Would like comment on welding machine choice

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Never thought I would need this.OK... I am trying to decide between the Lincoln squarewave 175 TIG and the Miller syncrowave 200.I have spent most of my life welding and know that the Miller syncrowave 250 (pre digital)is absolutely reliable and performs well. Used one for 7 years production welding six hours of the day..Also used a Hobart 250 syncrowave for 3 years 6 hours per day.It was also very reliable and as good as the Miller syncrowave 250.But now I do not have the electrical circuit to fully support the syncrowave 250 at home.Only 50 amp breaker on a service panel with 125 amps.That is why I want to get a slightly smaller welding machine.Money is a consideration too. As always.The Miller syncrowave 200 costs much more than the Lincoln 175 square wave.The Miller Diversion 180 cannot have the torch changed easily and cannot be fitted with water cooling if I need it. Also the simple control panel seems condescending for a non beginner.I have always had water cooling, but was doing production welding.This machine will be for small jobs at a home workshop.You thoughts or comments? Thanks for your time.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:have you looked at a thermal arc185?tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:I have an "original" SW 175 (they have recently re-released that machine and they are available new, or will be soon). Mine came with a WP9 torch and I kept burning myself through my tig gloves (or it would have if I'd let it). I eventually galled the threads on the torch (apparently I overheated it enough one evening) and put a new Weldcraft torch head on it. At the same time I put a ribbed insulator (handle) on it and that cut down on the heat issues. I also bought a WP17 for it and I find that it still doesn't take very much time before the WP17 is uncomfortably hot. My next step is water cooling. I'd still consider buying a larger unit. If you can't feed it now, you will likely be able to feed it later (mine is on a 100 amp breaker in a house with a 150 amp service). And the SW175 has a pretty simple control panel as well (tig/stick switch, polarity and current knob). Mine starts at 12 amps and I find that it's a bit much for playing around with super thin stuff (at least at my skill level) such as razor blades and coke cans, etc (this might be more important at your level). My lincoln welds very well in the hands of an experienced tig welder (several friends of mine are very accomplished tig welders) and it's been a good machine so far. If the control panel doesn't "insult" you, it's a capable welder within its power limits.KevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:Originally Posted by trackbirdI have an "original" SW 175 (they have recently re-released that machine and they are available new, or will be soon). Mine came with a WP9 torch and I kept burning myself through my tig gloves (or it would have if I'd let it). I eventually galled the threads on the torch (apparently I overheated it enough one evening) and put a new Weldcraft torch head on it. At the same time I put a ribbed insulator (handle) on it and that cut down on the heat issues. I also bought a WP17 for it and I find that it still doesn't take very much time before the WP17 is uncomfortably hot. My next step is water cooling. I'd still consider buying a larger unit. If you can't feed it now, you will likely be able to feed it later (mine is on a 100 amp breaker in a house with a 150 amp service). And the SW175 has a pretty simple control panel as well (tig/stick switch, polarity and current knob). Mine starts at 12 amps and I find that it's a bit much for playing around with super thin stuff (at least at my skill level) such as razor blades and coke cans, etc (this might be more important at your level). My lincoln welds very well in the hands of an experienced tig welder (several friends of mine are very accomplished tig welders) and it's been a good machine so far. If the control panel doesn't "insult" you, it's a capable welder within its power limits.
Reply:Originally Posted by brucerhave you looked at a thermal arc185?
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald Branscom OK... I am trying to decide between the Lincoln squarewave 175 TIG and the Miller syncrowave 200 .
Reply:Originally Posted by KGIORThose are two differant class machines.The Lincoln Precision Tig 225 is in the same class as the Miller Syncrowave 200. They are both a step up from the Square Wave Tig 175.So have a look at the PT225.Ken
Reply:The PT 225 is a Lincoln.http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=39579Click on more product info and have a look at the specs.You can also go here and check out the manual.  http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...ualsearch.aspxKen
Reply:Originally Posted by KGIORThe PT 225 is a Lincoln.http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=39579Click on more product info and have a look at the specs.You can also go here and check out the manual.  http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...ualsearch.aspxKen
Reply:Lincoln just changed their site.Here is a new linkhttp://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...roduct=K2535-2KenLast edited by KGIOR; 01-08-2011 at 10:52 PM.
Reply:Since you are limited on your 125A electric service capacity, the energy efficiency of an inverter machine over a transformer could be a big asset in your case.  You can run quite a beefy inverter ( like 250 amp machine) off of a 30 amp, 240V clothes dryer circuit, I believe.  My 200 amp inverter I think doesn't use much over 20 amps at least.  Your 125 amp electrical service will barely know there's an inverter welder its supplying power to. Also, since money/budget is a consideration, I wouldn't rule out an import, such as an Everlast.  Although I didn't see any on your list, I didn't hear you say you were specifically disinterested in them either.  But they can be reliable, fully featured machines delivering excellent value.  I would recommend seeking out some unbiased feedback from people who have actually tried them if you haven't already.  I've had great results with an Everlast AC/DC TIG I bought over three years ago.  It has proven itself to be both highly capable and dependable.As for torches, I am really pleased with a CK "Trimline 210" aircooled torch I got in the last few months, replacing a WP-17 torch.  The new "supertorch" torch is rated at 200 amps @ 100% duty cycle in AC mode, which would take an extraordinarily powerful single phase 240V TIG machine to actually exceed.  Yet with the "superflex" hose option, it is not overly cumbersome.  (About equal in torch dimensions, weight, and cable flexibility as my old WP-17 torch I'd say.)  I'm really glad I stayed aircooled through the torch upgrade.  Aircooled is cheaper, more reliable (less things that can fail like pumps and coolant leaks), and much more portable.Best of luck, and hope this helps.Last edited by jakeru; 01-09-2011 at 01:30 AM.