3/8" Aluminum Project... use the 200DX or the MM 251?

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First, I am on here everyday as a reader and really appreciate the time and effort all the posters put into providing a great resource for information.  With that said, I searched pretty well and couldnt find the exact answer I am happy with.Second, I know I need a Dynasty 280 or 350 or AlumaPro MM 350P... Let's just forget about those $$$$ options.  If these ramps start to sell like hotcakes I will be upgrading to a higher amp machine...I have a Dynasty 200 DX and a MM 251.  I have some loading ramps designed using 3/8 aluminum.  All welds will be fillet joints, as I designed the ramps to be "key and slot" construction.  All welds will be made from two sides (ie back to back fillets).What is my best option?  Buy a Spoolmatic 30A for the 251 and run it?  (200 amps @ 100% duty cycle) or do I run some helium mix with the Dynasty and see how it does?  OR... will the Dynasty just handle it as is and as usual I am overthinking things in order to justify more tools!Thanks for the helpJasonI don't post much, but I read this forum every day...4x8 Bulltear Gantry Kit CNC PlasmaHypertherm 85Millermatic 251Dynasty 350Turnpro 7x12 Miter Bandsaw...one packed garage >
Reply:MM251 should be 250 amps @ 40% duty cycle and should be capable of doing 3/8" alum. I'd bet on this over the Dynasty 200. My guess is to do 3/8" with the Dynasty, you'd have to do DC alum tig using 100% He and cranking up the output. BC could probably give you an idea what he's running to do 3/8" alum with DC tig, but he's running the Dynasty 350 to do his stuff. You really aren't going to be able to stretch that machine that far with just adding a bit of He to the mix on AC..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:My Dynasty 300 really struggles with 3/8-inch aluminum. Switch over to DC and 100% helium and you can pretty much cut your amps in half.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thanks guys... Looks like the spool gun is what I need to use for this project... until I can get the Dynasty 350!  Does it matter at all (for the 200dx) that I am able to weld from both sides on the fillets?I don't post much, but I read this forum every day...4x8 Bulltear Gantry Kit CNC PlasmaHypertherm 85Millermatic 251Dynasty 350Turnpro 7x12 Miter Bandsaw...one packed garage >
Reply:If the unit you're trying to weld on isn't to big in mass, maybe some pre heat will help.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Go with the 30A and don't look back. The time you save will make your money back in short order.Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller 252 Miller 250xMiller Syncrowave 250Miller AEAD200 LegendMiller 375 Xtreme plasmaLincoln WeldPak 100Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by Jason ListerThanks guys... Looks like the spool gun is what I need to use for this project... until I can get the Dynasty 350!  Does it matter at all (for the 200dx) that I am able to weld from both sides on the fillets?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPIf the unit you're trying to weld on isn't to big in mass, maybe some pre heat will help.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI can't get pure helium without selling off my kids.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWhat are the specifics of your structure?
Reply:If you could round up a bottle of helium you'd have it made. Here are some aluminum welds I made on DCEN with 100% helium, and a Tig rig / scratch start. As you can tell I had a hard time controlling the heat with out a foot pedal. These are 10-GA lap joints run at 50-amps. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPAnd the down side to that would be?Only good thing about kids, is making them.