question about the maxstar 150

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Hey welders, Im looking to buy a machine that I can use to practice. I already have a Mig machine so the two areas I'm missing are stick and tig. I'm thinking about getting a TIG machine since you can easily convert those to stick. Since I would one day like to do pipewelding in the field I'm thinking about getting the maxstar 150 that comes with the stick package. Once I'm ready for TIG welding is a torch and an argon cylinder all I need to start TIG welding with this machine or is there more to it?Also how does the maxstar 91 compare? There is one locally with a full TIG setup locally for 1100. I figure I might be able to haggle it to 1000 or maybe even 900 but I dont know a whole lot about these things.  I was actually originally looking to get a eastwood unit, but a lot of people have suggested I'd get the maxstar 150 if I want to do a whole lot of welding because of the higher quality hence thats what I plan on getting. Plus I searched the eastwood welder on here and it seems like everyone is against it, and given the large investment these things require(I'm already selling several of my things), I dont want to waste money.Anyways sorry if this post sounds stupid, but I'd really appreciate any input or suggestions.Edit: One more thing I wanted to ask. I'm long ways from becoming a qualified welder, and I'm selling all my photography gear for this welder. Is this welder "good enough"? Or should I look into selling more items. I do love my motorcycle, but I can't say I havnt thought about selling that as well to get a better box with better gear. I know money does not buy skill, so at the same time I find it unnecessary and I know I'd be limiter in my welds and not the machine.
Reply:If you plan to tig weld allot with the machine I think you should step up to the Maxstar 150 STL. It lets you use a torch without a valve because there is a solenoid built into the machine, and it has lift start and a plug for a remote (foot pedal).I don't know much about the Maxstar 91, it looks to be an older machine. I would think $1000 is way too high, newer used Maxstar 150 can be found $500-1000 usually.As for "good enough", I love my Maxstar 150STL. But what exactly is good enough for you? Maxstar machines are DC only, meaning you can't weld aluminum. The 150 amp machines don't burn 6010 very well most of the time, if that's important to you then look for something else.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:6010 is used in the welding industry and most of the jobs I've seen do require it. So  you're saying I should look into 200 amp is that the problem? Would the 150 not burn the 6010 well only on 115v or on 240v as well?
Reply:the maxstar 150 is a sweet little tig box for doing light-medium duty tig-work. process piping jobs they are all you see. I also use mine for schedule 40 pipe up to say 6" then I start tigging off of an engine drive powersource. I have used them to stick-weld, but as stated, they HATE 6010 rod. something in the circuitry does not like that rod and it just snuffs out ever few seconds. they run 7018 ok I guess. and I havn't tried any other rods.if your are looking to try and use something professionally, the 200 is a much more rounded machine if you can only pick one. lugging its 40lbs or so up stairs can be a pain but it will take any stick or tig job you can dish out.neither one will show you their true colors without a 20 amp circuit to run 115v if that is your only option. any sort of 240v circuit will keep them more than happy.and your question on what it takes to tig-weld, you need the power-source, and if its a newer unit you CAN use the integrated gas valve and run a hose with dinse connector, but I prefer to keep it old school and just run regular gas hose from the bottle up to the block that connects the gas hose to the actual tig hose (power cable), and up to my torch with manual valve. that way I have interchangeability between machines, and the parts are easier to get. ntm I like the ability to have my machine, bottle, and work in all kinds of different places.buying miller's stl kit is good bang for your bucks, as everything you need is there. but if you piece something together, you are buying torch-body, power-cable, hose, collets, collet-body (or gas lens), tungsten, lead, ground-clamp, cup, and back-cap all separately and you need to make sure they will all work together, and they all add up pretty quickLast edited by 92dlxman; 05-15-2014 at 12:09 AM.bosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:Originally Posted by Med!c6010 is used in the welding industry and most of the jobs I've seen do require it. So  you're saying I should look into 200 amp is that the problem? Would the 150 not burn the 6010 well only on 115v or on 240v as well?
Reply:The Maxtstar 150 series and smaller are AMAZING maintenance welders.  But the 200 would be worth every penny extra and pound if you plan on doing any fab work.
Reply:No way in hell you should buy a Maxstar 91 for $1000.   Guys smoking crack.  I have a Maxstar 150 STL.  Also a TA161S.  I find little to no difference in the arc. Consider a TA161 or an ESAB 161.  The price is better, some models have lift arc and some remote amperage.  The quality is there, but the customer service of Miller can't be beat, ever.  If you're gonna be doing Commercial welding, consider a CST280.  There's one for sale in the buy and sell section of this forum.  They are really really tough machines, no gas solenoid, have lift arc, can take a standard miller pedal and burn 6010.  280 amp output on three phase, 200 on single phase.  Great duty cycle, 240/460V only.
Reply:I have a 150sth with the case & all of the goodies + a pedal.  It's about 2 years old.It's a nice little machine, it runs 7014, & 7018 great.I just tried 6011 on it the other day & it actually did ok.It Tigs really well (much like a dynasty on DC). and even has a pulsar if you are into that sort of thing.I think it's a very good first machine, you won't be disappointed.It also runs fine from my ranger 250 gxt if you need to run it remotely.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Honestly one of my limitations is power. I was going to run a long extension chord from the washing machine socket to the welder. Of course I'd get one that could handle the current. And I'm not sure if I want to get a machine to do jobs or something like that. Atleast not quite yet. I've been thinking since stick will be the main focus, it might not be a bad idea to get a buzz box or whatever they are called. that way I can reliably burn 6010 and get lots of practice with stick and put TIg under the carpet for now, or maybe get a cheap chinese TIG welder like the eastwood to fiddle around with on the side.
Reply:Originally Posted by Med!cHonestly one of my limitations is power. I was going to run a long extension chord from the washing machine socket to the welder. Of course I'd get one that could handle the current. And I'm not sure if I want to get a machine to do jobs or something like that. Atleast not quite yet. I've been thinking since stick will be the main focus, it might not be a bad idea to get a buzz box or whatever they are called. that way I can reliably burn 6010 and get lots of practice with stick and put TIg under the carpet for now, or maybe get a cheap chinese TIG welder like the eastwood to fiddle around with on the side.
Reply:I plan on going into the pipe  field hence 6010 is important to me.
Reply:I have a maxstar 150s and now have a used lincoln invertec v250-s. The invertec is a much better stick welder. Burns any type rod and duty cycle is awesome too.I welded with it for about 12 hrs over a couple days with sizes up to 3/16" and decided the maxstar has no chance.Oh, maxstar isn't even close with 6010 in my opinion - wasn't designed for it.Edit: probably doesn't sound like it, but I still like the little maxstar anyway Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 05-15-2014 at 10:07 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Question for you guys. When you go to do the test for whatever certification, do you bring your own machine or do they provide one? And are their machines high end machines?
Reply:depends, in my experience, (only two companies) they usually have something you can use. of course the last test was with my machine, because I like it more than what they had bosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:I have a maxstar 91. Good little machine, but $1100 is waaaay too much. I got mine for $400 with the tig set up.  I have recently been using it to weld 3/16" and 1/4" plate with 3/32 7018. And that's with a 100' extension cord! That being said, if you go with the maxstar 150, get the sth model with the pulser features. Avoid the 150s if you want to do tig. Invertecs are good too, but I haven't used them nearly as much. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe offer correct, cheap and fast. Pick two.Weldanpower G800XMT 304Syncrowave 250Millermatic 135Maxstar 91Heliwelder 4A/DDR 224/HPA/BHFT Plasma