New tig machine

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I'm selling my mig because I rather have a tig to play with. I'm looking at the linclon Precision TIG 225. I would like the option to stick if I have something big to weld. For those that have one do you like it or are you wishing for something else. Also how thick of steel can you stick with it? I would like to try a miller but I'm thinking the diverisons are a bit to small and can not stick either. The other models get a little to high in price fast. Looking for idea's Thanks]Lincoln PT 225 Tig
Reply:What's the big deal about mig anyways, good decision.  Any thought on a TA 185?  As far as stick welding is concerned the is no limit to thickness with the machine more of a time issue.  The biggest rod you will be able to run is 5/32" 7018 3/16" is bordering on the max output of the machine.
Reply:Personally, I would keep the mig, and look at also picking up a tig. As far as the one you're looking at, it looks like a good machine. I'm kind of a Miller junkie, as I've had little luck with Lincoln. But the Lincoln, Miller debate is like a Ford, Chevy debate. To me, it's a matter of choice. They both make good machines, and both have their own little quirks. Just a matter of finding what works for you. Again, I'm not saying Miller is better, even though it is, just saying ya gotta figure out what works for you. Mig comes in handy for a lot things than tig, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love my tig and wouldn't trade it for the world, but when it comes to just tackin thing together quickly, or just making some brackets, or whatever, the mig is the ticket. Again, just my opinion.Last edited by Chainz; 04-09-2010 at 12:46 AM.Reason: CuzChainz________O/AMiller 250XMiller SD 180Spoolmatic 30AThermal Dynamics Pak 50and a bunch of other crap......
Reply:I would look at a used miller syncrowave 200 or 250, same capabilities as the lincoln but from my experience with both they are a much higher quality product.  Ive lost count on the number of times ive seen a lincoln TIG go down, but have only seen a syncrowave go down once or twice.  And for out of position TIG the lift arc function is simply something you dont want to have to go without.200 amp machine will run 5/32 rods so you can easily do1" plate with multipass welds.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:I've had a Lincoln Tig225 for about 3 years, only used on weekends for hobbies, but never had a problem.
Reply:Originally Posted by ChainzPersonally, I would keep the mig, and look at also picking up a tig. As far as the one you're looking at, it looks like a good machine. I'm kind of a Miller junkie, as I've had little luck with Lincoln. But the Lincoln, Miller debate is like a Ford, Chevy debate. To me, it's a matter of choice. They both make good machines, and both have their own little quirks. Just a matter of finding what works for you. Again, I'm not saying Miller is better, even though it is, just saying ya gotta figure out what works for you. Mig comes in handy for a lot things than tig, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love my tig and wouldn't trade it for the world, but when it comes to just tackin thing together quickly, or just making some brackets, or whatever, the mig is the ticket. Again, just my opinion.
Reply:I have the PT225 and love it so far. Never had any troubles. I tried out the Miller syncrowave 200 as well and for me it came down to price. Lincoln gave me the best deal so thats what I bought. The only thing I would have changed if I could have is gone bigger. Aluminum take a lot of amps to weld.Miller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:How thick can you do on the Aluminum? Is a quarter inch to much to ask for with this machine. Will a person have to get a water torch then. I don't want to make a mistake again after buying this mig machine. I like the inverter machines, but they really are quite high in price. Miller doesn't really have a machine like the lincoln PT 225. I would like to be able to stick weld as I'm getting rid of my mig. Thanks for the Idea's]Lincoln PT 225 Tig
Reply:I have the TA 185 and I've only weld on 1/8 aluminum so I can't answer exactly how it would do on 1/4" thick material.  Welding on 1/4" material amps can vary depending the size of what you are welding on but this can be overcome by getting a cylinder with a Ar/He mix which from my understanding is like adding an other 50 amps.  If you are planning to weld alot of 1/4" Al then maybe the next size up machine is in order with a water cooled torch if its only on occasionly then I think you'll be fine with an air cooled torch and the 200 amp machine.   The TA 185 can be ordered on line for $2200 delivered to your door and has more bells and whistles then the Lincoln.  When in school I was practicing on 1 3/8" thick plate for my verticle up at home and never had any trouble with the duty cycle of the machine.
Reply:I have an older ('96) Lincoln Square Wave 255.It's a great machine for TIG, and while it is capable of stick, I've never used it as such.Last year I bought a MIG machine, but I sold it because I would rather TIG (much cleaner process). Yeah, TIG is a slower process than stick or MIG, but I don't worry, if it's gonna get welded, it's gonna be TIG.Rex
Reply:i dont think getting rid of a mig is a good idea but whatever floats your boat, i use  a PT225 all the time and its never let me down
Reply:Nickos,     Are you saying that there is something that a mig can do that a tig/stick machine can't, the guy has a budget and has to chose one (versatile) machine.  Besides mig is for people who can't stick weld anyways.
Reply:i love my pt225 ive never tried to weld anything thicker than 3/16 steel with mine. handled that no problem. the stick side of it is probably the smoothest i have ever usedi own tig/stick , mig, and a torch set. since i got decent at tig, i have maybe used the mig once or twice. i pretty much tig or stick everythingMillermatic 211weldpack 3200 squirtgunsquare wave 200victory journeyman kitHypertherm 30xptoo much other crap to listtinkerer extraordinaire
Reply:the PT 225 is a great machine.  I have used one on several occasions and prefered the arc to some other Miller T-former machines I have used.....In the end for me, I bought a Lincoln Invertec V205 because Lincoln gave me a super deal (student discount!) Miller didn't offer any special pricing to welding students.
Reply:Well the mig is gone and now is the time to get a new one on order. I stopped by the LWS and they are pushing the Lincoln PT225 over the miller sycowave 200. They said they have a lot more of the millers come back. Now the quest is finding the best price. Is it worth the extra 150 bucks for the factory running gear and tank holder, It seem like a good deal. Some times a person can't make thing for what they charge.]Lincoln PT 225 Tig
Reply:i have personaly used the lincoln pt225 where i go to college but i own a Miller dynasty 200 they are both good machines and i weld 1/4 inch aluminum with my dynasty with no problem what it comes down to is what options you want the lincoln is alot easier to operate. but if you want something portable the dynasty can run off 110 or 220 and only weighs 45 pounds and you can use lift arc on it which lets you weld without the the foot pedel but if you want something portable the dynasty is definetly the right choice but there both good machines but it comes down to what you want to use it for
Reply:Originally Posted by tanglediver A tig machine is a fine complement to a mig machine, unless you don't have the room or the money.