Diversion 180 or Precision 225?

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I'm a novice Tig welder, about two weeks out from finishing a 96 hour CC class.  I have learned a lot, and also realized quickly just how much I have yet to learn.  Anyway I'm looking to get a machine of my own.  I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Lincoln Precision 225 or the Miller Diversion 180.  They've got the capacity to handle the kind of things I'll be welding, and when (if) I get to the point I need more of the advanced settings of a syncro or the like I'll pony up for one of those at that time.These two units are very similar in price, but the Lincoln seems to have the edge regarding capacity.  I had sort of decided on the Miller due to some good reviews and demonstrations online, and the fact that the Miller units (dynasty 350) I've been using at school have been flawless.  However, when I talked to my instructor about it he mentioned that they both would be good choices for me, but that he has been hearing that have been numerous issues with quality control problems lately with the Diversion series.  What would you guys pick if you had to decide between these two?Last edited by Wisco; 04-21-2011 at 11:37 PM.
Reply:The Diversion 180 doesn't really stack up to the Precision Tig 225, a closer comparison would be the Miller Syncrowave 200. The Diversion units are Millers entry level machines for the guy who wants to do basic tig at home, the Diversion 180 does however operate at both 115 and 230 voltages, it is also Tig only, while the Sync 200 and Precision Tig 225 have Stick output as well. If portability is a requirement the Diversion 180 only weighs 50 lbs. You can't go wrong with either of these units, but if you can swing the extra coin, go for the Syncrowave 200 or Precision Tig 225, you won't regret it. We've sold 5 Diversion units over the last 12 months at the LWS I work at, and have yet to have one come back, but we sell more Sync 200's and Dynastys than Diversions.
Reply:well i looked at the 180 before i bought my pt225 and for the little extra price the 225 has much more to offer. since the 180 puts out 180 amps and the 225 puts out 230 amps if you want to do aluminum you will want the 50 extra amps plus you have pulse and other features the 180 doesn't have. not to mention what was already mentioned it is a nice little stick welder to. not a real selling point but if you are like me the extra 110v outlet on the back is handy since most of my outlets in the shop have dedicated tools plugged into them. i have to say it would be nice if the outlets on the back were live without the welder being on. as mentioned above if you need portability the PT is not so easy to carry lol.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by ss42768The Diversion 180 doesn't really stack up to the Precision Tig 225, a closer comparison would be the Miller Syncrowave 200. The Diversion units are Millers entry level machines for the guy who wants to do basic tig at home, the Diversion 180 does however operate at both 115 and 230 voltages, it is also Tig only, while the Sync 200 and Precision Tig 225 have Stick output as well. If portability is a requirement the Diversion 180 only weighs 50 lbs. You can't go wrong with either of these units, but if you can swing the extra coin, go for the Syncrowave 200 or Precision Tig 225, you won't regret it. We've sold 5 Diversion units over the last 12 months at the LWS I work at, and have yet to have one come back, but we sell more Sync 200's and Dynastys than Diversions.
Reply:No, I'm not looking to ever use it with 110v.  However, the dedicated 230v outlet I already have in place has a 30 amp breaker, and my electrician is telling me that I cannot put a 40 amp breaker in it's place because that step up requires larger gauge internal wiring.  There is a possibility that I can move a few circuits around and create room for seperate 40 amp circuit, but it'll be expensive and may not even be possible.  That's part of the reason why I was initially drawn towards the diversion, I believe it only pulls 27 amps or so at max output.I have tried finding some amp draw numbers on the Lincoln PT225, but I'm either not seeing them or I'm not looking in the right place.  ANybody have that info?
Reply:Originally Posted by WiscoNo, I'm not looking to ever use it with 110v.  However, the dedicated 230v outlet I already have in place has a 30 amp breaker, and my electrician is telling me that I cannot put a 40 amp breaker in it's place because that step up requires larger gauge internal wiring.  There is a possibility that I can move a few circuits around and create room for seperate 40 amp circuit, but it'll be expensive and may not even be possible.  That's part of the reason why I was initially drawn towards the diversion, I believe it only pulls 27 amps or so at max output.I have tried finding some amp draw numbers on the Lincoln PT225, but I'm either not seeing them or I'm not looking in the right place.  ANybody have that info?
Reply:I would go with the pt225 over the diversion. From lincolns site, im seeing that the pt225 draws 39 amps on 230v.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Originally Posted by welderShaneI would go with the pt225 over the diversion. From lincolns site, im seeing that the pt225 draws 39 amps on 230v.
Reply:I asked Lincoln what size circuit breaker to use with my PT225 and they said,  to use it at max output, I would need a 70 amp breaker. I also calcuated max current at max output and duty cycle and concluded that #6 copper wire and a 70 amp breaker would work well.  Before you get excited about using a 70 amp breaker with #6 copper wire, the reason that it is OK is because of the limited duty cycle of the welder at higher outputs. It obviously cannot run at max output and 100% duty cycle. The NEC code, section 630, gives the figures to allow for duty cycle and what size breaker you can use for a welder. The only stipulation is that the outlet must be labeled "Welder Only". My circuit meets both Lincoln's requirement for using my welder at max output and is NEC code compliant.
Reply:Well that pretty much rules out the PT225 for me.  I have a 140 (I think) amp panel out in the garage and it's nearly maxed as-is.  Looks like the Diversion 180 only draws 25 or so at max output.The HTP 210 could be an option, but I searched it on here and some of the things guys are saying has me a little concerned.  I'd have better peice of mind going red or blue.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1That is at RATED output 90 welding ampsyer gonna need at least a 50amp CB
Reply:You might also look at the Thermal Arc TA 185. It's an inverter and draws less than the syncrowave and Lincoln IIRC. It's also got more features than the Diversion. Cost wise it's close to the Syncrowave. A lot of guys here have the TA185 and love it.Last edited by DSW; 04-22-2011 at 04:50 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYou might also look at the Thermal Arc TA 185. It's an inverter and....
Reply:I have a little smaller Tig...Lincoln Squarewave 175.  This welder will do most anything reasonable automotive wise. I even leased it to a friend for production welding  (paid for the machine !!)Our shop has several 220 1 ph circuits.  This welder takes 40 + amps at full power.  Welding 1/4 in alum will trip the 40 amp breakers so I limited to one wall of the shop.  The shop wires simply are not sized to carry a 50 amp breaker.I've questioned Lincoln several times about this and they have told me that it does indeed take 40+ amps.I really wanted to make this a portable unit and I now have a 10kw/12kw generator that will drive the welder but not for more than about 15 min at full power on aluminum.  The gen really lets you know it is working. When I first got this wwelder new I had my garage wired for a 50 amp service.  Initially they wouldn't give me a permit but since it was a dedicated box and the house had the input availabe I finally got the permit.  $200 later it was installed.  I never did trip that breaker and often welded 1/4 and 3/8 aluminum.There is no doubt that the inverter machines take less power.  They make it up in cost however.  I really would like to trade up to a machine with more control but it is just too costly to justify now.Bottom line is just get a 50 amp service for the 225.  Just installing a larger breaker won't do it and is dangerous.
Reply:Ive got a dynasty 200 and a 40a breaker and even running at full output I dont pop the breaker. The inverter machines are what your going to be looking for.