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I wanted to pick up a tig welder.  i ve always wanted to learn how to tig weld. Mostly aluminum.  I just priced the 200dx that everybody talks about and WOW THEM PUPPIES AIN T CHEAP.  I guess i will be holding off for a while.................RichLincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:say rich didn't you just pick up a new hypertherm? You come into some bucks for more toys?TomCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I considered a Dynasty 200DX and ended up buying a Thermal Arc 185 ACDC instead for alot less money.  That was about  2 years ago. I am very happy with it.   There are a few other folks here on the forum who are also happy with their TA 185's.   I would love to have a Dynasty 350, but I don't really need one and can't afford one either.   If that time comes, I will look at both the Dynasty 350 and the Thermal Arc 300 ACDC, or whatever machines happen to be out at that time, and make a decision then. I really wish I had just bought the TA 300 the first time around, which I had considered at the time, since the 185 is sometimes a little under powered, but I just didn't have the extra $$'s at the time.  I think it was about $2000 more for the 300, which wasa bit more than the Dynasty 200DX but quite a bit less than the Dynasty 300DX (Dynasty 350 wasn't out yet then I don't think).Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-25-2009 at 06:29 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I never really looked  hard to price a good tig welder.  i was a little suprised at how much they were.  One thing I have learned though is you get what you pay for.  I hear good things about the Thermal arc I will look into it.  I wish there was a place to try these machines out before you buy.  Spector,  I am going to order a thermal dynamics plasma cutter this week.  I decided on the ther/dyn over the hypertherm for a couple of reasons:  one, it was cheaper, two it has a longer warranty,  three the torch is 5 feet longer and four the consumables are a little cheaper.  I know they are both great cutters and I was leaning towards the hypertherm but when I really look at both side by side the ther/dyn seemed like a little better deal.  I also checked out the HTP cutters.  They look like a quality unit.  BUT there warranty was only two years.  After what I went through with the longevity cutter I just want some good coverage............RichLincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Rich,Take another look at the Hypertherm...and shop for pricing online! 1. You can get longer leads for the Hypertherm. The Hypertherm torch has a quick disconnect that allows easy torch switch (no tools, takes about 1 second) for transport or to switch to a machine torch if you desire. 2. Hypertherm consumables are slightly more expensive to buy....but they cut faster and last longer....which makes them far less expensive to use. Long consumable life and cut performance is what Hypertherm is known for. Don't just read the brochures because every manufacturer claims they are the best....rather, try the torch at your LWS....then listen to feedback from users...that's what this group is great for!3. Warranty...some manufacturers put longer warranties out there as a sales tool...knowing that over 98% of failures occur in the first 12 months. If a component is going to fail....it will fail sooner rather than later. Read the fine print in the warranty to see what it really covers!4. Hypertherm has close to 7000 Powermax 45's in the field...it is a new product, yet is very well recieved! The warranty data on the 45 shows a lower claim rate than our own Powermax30....which has an incredibly low field failure rate.5.Hypertherm has a very good tech service line (both phone and internet based) that will guide you through cutting applications as well as service and support issues. We are an employee owned company that designs and manufactures everything in our Hanover , NH facility (I give tours anytime someone is in the area!)....most of our competitors are public companies....some of their product lines are farmed out to foreign manufacturers. Over 50% of Hypertherm products are exported...including a large portion to China!Had to take one last stab....sometimes price is the most important factor in purchasing new equipment...and I understand...I always consider purchase price as well. On equipment that I plan to keep and use for 10 or more years I look at the big picture....what's it cost to operate and maintain? Is the support going to still be there in 10 years?Best regards, and good luck!Jim Colt
Reply:Jim thanks for the response.  Now you got me thinking again.  One thing I did decide is to go with the smaller ther/dyn 39 or the power max 30.  I did alot of thinking about this and I don t see myself cutting anything much thicker than 1/4 inch.  Maybe once in a great while something a little thicker, but I think either unit will be able to cut it(just slower).  I think I am going to take the money I save on the smaller unit and put it towards a tig welder.Lincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:I have both a 30 and a 45 in my shop....I use the 45 on a cnc machine....and the 30 is on a cart with a Miller130 mig. I use the Powermax 30 for all small jobs....and occasional short cuts on up to 1/2" material. It's great working on cars for torching off rusted bolts, etc. I've had the 30 for over a year and have only changed the nozzle once. Of course it's only used sporadically....And....yes, I have to purchase these units (even though I work for Hypertherm) just like everyone else!Jim
Reply:Wow,  Jim you only changed the nozzle once!!!!!!!! I have read how happy the people who have the pm 30's are.  I didn t think there was that much of a difference in how long the consumables would last.....Thanks again RichLincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:I only use the 30 once in a while....so while it is true that I'm only on my second nozzle....if I used it daily I certainly would have used more! Anyway....good luck with your decision....hopefully you steer towards the Hypertherm!Jim
Reply:Rich,Jim Colt works for Hypertherm.  With that said, Jim is truly a straght shooter and wouldn't steer you wrong.  The points he makes are very valid and should be considered.I don't work for Hypertherm (sounds like a great place to work) but I have been using their equipment for several years.  Currently have a PM 600 and a PM 1250.  I have nothing but good things to say about them.  Consumable life is unbelievable.  I wouldn't trade either machine for a comparable one from any other manufacturer.Get on the phone and call Hypertherm with a question.  Ask for tech support.  Let us know what you find.Then, get on the phone and call Thermal Dynamics (if you can find a number) and ask the same question.  Oh, and while on the phone, ask where that 39 is made.Don't get me wrong.  I think the Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics plasma cutters are the best out there (yeah, better than Miller, etc).  Either will give the buyer excellent service.  Hypertherm just seems to be more "customer oriented".PS.  There's a dealer on e-bay who's selling a couple of "lightly used" PM30's for $899.  Just go to e-bay and search on Hypertherm.  Might be worth looking into.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:thanks for the help Sundown.  It is appreciated.  I will have to do some research..  BTW where are the thermal dynamics made?  I thought they were made in the good ole USA..........Last edited by rwells173; 01-26-2009 at 03:48 PM.Lincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Rwells,There are places you can try out these machines...Look for a large farm show or some type of industrial exposition around you... Last year I tested several machines at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.  I tested Millers, Lincoln, Thermal Arc,Hypertherm and others.  They bring big trucks with 20-30 welder products and set up demonstration booths where you can "try" out these machines ad nauseum. Usually, you get a complete demo from the Miller or Lincoln pros... and an honest evaluation on your welding. Even you can get tips from the factory guys on how to get the most from the machine.  You might also get neat little "freebies". One year I got 2 count 'em...2 propane tips for my Smith torch.  This year, I got a couple of pounds of Hobart rods to test out at home.  Free catalogues.  I am still working on getting one of those cool knee length blue Miller lab coats from one of the guys.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I considered a Dynasty 200DX and ended up buying a Thermal Arc 185 ACDC instead for alot less money.  That was about  2 years ago. I am very happy with it.   There are a few other folks here on the forum who are also happy with their TA 185's.   I would love to have a Dynasty 350, but I don't really need one and can't afford one either.   If that time comes, I will look at both the Dynasty 350 and the Thermal Arc 300 ACDC, or whatever machines happen to be out at that time, and make a decision then. I really wish I had just bought the TA 300 the first time around, which I had considered at the time, since the 185 is sometimes a little under powered, but I just didn't have the extra $$'s at the time.  I think it was about $2000 more for the 300, which wasa bit more than the Dynasty 200DX but quite a bit less than the Dynasty 300DX (Dynasty 350 wasn't out yet then I don't think).
Reply:I just bought the powermax 30 on everybodys recommedation.  I like the fact that they have excellent customer support.  I can t wait to slice thru some steel..............Thanks for all the help..............now I need a tig welderLincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldRwells,There are places you can try out these machines...Look for a large farm show or some type of industrial exposition around you... Last year I tested several machines at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.  I tested Millers, Lincoln, Thermal Arc,Hypertherm and others.  They bring big trucks with 20-30 welder products and set up demonstration booths where you can "try" out these machines ad nauseum. Usually, you get a complete demo from the Miller or Lincoln pros... and an honest evaluation on your welding. Even you can get tips from the factory guys on how to get the most from the machine.  You might also get neat little "freebies". One year I got 2 count 'em...2 propane tips for my Smith torch.  This year, I got a couple of pounds of Hobart rods to test out at home.  Free catalogues.  I am still working on getting one of those cool knee length blue Miller lab coats from one of the guys.
Reply:Try here for starters.  Where Miller goes, so goes the industry...http://www.millerwelds.com/about/tradeshows.htmlEsab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldTry here for starters.  Where Miller goes, so goes the industry...http://www.millerwelds.com/about/tradeshows.html
Reply:inverters are a waste of money. unless you weld a bunch of aluminum or are really cramped on space