will diversion 165 do aluminum?

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it does show to be an AC/dc machine so i have to think it can but i wonder how thick if it can. Thxs
Reply:Yes, it is AC and it will do aluminum.  Miller reports it's capacity to be 3/16".     If that's not enough for you- I just got my new 2010 Miller catalog in the mail yesterday and see that new for this year, they've introducted a "Diversion 180".  It's kind of a hobby TIG welder but with a bit more power than the 165.Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:3/16" is probably generous from my experience. 1/8" is probably more realistic. The Diversion 185 doesn't look like it has all that much more top end power from what I've seen on the specs. At 180 amps the duty cycle is very small. The same thing applies to Hobarts tigmate. These machines will do thin alum, but you top out fast.If you are serious about doing alum, I would recomend a TA 185, Syncrowave 180 or better yet a Syncrowave 200 or Dynasty 200 as a minimum. You really need a machine with a decent duty cycle of at least 180-200 amps to do 3/16" or so. 1/4" is a stretch with my Syncro 200..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:thxs fell's, i may wait and get the 180 diversion when it comes out? only issue is patience isnt a trait of mine
Reply:I bought a 165 recently and what people are saying is spot on.  I did some very small pieces of 1/4 inch aluminum and it must have been half an hour to run 12 inches of weld around the piece that was 8 inches on its longest dimension.  The machine is limited with the amperage and air cooled torch.    For what I do ( mostly thin ferrous)  it is idea but for aluminum it just does not have the power.
Reply:Hanny, I don't know where you live, but I posted a good deal I saw on CL last night on a Miller syncrowave 180 in the for sale area.You might also think about taking a minute and going up top to the User CP area and adding your location, so we always know. That way if anyone sees a deal near you they might be able to let you know. Many of us check Ebay and CL quite often and have some idea whats available in our area..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:About 30 minutes ago, I finished welding up a slot cut in an aluminum tombstone.  The work piece was 1/2" thick, way too thick for a Diversion.  I tried it anyway and was able to run the bead about 1.5" before the thermal overload tripped.  Finished the job on a Synchrowave 350.  I just wanted to see what it would do.  I've welded steel, SS, and aluminum with the Diversion.  You have to know there is only so much you can do with 165 amps.TurkeyLincoln Idealarc 250Millermatic 250Miller Synchrowave 250 Miller Synchrowave 350Thermal Arc PlasmaHH140Miller Diversion
Reply:Originally Posted by HANNY...patience isnt a trait of mine