Miller Dynasty 280DX - Hard Choices!

admin

Now with the new 280 out I'm back into the dilemma of analyzing choices again!I was happily in the situation of the 200DX not having enough top end and the 350DX being too many $'s so I've simply done without. Now I'm having to look again and with the 280 falling right in the middle of things it kinda upsets the status quo. I put together a quick price comparison of MSRP and typical online retail:Model,                                             Miller List,             CyberweldDynasty 200DX Tig Runner 951139,    $6,204,                   $4,946 Dynasty 280DX (Components),           $8,475,                   $6,703 Dynasty 350DX Tig Runner 951401,  $10,656,                   $8,494 The new 280DX seems hampered a bit by not having a packaged Tig Runner kit available yet but even pricing out by components it still falls in the middle. New dilemma now is if I'm going to spend +$6700  , why not just cough up the extra $1700 and go with the 350DX Runner package? For background info, I'm not presently in need of the top end available on the 350 and I'm limited by my present 1-phase power but damn there is not too many dollars diff between the two.Anyone else playing this mind game?
Reply:Steve! What is this blasphomy that you are talking about. It was not long ago you swore to never buy a dynasty! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:That's what I was afraid of, if you're trading out a sync 250 for one it must have impressed you.I did purposefully throw everything into my pricing estimate both to make it apples to apples with the other tig runner models and also an attempt to get the urge to pass. The real crime on the accessories is the MSRP of $592 for the small runner cart! Even the discounters don't cut that much at $533 from Cyberweld. With a bit more trimming I should be able to get it below $6K. I'll probably get it through my LWS on a Miller stock order as shipping from the online outfits is usually a deal killer for us in the "non-contiguous" states. He's usually pretty reasonable if you've done your homework and don't get too greedy.  Maybe I can get him to discount the cart, there has to be a ton of margin in that silly item Thanks for the feedback!
Reply:I'm going for the 280 DX too. I'll get the SSC pedal and later add the HTP cooler. I have all of my other gear, so it will be just under $4500 to get it running. Terry gave me that final nudge to make up my mind. Ha ha. Thanks, Terry.
Reply:Originally Posted by zankI'm going for the 280 DX too. I'll get the SSC pedal and later add the HTP cooler. I have all of my other gear, so it will be just under $4500 to get it running. Terry gave me that final nudge to make up my mind. Ha ha. Thanks, Terry.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749You get a good LWS price on it & is not out of reach. I never felt the 200 DX was worth what they wanted for it tho. I'm hoping around $4K or a little less on the 280 for me. They're really good to me. I can come up with everything else.Cyber weld is under $4Khttp://store.cyberweld.com/midy280tigwe.html
Reply:I tried out a Maxstar 280 DX and it is a cool machine.Then I saw it in expirienced hands and we were all very impressed.I can imagine the Dynasty 280 is the cats pajamas.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Yeah, they really rape you on the cart & other stuff. Their joke of a cooler, whatever they call it is grossly overpriced & a CM 3 is just as good at far less the cost.You can make your own or even buy something simple for much less. I'm buying just the machine. My LWS is around $4K for the dumbed down one, dunno on the DX. the dumbed down one was what Miller brought to FABTECH with them & it was quite impressive to say the least.I was in the same boat as you as far as cost versus performance. The 200 is very expensive, too small for a primary machine & the 350 overkill with an overkill price to go with it. The 280 will be exactly the right fit for my needs. Sure, there are alternatives by different manufacturers, but I know what I want & I'm just going to buy it I can easily supply everything else. I plan on getting a a Coolmate 3 from a buddy that has a few of them. Ill just use a Matco tray cart I have in the interim until I can build something for it, or find something I can repurpose.It's gonna happen. Just a matter of getting the money together.
Reply:The wireless pedal is nice. One less wire to drag out, trip over. It is very responsive as well.
Reply:Wow the 280 does look very promising. That price from cyberweld of the 280 base model does seem pretty decent. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the 280 base model does have pulse on dc only though.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:You are correct.
Reply:Originally Posted by welderShaneWow the 280 does look very promising. That price from cyberweld of the 280 base model does seem pretty decent. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the 280 base model does have pulse on dc only though.
Reply:Hey guys, I've been spying on you guys for a little while now.  I want the 280 dx, but it isn't available in Hawaii yet. Might be able to get my hands on the 350 dx tigrunner package for $6900 plus tax. Opinions?
Reply:Brand new, made in 2013.
Reply:I was thinking that too.  What would you do?  Wait for the 280dx or jump on the 350dx? I'm a little hesitant because for one thing the 350dx is huge and another the output at 200 amps on both machines have nearly the same duty cycle on 1 phase.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYou only need or desire pulse on DC. Then there is the AC side of which you have a plethora of options to weld from sheet metal to plate. If you know how to weld, buy the DX model. If not turbocharge your learning curve with the basic. Either way this puppy has grunt.
Reply:Around 6 months ago i was in the market for a new tig,considered the Lincoln v205 but in the end i bought a 200dx as i felt it was a better machine and preferred the front layout,Heard the 280 was close to release was didn't bother me as 200 amps is enough for me,can be anymore pleased with the 200dx and the wireless pedal is the icing on the cake.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Yeah, it's a great machine no doubt.I just want more on the top end & for that kind of money, I'm gonna get what I want I'm going with the wireless pedal too. Wasn't a fan at first, but after hearing credible ppl praise it & using one myself, I'm going with it when I get the new machine.
Reply:At my work shop, I have three phase and plenty of power for most any machine. Where the 280 fit for me, was at home. I do not want to go much over a 50 amp draw in my home shop. I went with non DX. All I weld with it is aluminum and stainless, so I do not need the extra settings.The machine has been flawless, just worried I may forget to plug in the cooler one day.
Reply:thank you for your thoughts on my dilemma.I appreciate your time.
Reply:Oh Yeah!!!http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...Maxstar%AE-280Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Yikes! I just looked at Miller's site, the Dynasty 280 with the "cooler power supply" is $500 more than the standard version. I guess I'll stick with the good ol' Coolmate 3!JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Over on the Miller forum, they are concerned the machine will turn on the cooler when the main switch of the 280 is turned on. They are concerned if arc welding the cooler would run. Also it seems if the front sleep switch is used the cooler may continue to run. There is also talk on another thread about a problem with air flow with the added electronics for cooler power supply out of the 280, and an odd plug being used. Miller may have responded by now to some of those concerns. I do not state any of these issues to be facts, just what I seen on the Miller site. Please go there for more information.
Reply:Originally Posted by RolngthunOver on the Miller forum, they are concerned the machine will turn on the cooler when the main switch of the 280 is turned on. They are concerned if arc welding the cooler would run. Also it seems if the front sleep switch is used the cooler may continue to run. There is also talk on another thread about a problem with air flow with the added electronics for cooler power supply out of the 280, and an odd plug being used. Miller may have responded by now to some of those concerns. I do not state any of these issues to be facts, just what I seen on the Miller site. Please go there for more information.
Reply:New coolmate 3 is over $700 by itself. I would not buy the package deal, if I had a decent cooler.. Steve, just get a base 350dx, and use what you have. Should save a decent amount, and it will weld exactly the same..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140iHmmm, the owner's manual says nothing about tying the cooler into the sleep switch. But browsing through the manual I found the basic model has Blue Lightning arc start, tungsten diameter interface, PPS from 0 to 250, adjustable balance from 60 to 80%, adjustable post flow, adjustable frequency from 70 to 150, adjustable sleep timer. All of these of which are 90% right in there. Or switch to ProSet and let the engineers do it for you. Cool. I hate the tigrunner cart. One bottle, pis-posh.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:OK, so looking more closely at Miller's site, the CPS version of the 280 is actually $600 more than the standard version!! On BR Welding's sitehttp://www.brweldingsupplies.com/miller-tig/You can get the 280DX + the Coolmate 1.3 + the wireless pedal for $5500. The "TIG Runner" package is over $7200.  WTF, $1700 for a cart and a Weldcrap torch?!? I always knew their "package deals" were a rip-off but this is simply shameful. The more I look at the 280 the more I like but as for ITW and the horse they rode in on...JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:just pulled the trigger on the 280dx (non $600 receptacle version), coolmate 1.3, torch on/off switch and wireless pedal through my local airgas $6000.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Rockin!Pix when you get it setup!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by golfingweldorjust pulled the trigger on the 280dx (non $600 receptacle version), coolmate 1.3, torch on/off switch and wireless pedal through my local airgas $6000.
Reply:yep, I received my new welder (dynasty 280dx) on Friday.   The cooler didn't show up, somehow it fell on the backorder list. I've been playing with it all weekend.  This machine is pretty bad a**.  Two huge differences from my other welder (won't mention the name, might start a riot).  The stability of the arc is um WOW, and it seems that the new miller's output is about 10 amps hotter.  The wireless pedal is amazing, it acts like it is wired.  Very impressed.I'll post pictures when I figure out how.Last edited by golfingweldor; 12-23-2013 at 01:58 AM.
Reply:One thing to consider.  If you are running off of 1phase power, the 350's top end isn't much more (practically speaking) than say a Syncrowave 250.  One of the reasons I got the 350 over the 200 was the 350 also replaced my Dialarc HF (a 300+ Amp machine).   But it has its limits.BTW, I got a new 350 (still bolted to the pallet - full package with coolant) for $6000 off ebay (plus shipping).  Guy who bought it ran into hard times and had to sell it.  At that price, I was the only bidder.  Seems not many people have that kind of cash laying around.  Bottom line - keep your eyes open.BTW, my 350 is not a blue lightning one.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Its out of the official warranty period now.First thing I did was check with Miller if it was stolen or not.  They said no.The welder still had the warranty registration card attached to it.I then registered it with Miller.  I was told, but never got it in writing and never had a warranty issue, that since I was first to register it, I had a warranty.  However, I never had a full receipt either.  I was told by my LWS service center, that they could pull the date it was sold and they would go by that.But you are correct, the written warranty says to the original purchaser (as best I can remember).I can say with the Multimatic, I ordered it and actually got the serial number from the LWS before I got the welder itself (about 2 days).  So my receipt doesn't just say "Multimatic" but "UNIT SERIAL NO ".  Quite frankly, I would suspected that had I had an issue with the 350, I would have had to beg a bit for warranty work.On the flip side, I keep my most valuable tools inside, in and air condition/heated space.  They are lightly used and babied.  I have never had a single failure.  If you count liner issues on a MIG, I have had one minor maintenance issue.Oh, and when I travel, typically with the portable units (the 200s) they are actually in the cab of the truck not bouncing around in the bed.  Bottom line, I'm a bad person to ask about Miller warranty stuff.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9One thing to consider.  If you are running off of 1phase power, the 350's top end isn't much more (practically speaking) than say a Syncrowave 250.  One of the reasons I got the 350 over the 200 was the 350 also replaced my Dialarc HF (a 300+ Amp machine).   But it has its limits.
Reply:Bakers Gas and Welding Supply seems to have good Dynasty prices. Anyone know if they are a good place to buy ?
Reply:I've bought a helmet and tig consumables from them.  They seem to be very efficient.  I haven't talked to a live person, I just clicked and added to the cart.  I know my experience with them is limited, I hope this helped and didn't add more confusion.
Reply:Thanks for the info.Unless I'm missing something, which is quite possible, they have the best Dynasty prices I've seen.
Reply:I've bought several things from them over the years. If they had it in stock it shipped very quickly. If not it might take 3-5 working days before it gets shipped depending on how fast they can get it in. They have called and emailed me when things would take longer. Overall I'm very happy with the service I've received from them.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:The cheapest I could find on the dynasty 280 dx is from Indiana oxygen co. I have dealt with Indiana oxygen co. many times from ebay and they have been great. Their website prices are cheaper then their ebay store prices (probably due to ebay fees).http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...-welder-907551Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749When you pulling the trigger Shane??
Reply:Yup, I don't need the cooled version. I already have a coolmate 3 with a ck torch on my current setup. So being the 280 cooler version has the ''special'' plug that is needed, my coolmate 3 won't work anyway. I'm fine with plugging it in the wall though.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:I got the 280 cps before I left for vacation. I did not expect the cooler to be bolted to the cart. I hate the clear Miller fluid, and the sight window on the side.  But overall the tigrunner cart is ok. I would need a piggyback bottle shelf for another bottle . This rig will not fit in my truck easily either but will make a nice shop rig.But this one is having start issues. It seems to chatter way too much to get an arc going.I tried lowering the tungsten size in the start window but it chatters more. If I go bigger it blows the edges away. Could be the 3/32 ceriated tungsten that came with it. So the small stainless tube job got done on the 200. I will be sorting that out with Casey in Jan.We will get it running some alum in January.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Terry, isn't it like 10% at full power single phase 230 vac?
Reply:I've been playing with my 280dx.  I finally bought a camera and I'll try to post some pictures.
Reply:Originally Posted by golfingweldorI've been playing with my 280dx.  I finally bought a camera and I'll try to post some pictures.
Reply:Just some practice pieces.6061  1/8th flat bar120 hz150 amps with foot pedal1/16th 5356 filler3/32nd 2% lanthanated
Reply:There you go weldershane. I know you must be chomping at the bit.  I don't know how you can stay so patient.  I know I couldn't wait like how you are.  My beads don't do this machine justice.  One day, I hope.  This machine is so smooth.
Reply:Thanks for the pic's golfing welder, mine's on order but I have some time before it gets here. Please post more as you run it. Like 7A749 I really struggled making up my mind, must have changed it a dozen times. Finally went back and read the spec sheets one more time and the single phase duty cycle being a hair better than the 350 sold me. This is my home rig and 3P is not in the cards otherwise I probably would have gone with the 350. Consolation is that I was able to sneak in a new TD Cutmaster 52 also as a bonus and still meet my budget  Weldershane has a good point about first production runs and I worry a little about that whereas the 350 seems pretty solid by now. Glad to see someone else is burning wire ahead of me so I know what to expect.
Reply:Thanks for the feedback Steve, if I need anything close to max it will mean I really screwed up and should just start over anyway. I am not a very good tigger and usually am just trying to clean up my mig messes but they sure come in handy when you need them! If I really need to go all out my other little princess definitely has enough attitude to blow through anything the 280 can't handle
Reply:Originally Posted by weedenbThanks for the pic's golfing welder, mine's on order but I have some time before it gets here. Please post more as you run it. Like 7A749 I really struggled making up my mind, must have changed it a dozen times. Finally went back and read the spec sheets one more time and the single phase duty cycle being a hair better than the 350 sold me. This is my home rig and 3P is not in the cards otherwise I probably would have gone with the 350. Consolation is that I was able to sneak in a new TD Cutmaster 52 also as a bonus and still meet my budget  Weldershane has a good point about first production runs and I worry a little about that whereas the 350 seems pretty solid by now. Glad to see someone else is burning wire ahead of me so I know what to expect.