Looking for a good portable TIG machine...

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I wondering what you guys think as far as a good suitcase TIG machine.  I have a Miller Big 40 on the truck.  It doesn't have a 14 point plug but I can get one put on if need be.  I like the idea of 110 current to tackle jobs too far from the truck's power source.  The Big 40 is only a DC machine.  A TIG machine that can also weld aluminum would be a plus.  So, if anyone has any ideas I would certainly appreciate it.  Thanks.
Reply:Hmm.  Well, if you NEED AC then a high freq box is out of the question.  But let me tell you, they are very slick and a hell of a deal.I really like my ThermalArc 190GTS P-Wee.  190 amps but also DC only.  The thing is 1 foot by 10 inches by 6 inches (approx).  Slop/high freq/lift arc/pulse/post flow/dig etc...  But once again, DC only.The ThermalArc 185 (TSW?) I think is the model number does AC/DC and is fairly small and packs a punch.  According to David R you may be limited on aluminum once you get to about 1/4" but most aluminum repairs aren't that thick in my experience and if it gets thicker you can just use DCEP with a High Freq box (I believe it's DCEP) and weld the thick aluminum just fine.
Reply:I have the Lincoln Invertec 205. It delivers 200amps from a 30A input of 220v, single phase. It only weighs about 40lb. It is truly portable, and will run on 110 or 220V. It is not a "cheap" welder.... it cost a couple thousand dollars. But for portable, with aluminum, and pulse on tap, this is about the top of the heap.I believe the TA 185 is very similar, maybe an HTP unit also. One thing I do know, the Miller Dynasty 200 will only deliver 200A from a 3phase input, so the Lincoln has it beat there on output.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Miller Maxstar150 is a great machine if you can forgo AC. Runs well on 120 or 240, weighs next to nothing (less than 15lbs).AC welding makes it real tough to find a machine to run off 120V
Reply:Thank you everyone for your thoughts.  Take care.  --Tye
Reply:Originally Posted by Rojodiablo One thing I do know, the Miller Dynasty 200 will only deliver 200A from a 3phase input, so the Lincoln has it beat there on output.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloI have the Lincoln Invertec 205. It delivers 200amps from a 30A input of 220v, single phase. It only weighs about 40lb. It is truly portable, and will run on 110 or 220V. It is not a "cheap" welder.... it cost a couple thousand dollars. But for portable, with aluminum, and pulse on tap, this is about the top of the heap.I believe the TA 185 is very similar, maybe an HTP unit also. One thing I do know, the Miller Dynasty 200 will only deliver 200A from a 3phase input, so the Lincoln has it beat there on output.
Reply:Originally Posted by ChamferTrodeyou don't know much, the Dynasty will output 200A on single phase. runs on voltages between 100 and 500 single and three phase. and has several other features which make the Lincoln look pathetic.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloThat is what I thought, but if you look at the Miller website, and read the specs on the dynasty 200 it says it right there.  I was talking about it with ZTFab, and he was the one who pointed it out to me. Go to Millerwelds.com, and look up the spec sheet for the dynasty. I am only stating what the manufacturer posted on their spec sheet for the machine. For 220v, single phase, output-150a. 3 phase, 220v output-200A.
Reply:Yes, the Dynasty puts out 200a on 220v single phase.   3-phase only adds more voltage.  The spec sheet online is misleading. The specs in the manual are different.Last edited by TSOR; 08-08-2007 at 11:22 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by TSORYes, the Dynasty puts out 200a on 220v single phase.   3-phase only adds more voltage.  The spec sheet online is misleading. The specs in the manual are different.
Reply:Rojodiablo, that is at 60% duty cycle.  And it's 17v/150a btw.     The 16v/150a is when on 3-phase.  Don't as me why.At 200amps on single phase it goes down to 20% duty cycle but it can do it.
Reply:I've personally seen a Dynasty 200DX make 160+ amps on 115v and it still hadn't popped the breaker.While not entirely portable, if you want to do aluminum your money would be best spent on a machine that can do 200+ amps.  1/4 inch aluminum is enough to make a 200 amp machine work hard.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 08-09-2007 at 12:56 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloI'd re-read my manual guys. Not to start stuff up, but Miller's tech I talked to today stated it clearly to me: 16V@150A for 220 single phase power input. 200A @18V on 220 3phase. It is also in the manual. Right from Jesse's mouth today while checking on a spoolgun for my 175. Not saying it's got any problems, I think its' a great machine. Just stating the fact.
Reply:Yup.  The website can be misleading because they want to show off a higher duty cycle.