Which inverter to get?

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We have a Thermal Arc 190S at work that we use on 120v only. We have had this machine the whole time I have worked here, 15 yrs. The problem is that it constantly trips the breaker, even if only set to 55 amps. 99% of the time is SMAW, using 3/32" 6010. The power choices I have readily available everywhere are 120v and 480v 3ph. We are looking into replacing with another inverter, preference is Miller, and I do not know enough about inverter welders to make an educated opinion as I have always used transformer type machines. The expectations of this welder are to be able to run up to 90 amps, DC current only is ok, and high freq is not required. My preference is to stay with 120v if possible, but I am flexible on this. Thanks for any advice!
Reply:I really like the millers! Don't get the digital make sure to get the analog. I use it 40+ hours a week.
Reply:The Thermal-arc 161s is about as good as it gets using 120 volt input. Never snapped a 20 amp breaker using at it's max 110 output on 120 volt.. PFC really work much better then the older Sanrex Japan made units. Those were 85 amps output max on 120 volt input.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:You would have a lot more options from your machine if you found a used XMT 304 or something similar and ran it off of your 480V. I only mention this because you say you're flexible on voltage input.  Unlimited duty cycle, no more worry about breakers, etc.  The CC/CV version of these can be found used at around $1200 in my area.  Less for the CC only which would still run the process you're wanting to use.The downside is portability - it's more of a horse to move around than those little 110V units.  I don't know if this matters in your situation.  Also more expensive, but you didn't specify a price range.
Reply:THE Miller CC stick machine is a Miller Maxstar. Adjustable Dig function, runs on 120 or three phase, with no adjustment, and cost about half the price of a XMT.  Don't be put off by duty cycles, we have one at work that is 6 years old, and runs pegged out 160amps all the time, guy did a 22 foot seam almost non-stop.
Reply:Originally Posted by DavidbrownTHE Miller CC stick machine is a Miller Maxstar. Adjustable Dig function, runs on 120 or three phase, with no adjustment, and cost about half the price of a XMT.  Don't be put off by duty cycles, we have one at work that is 6 years old, and runs pegged out 160amps all the time, guy did a 22 foot seam almost non-stop.
Reply:He said 6010.  Maxstars are said to have trouble running 6010.  I can't say one way or another on that, but I love my Maxstar.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmHe said 6010.  Maxstars are said to have trouble running 6010.
Reply:Originally Posted by morgaj1I agree.  I have the Thermal Arc 161S and it will not run 6010.  I don't know of any small inverter that will run 6010.  May have to run 6011 if this is the class of machine you need.
Reply:We got a quote on the Maxstar 150 package and will probably be ordering this week. This with our new Hypertherm powermax 30 will be sweet for going around the plant. Our trailblazer might not get fired up for a long time now, and temporarying 3 phase up to the other machines will be a thing of the past, I hope. Thanks for all the help, as usual!
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmHe said 6010.  Maxstars are said to have trouble running 6010.  I can't say one way or another on that, but I love my Maxstar.
Reply:My dynasty 200 runs 6010 very well.  Uses single or three phase anywhere from 120 to 460 volts.  Probably a lot more price tag than you want if you don't need AC/DC tig.For stick only I'd probably get the Maxstar 200.  Also uses single or three phase with voltage anywhere from 120 to 460V.  The downside is the price is almost double the maxstar 150.The 150 amp limit on the maxstar150 seems a little light to meDynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:I own a Maxstar 150STL I haunt heard a bad thing about them everyone I know who has one loves it mine is an old model from 03 still welds like new it doses't like 6010 but will melt 6011 and 7018 all day. The thing that I find crazy is that little machine has no problem running.odd types of rod like stainless or rod for high heat and cold or even rod for tool steel and hardened steel. Only thing I haunt run with mine is hard surface rod.
Reply:Originally Posted by morgaj1I agree.  I have the Thermal Arc 161S and it will not run 6010.  I don't know of any small inverter that will run 6010.  May have to run 6011 if this is the class of machine you need.
Reply:Originally Posted by rancher76We have a Thermal Arc 190S at work that we use on 120v only. We have had this machine the whole time I have worked here, 15 yrs. The problem is that it constantly trips the breaker, even if only set to 55 amps. 99% of the time is SMAW, using 3/32" 6010. The power choices I have readily available everywhere are 120v and 480v 3ph. We are looking into replacing with another inverter, preference is Miller, and I do not know enough about inverter welders to make an educated opinion as I have always used transformer type machines. The expectations of this welder are to be able to run up to 90 amps, DC current only is ok, and high freq is not required. My preference is to stay with 120v if possible, but I am flexible on this. Thanks for any advice!
Reply:Originally Posted by fran...k.Is the above on a 15 or 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wires between the plug and the panel?  I think that if you complain about blowing the breaker  you ought to have a dedicated line of the max size in the instruction manual.  Just to clarify how much of the issue is the welder.  Pretty sure the cst 280 or it's predecessor would work on the three phase.fran
Reply:It will be intresting to see if you can get more capability out of the same outlet with the new machine.  I looked at the specs and one line was calling for 34.1 input amps on 115 volts.
Reply:Just wanted to give an update. I have ran about 5 pounds of both 3/32" 6010 and 7018 in the last couple weeks, this thing is awesome.  I have ran on both 120v and 277v 3 ph. (I unplugged a light fixture for that one). Haven't TIG'ed with it yet, but I have no doubts about it. Highly recommend based on my use so far.
Reply:Originally Posted by fran...k.It will be intresting to see if you can get more capability out of the same outlet with the new machine.  I looked at the specs and one line was calling for 34.1 input amps on 115 volts.
Reply:Originally Posted by 70ChallengerI'm just wondering which machine your looking at for that amperage at that current?