at least with current preorder pricing).
Reply:
Originally Posted by bassboy1
Just ordered the 301. Should be shipping next week.Since I've got water coolers already, I called to see if I can buy the air cooled package, but substitute for a water cooled torch. Not a problem at all, apparently I'm not the first person who's asked. $50 bucks more than the 12.5' air cooled price to get a 25' water cooled torch substituted. Also, I had them quote the machine with the wireless pedal, but it turns out they were going to be out of stock on them at the time the machine ships. I got to looking, and the quoted cost for the machine + just wireless pedal is the same as buying the two separately, but if you buy just the machine, it comes with a standard pedal. So pro tip, buy just the machine first, then go back and buy the wireless pedal, and you'll end up with the spare wired pedal at no extra cost (at least with current preorder pricing).
Reply:
Originally Posted by Munkul
Lorch is coming to the end of the agreement with Esab, according to the guys at Lorch UK. They still have a few machines made by WTL.I've never seen any Esab machine made by Stel, ever... can you expand on this?
Reply:
Originally Posted by Brand X
People in England never got the line of machines USA did. The Stel is the 381i and larger are 3 phase only units.. Made in Italy ...https://www.machinetools.com/en/mode...1i-ac-slash-dc
Reply:
Originally Posted by Munkul
Ah, fair enough! Yeah I've never seen one of those before.Esab are masters of buying in power sources and putting their own controls/paint on, it seems.
Reply:I had a HTP TIG 201 for 11 years, currently have a 221 and I have been happy with both. The 201 lost it's HF in 2020 and I couldn't get a replacement/rebuilt control board. It still works in the lift-off mode. The 221 continues to work flawlessly. It's nice to be able to call with a problem and have a human answer. I have heard but have not confirmed that all the major manufacturers have issues with replacement/repair on older systems.
Reply:I'd throw Fronius into the ring for consideration as well. We've got a MagicWave 4000 job and 3000 comfort running production aluminum welding (both AC and DC) and I'd put them above a Dynasty in terms of reliability. All of our Millers have had issues over the years and have been slowly replaced by Fronius machines. We also had a harder time keeping our Dynasty units calibrated. The user interface on the 3000 comfort is also miles ahead of a dynasty or the standard magicwave when it comes to changing advanced settings like AC freq, waveshape, etc. Everything is in plain text instead of a seven-segment code. The new iWave series is pretty interesting as well. I haven't had the full rundown but it looks like they put the AC TIG capability into their TPSi MIG/MAG power source. You can start out with a 300A AC TIG power source and then add a wire feeder to get full pulsed GMAW at a later date if you want. I haven't seen pricing yet, but the iWave is supposed to be the replacement for the MagicWave series so I'd imagine that pricing is in the same range. Last time I had the water cooled MW3000 quoted it was about $1.5k less than the Dynasty 280 watercooled package.
Reply:
Originally Posted by N55_6MT
I'd throw Fronius into the ring for consideration as well. We've got a MagicWave 4000 job and 3000 comfort running production aluminum welding (both AC and DC) and I'd put them above a Dynasty in terms of reliability. All of our Millers have had issues over the years and have been slowly replaced by Fronius machines. We also had a harder time keeping our Dynasty units calibrated. The user interface on the 3000 comfort is also miles ahead of a dynasty or the standard magicwave when it comes to changing advanced settings like AC freq, waveshape, etc. Everything is in plain text instead of a seven-segment code. The new iWave series is pretty interesting as well. I haven't had the full rundown but it looks like they put the AC TIG capability into their TPSi MIG/MAG power source. You can start out with a 300A AC TIG power source and then add a wire feeder to get full pulsed GMAW at a later date if you want. I haven't seen pricing yet, but the iWave is supposed to be the replacement for the MagicWave series so I'd imagine that pricing is in the same range. Last time I had the water cooled MW3000 quoted it was about $1.5k less than the Dynasty 280 watercooled package. |
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发表于 2022-5-19 11:02:23