which Tig welder?

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Looking to add a Tig welder to my garage so I can weld aluminum and some chrome molly and possibly some SS in the future. This will mainly be for my own projects. I have used a Tig before but really have very little experience with them.So looking around the WEB at reviews and of course the local welding supply store where I purchase my supplies.The welding supply store says the Lincoln square wave Tig 200 is the way to go $2300.I see the Primeweld Tig225x gets great reviews, but a much, much lower price $825.I'm all for saving money but I also don't want to save and have a machine that wont do the job and under perform.Make up my mind for me.
Reply:Go with the primeweld. Good warranty and customer service. The extra 25 amps will really help out on aluminum. Use the extra 1000+$ saved to buy all the other extras needed, cylinder, cart, filler and other incedentials.
Reply:Would you consider a 2nd hand machine? When I had a similar choice I ended up with a 2nd hand Syncrowave and I'm happy with my choice.Not saying to get a Syncrowave, they're enormous, but a 2nd hand industrial quality machine is worth investigating.
Reply:I have a Primeweld MIG 180 stick, MIG & flux core. I love it and the TIG machine 225 the guys love and a lot of them weld for a living. 3 Year in USA warranty and the folks who run the company know welders. Check them out on Facebook.Retired - Refrigeration Pipefitter - Master Electrician-  IowaLots of Hobbys
Reply:You're never gonna get a bigger Bang for the Buck, without really sacrificing quality, than you do with something a Primeweld, HTP, or an Everlast (you get a 5yr warranty). I too would want a 250A if you see having to do Alum near 1/4" - Alum needs all the Amps you can give it

For your needs, spending on a Lincoln or Miller (and even used they carry too much residual cost) is a waste (IMHO...)
Reply:I'm going against the grain here. Go with a Miller Dynasty 200, nothing like talking with customers service with a accent I recognize.   I have one and its been great!It seemed like a good idea at the time!
Reply:The dynasty 200 was a good machine. But today I would not buy one unless it was almost free. Parts are going obsolete and what is left can cost over $1000Main power pcb list for $1700. If you want a 200 amp miller then look at the new Dynasty 210. If you do find a dynasty 200. cheap. run it until it dies and throw it away in the electronic waste.
Reply:Sounds like great model for manufacturer  just buy a new one.That is the reason I avoided a costly machine with a lot of electronics. One part fails in the mystery board and have a new boat anchor.  Dave

Originally Posted by ccawgc

The dynasty 200 was a good machine. But today I would not buy one unless it was almost free. Parts are going obsolete and what is left can cost over $1000Main power pcb list for $1700. If you want a 200 amp miller then look at the new Dynasty 210. If you do find a dynasty 200. cheap. run it until it dies and throw it away in the electronic waste.
Reply:A second hand machine, I would consider that if I knew the person, not knowing the owner you never know how they treat their equipment.
Reply:Thank you everyone for your response. Think I will go with the majority and the reviews and get the Primeweld. I am usually very sceptic of buying anything with such a low price because you know, you get what you pay for.