Which Maxstar 200?

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I'm trying to decide which maxstar 200 to purchase.  I was just going to purchase the STL. However I really want to learn to tig.  I know tig can be done with the STL however I was wandering if the extra cost of the SD with the built in gas valve and HF start would be worth it in the long run?  I'm taking an intro to tig class next month.Miller Maxstar 200 strMontgomery Ward 250 AC/DC
Reply:I thought the 200 series was either an SD or a DX. One having pulse and the other not. The 150 series has the S, STL, STH, and one other I think. S is stick only and also crude scratch start tig. STL is Stick, and Lift start tig (my personal field rig as of right now) and the STH which is stick, and High frequency start TIG. I looked up a 200 STL on Google with no results. Try looking at Miller's website and comparing models. If you are worried about the lift start TIG, don't. it's actually a really nice way to do things. no scratching that destroys tungsten, and the miller inverters have a really, really nice stable arc.
Reply:If you really want to do tig and stick go for the NEW MILLER 210 syncro if you have the funds and space. Now you really have a tig machine with stick option. Weldermike has a posting on it. It is also a110 / 220 volt machine.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00488http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ve-210-round-2
Reply:Maxstar 200 STR is the base machine it will do stick and tig has no bells or whistles. No gas valve and only lift arc tig. The SD model is the next step up has a gas valve, lift arc and hf start and a few other options. The DX has pulse options and a few more. The maxstar models will be a lot more portable then the syncro 210. IMHO
Reply:Originally Posted by leightrepairsMaxstar 200 STR is the base machine it will do stick and tig has no bells or whistles. No gas valve and only lift arc tig. The SD model is the next step up has a gas valve, lift arc and hf start and a few other options. The DX has pulse options and a few more. The maxstar models will be a lot more portable then the syncro 210. IMHO
Reply:The STR model use a 6 pin remote where the SD uses the standard 14 pin The SD has digital display. For the 400 dollar price difference i would get the SD model. But both are nice machines.
Reply:http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC29-5.pdf Take a look here Showdog
Reply:Your correct. The str isn't even listed with the tig machines on miller's website.  I'd simply forget the str and at least opt for the sd but for a few more dollars do yourself a favor and get the dx. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M08950Last edited by Showdog75; 09-08-2013 at 09:31 AM.
Reply:I am not sure why they list the STR like that. The only reason I knew it was a salesman tried real hard to sell me the STR.
Reply:I say splurge on the 200 SD or DX, the 150 is limited on amps. I have the SD I found it used on craigslist for $700 bucks with tig torch ground and stinger. I love my SD I don't really need pulse so its whatever.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Sory I got confused I me the Maxstar STR vs the SD.  I was originally looking into the Maxstar 150 as a portiable stick machine but got hooked on the Maxstar 200. Originally for stick only.  But I'm taking this tig class.  So I think I'm going to wait till I take the class and see what I think about tig then decide.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooSory I got confused I me the Maxstar STR vs the SD.  I was originally looking into the Maxstar 150 as a portiable stick machine but got hooked on the Maxstar 200. Originally for stick only.  But I'm taking this tig class.  So I think I'm going to wait till I take the class and see what I think about tig then decide.
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugIf you want portable the 150 is great. I'm sure the 200 is a better stick welder but the 150 burns 7018 better than most other machines I have used. Only problem I have had with my 150STL is that it likes to stick the rod when striking an arc. After you get it started there is little/no spatter. If you need to be able to burn 6010 or 5/32" 7018 get the 200, if not the 150 should be fine. I have some 6010 that runs good with the 150 but it only likes the 1/8", 3/32" won't stay lit long. Most recommend 6011 vs 6010 because it will stay lit better with the 150.  I don't think you can go wrong with either machine but for myself the 150STL is perfect.
Reply:The miller will be better than the buzz box, you won't want to use the buzz box again. I was able to burn 3/32" 7018 with 110v 20amp so 3/32" 6010 should be no problem.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooI do not do code work so 6010 is not necessary.  However I have a crap load of it.  My AC/DC buzz box runs 6011 ok it's all I was using then I found a banging deal on a pile of 6010 1/8 and 3/32.  So I have a whole bunch of it left.  I'm just kinda stuck on the Maxstar 200.  I'm sure the 150 would do anything I need to.  My understanding is the output amps on 120v is perty much the same.  In the garage it will be hooked up to 240v.  But when away it's probably gonna see 120v.  But in the garage I'll probably just use the buzzbox.  Unless this miller is just so much better.   Will the 200 burn 3/32 6010 on 120v?Thanks for the replies
Reply:Where are you Zapzoo?  There's a guy on CL he who has a 200 DX with almost no time on it for 1200.  Says almost new and looks it by the pics.  I think it's a ba$tard machine though.  It's priced new only a bit less than the Dynasty but has no AC features.  The resale value is quite low on it.  Plus, what sticks will you need 200 amps for in the real world?  You need more for 3/16" 7018, and 1/8" 7018 caps out around 140.  Plus the 150 is a lot lighter and smaller than the 200.   I have a 150S and I love the damn thing.  It's my Goto machine for quick repairs.  Burns 6011 just fine.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Drf, 5/32 would run better on the 200. The 150 will burn them, just not real well.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by leightrepairsI am not sure why they list the STR like that. The only reason I knew it was a salesman tried real hard to sell me the STR.
Reply:Ya know every time I talk to people who seem like they know what they are talking about I realize I really don't need certain things.  Originally I was going to get the 150.  The got amped on a 200.  I may just get the 150.  I'm not welding for a career just for fun and to fix things.  As long as the 150 will run 1/8 inch 6011 and 7018.  Whats the duty cycle like for this machine?  Is it easy to over heat with 1/8 inch 7018 on 240v? Or is that not really a concern?  I may just go with that $850 vs $1850 is a big difference.  I can save the extra 1000 and use it towards a real tig machine if I decide I like tig.Last edited by Zapzoo; 09-09-2013 at 01:15 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooYa know every time I talk to people who seem like they know what they are talking about I realize I really don't need certain things.  Originally I was going to get the 150.  The got amped on a 200.  I may just get the 150.  I'm not welding for a career just for fun and to fix things.  As long as the 150 will run 1/8 inch 6011 and 7018.  Whats the duty cycle like for this machine?  Is it easy to over heat with 1/8 inch 7018 on 240v? Or is that not really a concern?  I may just go with that $850 vs $1850 is a big difference.  I can save the extra 1000 and use it towards a real tig machine if I decide I like tig.
Reply:30% duty cycle at 150 amps. I don't remember the 60 or 100% duty cycle. I haven't over heated it at all. Burned 15 lbs of 1/8"few lbs of 3/32"and a couple 5/32"at 150 amps.  Even ran some 1/8"7024Last edited by SquirmyPug; 09-09-2013 at 01:50 PM.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Heres the thing, if you buy a dedicated stick machine, then later buy a tig machine if you know your gonna use a tig machine just buy a tig machine that can do stick from the start so you don't end up spending more money than you needed to. All the machines under $1000 most likely wont have foot pedal capabilities. The Maxstar 150s can stick and tig but only scratch start tig, the maxstar 150 STH can scratch,stick, footpedal, with pulse features The 150STL can do everything the STH can minus the pulsing features and use a foot pedal. A ESAB Miniarclts can do lift arc tig, stick but no footpedal for around 700. Be patient and don't rush in to a machine just cause you want a machine now, you will outgrow the machine quickly. Just be patient save money and buy what you want from the start. I waited 2 1/2 years to find a maxstar 200 SD. I wanted a dynasty but I realized I could do without the pulse features, and the capability to do aluminum. Also do not rule out the option of buying used. You can find miller XMT 304 around 1000. The XMT is an awesome unit cause you can do Stick, tig(Hf,scratch,lift arc), and also MIG. Plus it is an inverter so it is not massive. Also if you have space keep an eye out for the Syncrowaves.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Originally Posted by dcoffmanjrIf you are going to TIG with it, get the maxstar 150 stl or sth. Both do TIG wonderfully, have foot pedal options, and built in gas solenoids. The L model is for lift arc and the H model is a high frequency start. But they will only do DC, so no aluminum. I use a synchro 250 at the shop and a maxstar for field install/repair. I'll be honest, I have many times at the shop that I would rather be using the little suitcase 150. I'veonly thrown a breaker at one jobsite, but that was due to some jack hole plugging in his 9" grinder to the same receptacle I was on. I've run that box full bore on 240 from a bobcat and couldn't believe how smooth the arc was! My other coworkers use them for stick and again, not a single issue. Rave reviews on them. The company I work for had about 15 to 20 of the 150's Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectricAlso do not rule out the option of buying used. You can find miller XMT 304 around 1000. The XMT is an awesome unit cause you can do Stick, tig(Hf,scratch,lift arc), and also MIG. Plus it is an inverter so it is not massive. Also if you have space keep an eye out for the Syncrowaves.
Reply:Strange that you had so many problems with the xmt, we had 8 of them with feeders and they ran solid wire and fc very well. Also had a nice arc for stick welding.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIGOriginally Posted by SquirmyPugStrange that you had so many problems with the xmt, we had 8 of them with feeders and they ran solid wire and fc very well. Also had a nice arc for stick welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooI'm trying to decide which maxstar 200 to purchase.  I was just going to purchase the STL. However I really want to learn to tig.
Reply:Zapzoo, I found a CST280 on CL. You might take a look at them. Heres the link, maybe he will ship.   http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/tls/4056999978.html Its not as portable but has 50% duty cycle at 200amps and 100% at 150 amps.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:There's a 150 for sale here for $500 in the buy and sell section.  It looks clean, but I don't know the seller and he doesn't have a ton of posts.  Likely the reason it's still sitting. XMT's don't have gas solenoids, just another point.  I don't agree with not buying this welder because a tig machine will do it all.  Even as a hobby guy, your gonna want more than one welder for different jobs.  Your dedicated tig will likely be all rigged up with leads, cooler, torches, etc...I have the option of butting the cables on my XMT and walking out to my driveway with them to weld, but I grab my Maxstar 150 everytime.  It's so damn light and easy to use.  The STL and STH models are significantly more expensive than the S model.  Your getting into the price range of a solid import ACDC machine like the TA.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:+1 on the Dynasty, if you can swing a little more money then go for it. It gets you all the bells and whistles of the maxstar plug AC and the bells and whistles that go with that. Even the SD model has more settings than most people need.
Reply:Something else to consider is the Thermal Arc 201TS.  Not fancy but it does have HF or lift start, 200A, gas and remote ports.  DC only.  $1,080.http://store.cyberweld.com/tharc201t...FYtQOgodFFYA-Q"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder