I want a new TIG machine, but which one?

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I am sure that this has been asked before, but my searching skills couldn't find the threads.There are three machine possibilities.  And I have welded with quite a few, even with some of the machines listed.But like most, I am looking for quality and features with out overpaying.I don't know anything about the Thermal Arcs but would like to hear about them and how they compare to the others.I have ran all of the Syncrowave series and Dynasty 200 and 300, but not the 350 or 700.I would be interested in a Dynasty 300 or if Thermal Arc comparative.  Does Lincoln have anything out that is worth a Fu$%?Any advice or experience, or recommendations will be appreciated.  I'd be willing to get used, from the right place/auction/newspaper ad.-Rhyno07 Fowler 200D65 RedFace04 Miller TB 302, 22hpMiller 12RCMiller HF 251-1Lincoln SP135HyperTherm PM 380and a few others... Originally Posted by RhynoBut, if I "all of a sudden disappear....  ...." hopefully I didn't suffer too much....
Reply:I'm a bit of a tart when it comes to power supplies.I ask my LWS for specials vs what can be had for 10% over cost. Then I look the mfg's data over to see what I can live with/without. Some of the add-ons can add up fast without any discount later, at least from my LWS anyway.The machines you're looking at seldom go on any real special pricing but it can happen, I get a call every few months or so.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by Rhyno Does Lincoln have anything out that is worth a Fu$%?Any advice or experience, or recommendations will be appreciated.  -Rhyno
Reply:Thanks for the replies.Has anyone used an Esab Heliarc 161 AC/DC?It has lower numbers, on paper.  Hopefully they are under-rated.When I used the Dynasty 200, I was disappointed.  It seemed like it was over-rated.  Maybe they have improved them, but this was in 2005 and on 230V.Thanks again, for your input.-Rhyno07 Fowler 200D65 RedFace04 Miller TB 302, 22hpMiller 12RCMiller HF 251-1Lincoln SP135HyperTherm PM 380and a few others... Originally Posted by RhynoBut, if I "all of a sudden disappear....  ...." hopefully I didn't suffer too much....
Reply:Thermal Arc's answer to the Dynasty 350/300DX is the Arc Master 300 ACDC.  I have welded with a friend's Thermal Arc Pro Wave 300 ACDC, an earlier model before the Arc Master digital machine came out, and it is quite a nice machine.  I am very happy with my Arc Master 185 ACDC and will most likely choose the Arc Master 300 to upgrade to, when the time comes.The Thermal Arc 300 and Dynasty 350 are both big time bucks machines $$$$.   Expect to pay $5K for just the power supply by itself with no extras what so ever.   Expect to pay $7K for a complete running system with cart, cooler, torch leads, etc.  These ain't for foolin' around!Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-14-2010 at 10:06 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I can't say enough good about my Syncrowave 350.  It will do everything i can fit into my small shop.Syncrowave 350Coolmate 3Millermatic 251Spoolmatic 30A
Reply:Originally Posted by n20junkieI can't say enough good about my Syncrowave 350.  It will do everything i can fit into my small shop.