Decisions..decisions..

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Hello all,New to the board here - great site I'd have to say! I've found some pretty valuable info so far, but would like to summon the experiences on this site to help answer some questions.I'm just gettin back into welding after quite a leave. Based on what I plan to weld, I definitely want to go TIG. Lots of searching has led me initally to the either going red or blue - Syncrowave 200/Precision TIG 225 - surprise right?!Even though its a significant jump in price, I'm also looking at the 250DX/Dynasty 200DX - of course - I'd also look at the Lincoln equivalents.One gating factor for me may be my electrical service. I have 100amp main and would like to run a 240V/50amp circuit to the garage. My only large appliances are A/C and dryer - both 30amp circuits - and used rarely. Range is gas. I think I'd be OK if I purchased either the Syncro or Precision. One draws 42 amps @ rated output and the Milller, I believe is 54amps. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)Long term I can see the advantages of more arc control on the DX or Dynasty, but I think I'd be cutting it too close on power with the Syncrowave 250DX. My welding plans inlcude aluminum up to 3/16-1/4" and some very light gauge alloys, so low end performance is also key.Will I be OK powering the 250DX on the circuit I described? I can't imagine ever running at 100% of the duty cycle for a long period. Would I be better off running inot a small subpanel or disconnect to protect the main?Any advice on the installation, comments on the welders I'm looking at or overall general advice are more than welcome. Even if there are welders I should be considering. I want a safe installation, but I also know I won't be in this house long and more than likely my next move will be to a property with a minimum of greater electrical service - including a shop - so I don't want to limit myself in the capabilities of the units!Thanks all, Mike
Reply:Hello Mr Crawler;Like you I'm getting into some welding after being away from it for a long time.    Similarly I have issues with the service at my house actually it is worst in my situation as I have less than 90 amps available at the moment.    In any event I have comments below related to these issues. Originally Posted by mtncrawlerHello all,New to the board here - great site I'd have to say! I've found some pretty valuable info so far, but would like to summon the experiences on this site to help answer some questions.
Reply:If I'm reading the manual correctly the Dyn. 200 dx is rated at 20 amps/230 volts. A 30 amp fuse is recommended. I am really pleased with this unit, although welding aluminum on AC with 100% argon I'd prefer more heat to weld 1/4" material. I power it off the 230 v outlet on my trailblazer 90% of the time.I cannot easily obtain an argon/ helium mix locally, although I've seen it discussed here to be able to weld hotter.If I ever find the time I'd like to play with the waveshape & the adj. hi freq. just to see what kind of improvements can be made on the weldability of thick aluminum castings. If anyone has some custom settings for there dx, I'd love to here about them. Hope this helps, Adam
Reply:Dave  - Excellent reply! Thanks for help.I think you hit the electrical limitations on the head. I had suspected that I would would be pushing the limits of my service with the Syncro 200 - at least if I needed to really push it up above 150a for thicker aluminum. Sounds like the 250DX is out of the question, unless I do some electrical upgrades. Not sure I want to pursue that right now as near term I'll probably relocate.Which pretty much brings me either the Syncro 200/Precision TIG 225 (not pushing the upper limits of output) or the Dynasty 200DX which fits more with my electrical limitations now, but still offers more flexibility in arc control and control with thin materials. My limitation would be that of thicker aluminum.When you say "The issue is that the Dynasty 200 is out of this league if you want versatile capabilities." What do you mean by that? Out of this league..GOOD?A Dynasty 300 is really getting $$$. Not sure I want to go there, unless I found a screaming deal or a good used one.I think I've at least narrowed the focus of my search as far as type of machine. Still need to check out the differences between manufacturers in those classes of machines.Any other feedback about types of machines, brands (or cheap real estate on the front range with a heated shop!) would be most welcomeThanks again Dave! Sporty72 - Thanks for the comment - not sure I can help you out at this point though!
Reply:Given your power limitations, I'm wondering why you're spending all of your time looking at power-hungry transformer-based machines? I have a 100A service at my house and wouldn't consider a TIG welder that wasn't inverter-based. Machines like the Miller Dynasty, ThermalArc ArcMaster, or Lincoln Invertec would seem to be the way to go. As an added bonus, you'll be able to carry them around rather than needing a crane or forklift to move them  Of course, the downside is that inverters are more expensive and difficult to find used I also wonder if you'll find an electrician willing to install a 50A circuit on a 100A panel. Not an issue if you're going to do it yourself, but doesn't The Code say something about how large a service is required based on the total number of circuits and their amperages? Seems like a buddy of mine ran into something like this when he wanted a 220V circuit installed in his garage to run power tools. Can't remember the exact details, though...
Reply:I would look at the Thermal Arc Arcmaster.  Even with the recent price increase you will still save a grand over a Dynasty.  If you want a Synch 250 I would go ahead get it.  The only thing is you won't be able to run wide open without tripping the breaker but if limit you welding to a setting that doesn't exceed you circuit braker you should be fine.  When you move you can go ahead and get a proper ckt so you can fully utilize the Synch.  If you plan on a lot of 1/4 inch Al.  The synch 250 is the way to go.  If it's an occasional thing do the TA and use some preheat if needed.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:sstorkel...I have an unused 50amp circuit on my main panel (range circuit that I don't use). I just plan on replacing it for the time being. All the time spent looking at transformer/inverter based machines is just learning time for me.  I need as much info gathering as possible so I don't burn the house down! As Tailshaft says, I could go transformer based, but would need to watch the upper end - make sure I use a smaller breaker.Tailshaft - I'll have a look at the TA, thanks for the advice on the 250. It would be more an occasional need for the 1/4" aluminum, so I both types of machines are still a possibility.Thanks again both of you...
Reply:if i were you, i would get the dyn200.it will do 1/4" aluminum in limited amounts and even if it takes a little finessing you can get it done. it will be well within you power availability. the dyn200's are reselling used at close to new prices so you could use it till you move then sell it to upgrade to the syncro250DX witch would suit your needs better should you decide you are not happy with the dyn200. if the 1/4" aluminum is a seldome thing you may decide the dyn200 is a good fit and keep it. i would chose blue over red for the simple fact that parts are still available for 20 year old millers and some of the red 5 year old units can not get part.miller wins parts and service hands down over red. the TA-185 is a nice lil TIG, i have one but i would not atempt 1/4" aluminum with it. the dyn200 is the best option for you with resale as high as it is with that unit, selling it in 1 year to upgrade would likely not caust you much.i have limited power to my shop and would never consider a transformer, there is so much else going on that to push it would just not be good.go with the dyn200 and resell in a year or when you move if you feel it needs to be done. summer is here, plant a tree for mother earth. if you dont have time or space, sponcer some one else to plant one for you.feel free to shoot me a PM or e-mail me at [email][email protected] i got lots of time.