Tig welder choice

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I've been looking for a tig welder for the last few months, and have had a hard time finding something that i want. I was just going to shell out the cash and buy a new Diversion 180, but there is a Lincoln Precision tig 185 for sale for 1200 (with cart, bottle, rod etc...). I mostly weld motorcycle and bicycle stuff (thinner, nothing thicker than 1/4"). The pulse feature might be nice on super thin bicycle tubing (.8mm). I want an ac/dc unit so I can do aluminum if i need to. I'll have to run the 220 volt plug through an extension cord and off of an oven outlet with a nema 10-50 outlet (the type with two angled top prongs and one center prong). I'm not sure if I can adapt a 10-50 outlet to a 6-50 welder plug?I'm also wondering if the precision tig is going to cost a lot more in regards to the power bill being a transformer base machine versus the diversion inverter machine.Anyone have any thoughts? I would really appreciate it. I gotta get back to the precision tig guy soon or it could be gone.
Reply:I have a Lincoln Pres 185 and like it. I paid $1000 with all the extras including the cart upgrade. bottle, jackson auto change helmet, and a bunch of tungsten and filler rod. I got it about 6 months ago. You dont show where you are but here in AZ they dont go for much more that that. I don't weld any Aluminum over 1/4 inch and steel I can weld 22 guage using the pulse if I am careful,. I found it works really well for me on tubing and such. I don't move the machine so mine is hard wired into the box on 60 amp breakers. I would think $1200 would be the very top of the scale for a used machine, but....depends on what a person wants I guess.Last edited by Rolland; 10-31-2011 at 02:09 AM.Reason: add information
Reply:I live in Portland Oregon. ac/dc tig machines are hard to find here, or seem to be. Craigslist is pretty dry, there was a TA185 for sale for 1200, but it was gone in about an hour, so I unfortunately missed that. I think I'm just gonna go for it. The power situation is gonna be a challenge, but I'll make it happen somehow. Most my stuff is lighter duty so I'm too worried about blowing breakers.
Reply:Forgot to mention this, old age I guess. I had to replace the torch and power cord, the lincoln torch has copper threads and the previous owner had cross threaded the collet, and the braided cord had leaks and would cross fire if you let it touch metal or cross its self. You might want to inspect these items real close. I replaced it with Weldcraft 17F torch it has brass threads and is a little higher quality and rubber power cord I also added a cord cover protect the whole thing. buying used is a learning experience
Reply:Buy the Diversion 180 and be done with it. The duty is low, but the quality of weld is high. Your power consumption will be low too. And it can plug into 115 volts for thin steel or alum. It is very, very, easy to learn, as it only has STEEL/ALUM, and thickness settings. Everything else is programmed synergically for you.Sure, it can't do stick, but you can buy a Harbor Freight box for that.I think if you buy a used Linclone, it will be a pig in a poke. It probably won't have the 3 year warranty.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:The Diversion is a neat little machine, that's for sure.  I almost bought one.  In this case I'd go with the PTig185 if it was in good shape.  Some advantages are a bit wider range though if you are starting that won't be an issue.  The PT185 duty cycle is better, 100% @ 90 amps vs 100% at 60 amps for the Diversion.  It's easier to integrate a cooler on the Lincoln as well as use different torches if need be.   I like the pedal connector on the Lincoln better, it's a bit more robust.  Power consumption in a hobby/garage shop environment will be negligible for either machine.  Power costs start to add up for productions shops but in your garage it's not really going to matter.  By the time you get a bottle of gas, some torch parts and filler the price difference is going to be $800 or so.  With a new machine you do get a warranty and there is something to be said for that.
Reply:i like my thermal arc 185tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:I'd go for the precision tig. diversions are alright but really limited for the price compared to what you can get used.
Reply:As much as I love miller, I just can't see owning a TIG that can't stick.My name's not Jim....
Reply:For half the price I would go with the lincoln.   for what u want to weld you won't have issues with the power from a range or dryer.     if the price was the same I think the Inverter and ability to run off 110vac would suit you great for the apps you want it for.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250