Need to Upgrade V160 T

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Here's the spec sheet:http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...roduct=K1845-1I need a machine that can do aluminum TIG.So far what i have seen is that an AC tig machine will no longer be dual voltage with out spending major bucks. ($4000)  Is this true???What I like about the V160 T:Shoe Box size, DUAL VOLTAGEGenerator compatible. I have yet to max out the duty cycle.   Intended purpose is going to be mostly hobby use. (Aluminum intake manifolds, Turbo piping. thin wall Stainless Steel, ect)  Occasional field use. Welding Angle Iron/ structural.  Any Recommendations????
Reply:If your looking to weld aluminum, the v160t is not the machine. You need a high frequency AC machine. Look at the V205T AC/DC. It will do what you want albeit at nearly double the cost. The Precision Tig 225 would be another option and would set you back about 2500 bucks. I run both of these machines and they are bullet proof.
Reply:Sorry, I just re read that post, and you are correct, a dual voltage ti for aluminum will set you back some bucks. As I mentioned the V205T will work, s well as the miller dynasty. Not sure if the Diversion 180 is dual voltage or not, but its worth looking into as its a reasonably priced machine for an inverter. Can't speak to the thermal arc 186 either.
Reply:Diversion 180 is a multi voltage machine, but on 110v power it's very limited. Don't expect to do alum more than maybe 16 ga at best on 110v power. It's also fairly limited on the top end. 1/8" would be what I'd say the max is on 230v power, and even then duty cycle will be very short. It also has some torch limitations if you want to feed it  a steady diet of 1/8" alum since you really can't easily adapt it to a water cooled torch.Dynasty 200 would be my #1 choice to cover all your requirements, but you pay to have everything on your list. Drop a few things like dual voltage or small size, and you can get a much less expensive machine..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:It looks like I may be better off keeping my L V160 and getting a specific unit for aluminum.  It's at least cheaper.   Then I can break my 110v comparable rule.   (It can't do much buts its nice to have as a backup)  The Diversions can not stick weld.   The Dynasty 200DX looks sweet.  Any recommendations on where to find a used one?  (not flea bay?)Has anyone had any issues with Miller Wireless Foot Pedals?Are Miller and lincoln consumables compatable?  (torch, pedal, connections, ect?)
Reply:No, the Lincoln foot pedal will not fit on a miller and vice versa. I think that the dinse connectors on the machines will be different as well (this is the major reason that I run 2 lincoln Tig machines). Torch consumables however are another story, where generally torch parts for one torch will fit another brand torch of the same series(17series, 26series etc etc).
Reply:Sutton Garten shows they have some used Dynasty 200 SD's in stock for a bout $2K. Looks like they may be out of Dynasty 200 DX's, but you never know. Quantity shows 1, but no price listed...http://welding.suttongarten.com/view...ing-equipment?.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:I am with dsw, the diversion is dual voltage but crappy duty cycle.You want all the bells and whistles and dual voltage the htp 221 has it. They sell it in a 230v only and a dual voltage.Want something cheaper with no options check out the Eastwood, or longevity 200sx or 160sx. That's the only ones I know of that are dual voltage.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:I may be willing to forgo 110v support.   If i can find a dynasty 200dx used I'll jump on it.     Otherwise I'm leaning towards Thermal Arc.Thermal Arc seams to be the 3rd biggest welding macine manafacturer.  Is there any reason not to go thermal arc?Also wich machines are IGBT technology?Thanks!
Reply:Aren't all inverter machines using igbt technology?Thermal arc is good. Htp is good. Longevity is good. Miller is good. They are all 'good', just depends on what you are looking for.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:I really like the accessory pack on the Thermal Arc.  How do you like your 186?  What do you use it for?I'v slowly finding used Dynastys.  But no accessories.   What would be the ultimate BUILD YOUR OWN contractor pack?    WeldTec Ball Joint Torch????
Reply:Thermal arc 186 is cool. I haven't used it much though. The torch sucks, and the fan is loud but other than that it's cool.I was looking at the htp 221 again, the dual voltage machine on 220v ONLY pulls 26 amps! I'd have to look at the 186, but I'm sure it can't beat that.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:Originally Posted by coronanI really like the accessory pack on the Thermal Arc.  How do you like your 186?  What do you use it for?I'v slowly finding used Dynastys.  But no accessories.   What would be the ultimate BUILD YOUR OWN contractor pack?    WeldTec Ball Joint Torch????