Maxstar 150 sth vs Invertec v160 vs ?

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I really want a Dynasty 200 or Invertec 205 AC/DC, but even used those seem to be beyond my budget. I'd like an AC/DC machine, but probably won't have many aluminum projects, so can sacrifice that feature/function in the name of budget.I've been looking for a used Maxstar 200 for a while without any real success in my price range, so I'm thinking about picking up a new Maxstar 150 or Invertec v160. I haven't done any welding in over a decade and need a full TIG setup for some hobby projects.The Maxstar is a little more expensive but just needs a bottle, would have to snag the torch & stuff for the Invertec. So they both end up in the same ballpark.I really don't want to go the Chinese route, and am hurting for garage space really making an inverter based unit all but mandatory. Any suggestions one way or the other? Should I hold out for a good used Maxstar 200 or something at the right price?Devin
Reply:I have had a 150STL for 3 yrs. and love it.  Bought one after using one at a nuke.  Used a 160 Invertec one time. Not bad but I'll take the Maxstar any time over the Lincoln."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Not sure about the Invertec but be aware that the maxstar 150 will not burn 6010 worth a darn. So, if your welding any pipe, the maxstar is not the machine to buy.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:snoeproe is definitely right about the Maxstar 150 not liking 6010.  Some people claim that they have no problem with theirs but mine hates 1/8" 5P and somewhat tolerates 3/32" 5P+.   It will run 6011 with no problem.  For me I don't do any code work at home and any tube (pipe for non boilermakers) that I weld, I use tig.Can't say for sure about the Invertec, but I think (don't know for sure) that it will run 6010 with no problems."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:I would hold out for a used Maxstar 200SD or DX.  It's alot more machine than the 150 and if it will be your only machine, the 200 makes alot more sense for not all that much more money.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I would hold out for a used Maxstar 200SD or DX.  It's a lot more machine than the 150 and if it will be your only machine, the 200 makes a lot more sense for not all that much more money.
Reply:Hi ya Fallon well holding out for a Maxstar 200SD or DX would be your best bet. Consider any future needs you have in addition to your present needs. if interested in putting your location on your post instead of answering every one's request where you are located trymiddle left corner of screen click on USER CP, Your Control Panel, Edit your Details, then Additional Information    there you can add you location as well as other info you might want to share.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Thanks for the tip.
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeNot sure about the Invertec but be aware that the maxstar 150 will not burn 6010 worth a darn. So, if your welding any pipe, the maxstar is not the machine to buy.
Reply:By WelderBC:You just have to remember that the STL has no hot start as opposed to the STH
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob the WelderBy WelderBC:Not true.  All three versions of the Maxstar 150 have adaptive hot start.  Check the info on Miller's web sight; http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...xstar_150_stl/There are a few who say they can weld 5P with a 150.  All I can say is with mine, you will not be able to keep a keyhole open on any position weld.  And yes, I can pass a 6G test with 6010.
Reply:There's a big difference between "striking and maintaining a decent arc" and keeping a keyhole from closing up if on the tight side."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:nevermind I figured it outMM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i have had a maxstar 150 sth for 1 month and am returning it for a different model. i talked directly to a miller tech at head office and it does not burn 6010 properly and is not designed to. it tig welds great but even 7018 had problems. i ended up upgrading to thicker cables and the problem with 7018 cleared up. i would spend the money on something different. maybe i just had a bad unit but they are swapping my maxstar with a cst 280 and i am just paying the difference. if you want to just lay a bead of 6010 on a piece it will do it but it will not keyhole properly on a piece of pipe and your arc has to be so short its not funny. the smaller miller machines that are designed for 6010 have a setting right on the machine just for 6010. i bought the maxstar for portability and for welding pipe so it doesnt work for me or the application i need it for.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob the WelderThere's a big difference between "striking and maintaining a decent arc" and keeping a keyhole from closing up if on the tight side.
Reply:Have you looked into any other brands? Thermal Arc makes some nice welders, and they usually cost less than Miller or Lincoln. There's also Esab, though I have no experience with their welders, but I think they're a little cheaper than Lincoln and Miller too. I was stuck on the two big names myself, untill I went to the fabtech show. Never even gave Thermal Arc a second glance untill I talked to one of their sales people and saw their units up close. I have the 95s. Very nice little scratch start tig. It wont run 6010 though, so I'm looking at the 160s (I really want a 200, but it's out of my price range ). If you shop around you can find a good deal on them.
Reply:WelderBC, don't get your hackles up.  I didn't say anything about you not knowing what a keyhole was or how to run one.  You said you were able to strike and maintain a decent arc.  That says nothing about what you are welding, what position, etc..   I was only pointing out what my and about 90% of fellow Maxstar 150 owners experiences have been.  If yours will run 6010, then I am more than happy for you.  Mine will not.If you reread my original statement you will see that I said some have been able to weld 6010 with theirs.  Also reference jamo's post about his experience with 6010."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Managed to get a good deal on a Maxstar 200 DX with most of the accessories I need.
Reply:Originally Posted by fallonManaged to get a good deal on a Maxstar 200 DX with most of the accessories I need.
Reply:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=300384791852 hopefully all the gear is as advertised.Just need to snag the bottle, regulator & a few consumables from a LWS.
Reply:Congrats on the new 200, Fallon!  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by fallonI really want a Dynasty 200 or Invertec 205 AC/DC, but even used those seem to be beyond my budget. I'd like an AC/DC machine, but probably won't have many aluminum projects, so can sacrifice that feature/function in the name of budget.I've been looking for a used Maxstar 200 for a while without any real success in my price range, so I'm thinking about picking up a new Maxstar 150 or Invertec v160. I haven't done any welding in over a decade and need a full TIG setup for some hobby projects.The Maxstar is a little more expensive but just needs a bottle, would have to snag the torch & stuff for the Invertec. So they both end up in the same ballpark.I really don't want to go the Chinese route, and am hurting for garage space really making an inverter based unit all but mandatory. Any suggestions one way or the other? Should I hold out for a good used Maxstar 200 or something at the right price?Devin