First TIG welder: Help me choose!

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ok so im buying my first tig welder and wanted some input on which i should get im deciding between the miller maxstar 150 or the lincoln invertec 155.i know theyre both name brands, and both are very respectable, an will be happy with either. but i cant decide.pros/cons/advice?? maybe this will help, im a beginning tig welder. i know the basics, but still have a lot to learn. im going for AA degree in welding and will be using TIG as a hobby, so i figured it was time to buy one. i will be welding at home thanks
Reply:Shop by price. I had the Maxstar, it was great. I got to try the Lincoln, and it was equally good, and easy to use.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I'd bet money there is already a thread here somewhere comparing those two welders.  Not a lot of money, cuz I'm poor, but money just the same.Which ever one you pick will be good as long as it's blue....My name's not Jim....
Reply:Of course you know that neither of those welders provide an AC output for welding aluminum.  For a hobby welder, I can't imagine buying a tig outfit that can't do alum... I think that is a big loss.  Have you considered getting something like the Diversion 165, which has both AC and DC?  Then, you can pick up a buzz box, if you need stick?  (Just my $.03.)
Reply:Or you could step up to a syncro and have it all...My name's not Jim....
Reply:I got a Syncro 200DX for my first welder a couple years ago.  I haven't used TIG with it yet, but love it for stick (the handful of times I've used it...)Miller Syncrowave 200MillerMatic 180 AutoSetHobart Airforce 500iVictor O/A (80cf)
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldordieOf course you know that neither of those welders provide an AC output for welding aluminum.  For a hobby welder, I can't imagine buying a tig outfit that can't do alum... I think that is a big loss.  Have you considered getting something like the Diversion 165, which has both AC and DC?  Then, you can pick up a buzz box, if you need stick?  (Just my $.03.)
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldordieOf course you know that neither of those welders provide an AC output for welding aluminum.  For a hobby welder, I can't imagine buying a tig outfit that can't do alum... I think that is a big loss.  Have you considered getting something like the Diversion 165, which has both AC and DC?  Then, you can pick up a buzz box, if you need stick?  (Just my $.03.)
Reply:Originally Posted by Blkrstr21yeah ive also been really interested in the diversion 165. i dont really plan on welding aluminum too much, but if im gonna fork out the money for a tig, i might as well get a good one that will last.my only problem is that i dont fully understand how the volts/amps output and how it works on a house circuit. with the diversion, would i need to rewire anything or do anything different than just plug in and go??? this is only reason i was thinking about get the maxstar or invertec cause they plug into a household circuit
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldordieThe Diversion 165 comes with a 220 volt plug.  It requires wiring and a breaker rated for 30 amps.
Reply:Originally Posted by Blkrstr21so that means i have to get a separate breaker set up at my house??? how much does that usually cost???
Reply:A guy I race with picked up a Diversion a few weeks back for a grand.  He doesn't have 220 or any gas bottles yet so I've been keeping it safe at my place.    It's a nice little machine, plenty for what we do.
Reply:Originally Posted by dstevensA guy I race with picked up a Diversion a few weeks back for a grand.  He doesn't have 220 or any gas bottles yet so I've been keeping it safe at my place.    It's a nice little machine, plenty for what we do.
Reply:Hi all.  My first post.  I did a lot of research on this very informative forum before I made my decision.   I'll pass on what I've learned.You said you were going for an AA?  You should start the classes and use what they have and see what fetures you need/like/want.  Also you might get a student discount through the school.Looking at the prices, the Diversion is just a little more than the Maxstar and being able to do almost any metal vs only steel is worth the extra $, even if you don't PLAN on welding aluminum. Miller is coming out with a Diversion 180 in a few months.  The main difference between the 180 and the 165 is the 180 has the ability to use 120v and 230v like the Maxstar plus it has more power.Lincoln SP135+Miller Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldordieBut, it's not enough machine for what you don't do.  (Don't cha just love comments like that?)
Reply:iisnt the ta 185 a better bang for the buck than the sync200?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadiisnt the ta 185 a better bang for the buck than the sync200?
Reply:I have a Dynasty 200dx and it will run off of 110v as well as 240v it has ac and dc and only weigs 45 pounds so if your looking for somthing portable that will weld pretty much any thing tig and stick and it welds amazing on 110v and 240v there a little bit more expencive but in my opinion its worth it. but ive used the maxstar 150 at a colledge fair to demonstrate tig welding for high schoolers and it stull welds really nice i dont really like the amprege being on the tourch but thats just a personal opinion. I also bought my Dynasty when i was in college at the local linweld and they gave me one hell of a deal on it so i would sea what they could do for you and it never hurts to ask. i hope this helps you out
Reply:Diversion is the perfect hobby TIG.  Easy to use, and actually does more than they say it will.I probably wouldn't try to do all day production with it - but it wouldn't surprise me if it couldn't do that.   People will say you need more duty cycle, but I've run mine for about 20 hours total now - about 2-3 hours at a time at near the top of the dial, and never had it shut down.  I've also heard that you need all the additional settings that the more serious machines have - wave shape, pulser, balance, pre/post flow - however I wonder how many users really take full advantage of all that stuff - probably not many hobby Tig welders.