Am I making the right move? (Syncrowave 210 TIG/MIG)

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Hello all.I'm somewhat new to welding.  I've owned a Millermatic 211 for a few years now and am looking to branch out into the TIG world.  My plan is to buy a Syncrowave 210 (TIG/MIG Combo version [#951616]) and sell off the Millermatic 211 to help offset the cost.  The thought is that I would have a capable TIG machine and still retain the MIG option.  I looked into the Multimatic 200 but its only DC and I plan to TIG aluminum.I mostly just mess around in my home shop building and fabricating things, doing repairs, etc.If feasible, I plan to stay blue as I'm the brand loyal type.So, am I making the right move with the Syncrowave 210?Thanks in advance,Chris
Reply:I wanted a Syncrowave but I don't like the idea of having only a spool gun to do mig.
Reply:Originally Posted by EvilBunnyI don't like the idea of having only a spool gun to do mig.
Reply:Originally Posted by Chief ChrisYeah.  That kinda bothers me a bit too but half the time I'll be working on aluminum so would need a spool gun anyway.  Also, if I get good enough with TIG, I'll likely use the MIG less and less (I think?).
Reply:Do yourself a favor and keep the MIG machine. You'll be kicking yourself bad if you get rid of it. Not having a wire welder around when you need it sucks big time. Sure, you may have to save for a bit to get the new machine, but selling the only bread and butter welder you have to do it will be a mistake.At least if you use it often. And yes, welding with solid steel wire thru a spool gun really does suck.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:I would keep the 211 and invest in a used Syncrowave. The used machine will not be an inverter, but it will TIG weld the snot out of most anything. you can at times find used syncrowaves for a song and a dance if you look around hard enough. You won't get enough out of the 211 I suspect. Especially with the new model on the market.Last edited by Louie1961; 11-24-2015 at 08:13 AM.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I've looked at the Syncrowave 210 myself and was wondering if the Suitcase wirefeeders could be used in lieu of a spool gun?Though looking at costs. the Suitcase Extreme is $2500 and a MM252 is about the same money... And I'd rather just have the second welder...Last edited by tigerstripe40; 11-24-2015 at 03:04 PM.James AHP 200X TIGMillerMatic 175DaytonaMIG 135Chinese O/A
Reply:...another option I'm considering is keeping the MM211 for mig and getting a Diversion 180 for tig.Would that be a better option than getting rid of the MM211 and covering both basis with the Syncrowave 210?
Reply:Originally Posted by Chief Chris...another option I'm considering is keeping the MM211 for mig and getting a Diversion 180 for tig.Would that be a better option than getting rid of the MM211 and covering both basis with the Syncrowave 210?
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961I would keep the 211 and invest in a used Syncrowave. The used machine will not be an inverter, but it will TIG weld the snot out of most anything. you can at times find used syncrowaves for a song and a dance if you look around hard enough. You won't get enough out of the 211 I suspect. Especially with the new model on the market.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI agree with getting used!
Reply:I'm an amateur, but like Tim Taylor of Television, I like good tools. Multi purpose tools always seem to be lacking something. My Millermatic 252 comes close to being the perfect MIG machine, My Dynasty 280DX comes close to perfection as a TIG machine, and it's a Hell of a stick welder. Trailblazer is a sweet engine machine. Lincoln SA200 is wonderful as a stick machine. Nobody ever brags about the performance of their multi purpose machine, only cost of one make do machine, instead of several. A multi purpose welder is the Two pound Boy Scout Knife I once had. It looked like it'd do everything, but anything I tried to do bent the blade.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by Chief Chris...another option I'm considering is keeping the MM211 for mig and getting a Diversion 180 for tig.Would that be a better option than getting rid of the MM211 and covering both basis with the Syncrowave 210?
Reply:Look at a used Lincoln presicion tig 225 or 250, 275 great machines, if you can find a little use synchro 250 and have the power to run it it should be ok, that goes for any 250 amp machine need at least 50a but can't stand on it if I remember they need 80a circuit  ran a lincoln pt225 on a 30a and it was fine within duty cycle 40a would be preferred
Reply:Originally Posted by Chief ChrisWhere does one look for a used Syncrowave 210?.  I've been checking craigslist and eBay for a few weeks now with no luck.Is craigslist my best bet?
Reply:yeah, a nice syncrowave 200, 250 or even a 300 if you have the space. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love my used syncrowave.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749That's such a new machine, it's quite doubtful you're going to find one used.I think ppl are referring to an older model S'Wave.
Reply:Yea, that's the best way to go for most of us. You can get into some real nice stuff used if you shop around.I've bought five brand new machines, all have served me well, but most everything I've ever owned has been used.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948