Which name brand 200-250amp TIG machines have adjustable AC balance?

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I need to upgrade from my lincoln square wave 175 to something from 200 to 250 amp (going for 225-250) so I can weld 1/4" aluminum.But seriously, while my 175 does weld 1/4" the duty cycle isn't great at 100% and I have been wanting adjustable AC balance for many of year now. I like the old transformer machines, but am unsure if any of them have adjustable ac balance? I may be able to be talked into an inverter machine but your gonna have to buy me some drinks first.Only looking at miller or lincoln really. This is quite a nice price for the machine and is tempting me but no AC control. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lincoln-Prec...item3f29054752So lets have it, whats the good adjustable AC machines I should be watching for?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3Syncrowave 250
Reply:If your going to to do a lot of 1/4" make sure you get a water cooled torch.
Reply:All the inverter machines have adjustable AC balance.   Much less common on transformer machinesTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Dynasty- more adjustments than the space shuttle.
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTAny of them or just the DX?
Reply:Most of the name brand AC/DC TIG welders have AC balance. Not all have balance control on the  front panel. some are hidden is a hidden menu that needs several key presses to get to.Go to the web site of the brand you are looking at and down load the owners manual.See how that model welder adjusts AC balance.
Reply:I have a precision tig 275 and it has ac ballanceI had it set to AUTO for months and then finally played wtih it.I dont' weld a lot and do almost all aluminum, but when I was trying 1/4" aluminum and turned the balance all the way to the right which is supposed to be around 85% then the result for me was a big valley with the aluminum being pushed to the left and right of the valley.What worked best for me was gapping the two pieces of aluminum bar about 1/16th of an inch and then filling in the premade space with filler and when doing that I just had my balance set more towards the middle.For thin tube like. .040" wall aluminum I need less penetration and always put it low or on auto is what seems to work good.You can get PT275' used for around $2000 to $3000I know a couple going up for auction next week in Charlotte, PM if interested.Honestly I'd get an inverter if I were you. You will need close to a 100amp breaker to use a PT275 and even though I have the ready pack with cart and wheels it pretty much stays in one place becuase it is fo freaking heavy. good luck.
Reply:http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...roduct=K2535-1says the pt225 also has balance control.
Reply:I stopped in the local welding store and noticed they had a lincoln 225 on the floor. First thing I notice is an AC balance knob! Yes it has an auto set but also has an adjustable range as well that they don't mention in the brochure. But then more reading and I see they say only 90amps at 60% duty cycle? That seams like crap on a 225 machine? But the syncrowave is $3K more.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:One other thing I often wondered about. At idle (on not welding) does a 275amp machine draw more power than say a 175amp machine? How much more power?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Wanna meet at Gary, IN? 12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:If you want a one time machine that will also be a great stick welder, in TIG, all the adjustments you would ever want, but auto set option for simplicity go to a Dynasty 280 DX. You won't be sorry.
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BIf you want a one time machine that will also be a great stick welder, in TIG, all the adjustments you would ever want, but auto set option for simplicity go to a Dynasty 280 DX. You won't be sorry.
Reply:Have you looked at the HTP?  Lower duty cycle compared to a Sync 250DX, but all the bells and whistles.  You could pick up a whole rig, water cooled for under $3K.  They are having a black Friday sale and honoring the price until December.  A dynasty 280 runner is $6K.http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...ode=70221-12.5
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTWanna meet at Gary, IN?
Reply:Yup, the HTP invertig is one very capable machine that even boasts independent amplitude control (the only tig in it's price class to offer it) 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:You might also want to consider adjustable AC frequency, which is as huge of a improvement as AC balance is IMHO.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 lugweldYou might also want to consider adjustable AC frequency, which is as huge of a improvement as AC balance is IMHO.
Reply:I was looking into that lincoln 225 more and I thought I read in the pamphlet that it said 90amps at 60% duty cycle. Well now on lincolns web page it shows that the 225 has the same 60% duty cycle at 110amps as the 175 that I have now. So thats not an option.The millers blow those specs out of the water with the 250. Just having a hard time with the price. I see some 250dx machines listed that are just machine only for like $3200. A ground lead is basically nothing, a torch is what $250 and a pedal can be had for under $200, so why is the difference between just the machine and a machine with the crap almost $2000?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI was looking into that lincoln 225 more and I thought I read in the pamphlet that it said 90amps at 60% duty cycle. Well now on lincolns web page it shows that the 225 has the same 60% duty cycle at 110amps as the 175 that I have now. So thats not an option.The millers blow those specs out of the water with the 250. Just having a hard time with the price. I see some 250dx machines listed that are just machine only for like $3200. A ground lead is basically nothing, a torch is what $250 and a pedal can be had for under $200, so why is the difference between just the machine and a machine with the crap almost $2000?
Reply:Originally Posted by kazlxHave you looked at the HTP?  Lower duty cycle compared to a Sync 250DX, but all the bells and whistles.  You could pick up a whole rig, water cooled for under $3K.  They are having a black Friday sale and honoring the price until December.  A dynasty 280 runner is $6K.http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...ode=70221-12.5
Reply:Never used a Lincoln, I do know a low duty cycle is suited to aluminum weldors who smoke heavily, or text. If you don't have something to occupy your time, you're gonna go nuts! The Diversion had a duty cycle near 10% at full output, then, it wouldn't shut off, it just tapered back on the heat. I'm pushing the pedal to the floor, can't maintain a puddle, I look at the LED read out, it says 80 amps with pedal to the floor!
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BNever used a Lincoln, I do know a low duty cycle is suited to aluminum weldors who smoke heavily, or text. If you don't have something to occupy your time, you're gonna go nuts! The Diversion had a duty cycle near 10% at full output, then, it wouldn't shut off, it just tapered back on the heat. I'm pushing the pedal to the floor, can't maintain a puddle, I look at the LED read out, it says 80 amps with pedal to the floor!I quit smoking a couple years ago now so now I have nothing to do besides try and cut parts between welds but I can only get so far ahead on that. I wanna get the weldin done.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTThose are tempting as well and I have heard lots of good things about them. A local fabricator who is also a friend of mine has one, swears by it, tells me to come try it out all the time. It just looks kind of cheap (outside appearance) and I have a very hard time getting away from blue and red machines. lol
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI just worry about long term reliability with inverter machines.
Reply:One thing to remember on Tranny machines is that the balance control is more limited.  On my Syncro 250 (non DX circa 1991) the amount of EP maxed at 68%.  On my dynasty and my current TA it went to 99% (IIRC).  I'm no pro, and I'm sure many will disagree with me on this one.  AC frequency is fun to play with and has it's uses, but I find myself back at good old 60 Hz all the time.  The only exceptions are higher for fillets and very low for really thick stuff (approximates a DCEN aluminum weld more).  For me it wouldn't be a breaking point on a machine.  I agree that older tranny machines are more reliable because of less parts, period.  The boards can go wrong, but you got a shot to fix the machine when it does.  Inverters make me nervous too.Just take your time to find a cheap Syncro 250.  It will just take time.  BTW, be ready to supply it with 100 amps.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Just take your time to find a cheap Syncro 250.  It will just take time.  BTW, be ready to supply it with 100 amps.
Reply:That 100amp thing again. I asked earlier about machines at idle and the power they use. I assume any machine at idle only uses power to run the fan(s) and displays and whatnot yes/no?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Just take your time to find a cheap Syncro 250.  It will just take time.  BTW, be ready to supply it with 100 amps.
Reply:You have 2,200 posts. You deserve a Dynasty 280. (Have a Sync 250 FWIW)
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTThat 100amp thing again. I asked earlier about machines at idle and the power they use. I assume any machine at idle only uses power to run the fan(s) and displays and whatnot yes/no?
Reply:The ESAB never comes up in these conversations. They have a full range of products but just doesn't get much traction in the states. Their caddy Tig 2200i has AC wave balance AND tungsten preheat.I don't weld for a living but I sure feel like I'm living when I'm welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by NgrayYou have 2,200 posts. You deserve a Dynasty 280.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3I second this motion. I run mine on a 60 amp circuit and have never blown that breaker. I repaired a lug on the aluminum axle housing of a 430 John Deere super garden tractor and I was nervous of pulling that much power but the breaker did not trip......I am a simple home shop guy so that may be why I have not had an issue.If you are comparing a 907195 to a 951118 the difference is no work cable and clamp, no torch, no amp control, no regulator or gas hose, no coolant and no cooler. If you were going piece meal it and bought some used stuff you could save some money but I have a hunch by the time you got done finding, buying, shipping all the parts you wouldn't save what you expected. I got VERY lucky, I unloaded mine, put a plug on the primary cord, relinked and started welding.......plus the fact that I traded it for a MM200 that I have very little in.
Reply:Looks like the Precision Tig 275 is a closer comparison and if you need the power your going to have to pay for it.---Meltedmetal Originally Posted by VPTI was looking into that lincoln 225 more and I thought I read in the pamphlet that it said 90amps at 60% duty cycle. Well now on lincolns web page it shows that the 225 has the same 60% duty cycle at 110amps as the 175 that I have now. So thats not an option.The millers blow those specs out of the water with the 250. Just having a hard time with the price. I see some 250dx machines listed that are just machine only for like $3200. A ground lead is basically nothing, a torch is what $250 and a pedal can be had for under $200, so why is the difference between just the machine and a machine with the crap almost $2000?
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTThe difference between the 907195 and 951118 is around $1200 though. A guy can get a torch that fits his exact needs for $250 or less, a pedal for $200 or less, a ground setup for $100 and pocket the rest. Or for a guy like me that has the parts laying around and just so happen to have a welder now could scrap together a tank and pump for $100 or less. Saves a minimum $550! more if you went with cheaper components. That is a very tempting deal if you ask me.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DVery little draw at idle, like you said display and on demand fan. The exception would be if you have the power correction option. They use more on idle to charge the capacitors.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuicidekingThe ESAB never comes up in these conversations. They have a full range of products but just doesn't get much traction in the states. Their caddy Tig 2200i has AC wave balance AND tungsten preheat.
Reply:By playing with balance, frequency (and to a small extend EN/EP ratio) you can get a machine to weld aluminum like DC on steel.  Very controlled arc, sharp pointed tungsten etc. etc.The noise however will definitely tell you your running AC.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I've got the HTP221, but seeing how it's my first TIG rig, I can't compare it to other options.All I CAN say is it seems to have the ultimate in options and every possible adjustment/control I'd ever expect to need.For less than 3K, they tossed in stubbly lens kit, whole range of consumables including all sizes collets and lens, stick lead, all possible sizes and types tungsten 10 packs, DVD, fantastic spiral wound full size manual, high quality ball regulator and hose, foot pedal and more.I just wish I'd bought their water cooler in the deal while they were feeling generous.I've only attempted a few TIG runs without filler so far, but I've run it's stick function hard and can tell you it's the smoothest stick welder I've ever used, plus the pedal works in stick mode if you discover you need it.It runs all the way down to 4 amps even in stick mode when pedal is attached.Edited to add they also tossed in their diamond wheeled tungsten grinder...all for just under 3KLast edited by wornoutoldwelder; 11-14-2014 at 05:46 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3And seriously if you and DynaSteve work out a deal you can meet at my shop and we can plug it in and you can weld.
Reply:My wife is allot of help. I tell her I need a new welder and am telling her about a used dynasty and how much it is. She replies "Why don't you just get a new one?", I show her the price of a new complete dynsaty 280 and she says "Sure, get that one".12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTMy wife is allot of help. I tell her I need a new welder and am telling her about a used dynasty and how much it is. She replies "Why don't you just get a new one?", I show her the price of a new complete dynsaty 280 and she says "Sure, get that one".
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTMy wife is allot of help. I tell her I need a new welder and am telling her about a used dynasty and how much it is. She replies "Why don't you just get a new one?", I show her the price of a new complete dynsaty 280 and she says "Sure, get that one".
Reply:A beautiful, and brilliant woman.
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI agree.  I just saw the TIG Caddy 2200i AC/DC with air-cooled torch on EBay for $2k.  20% duty cycle @ 220A and only needs a 16A fuse.  Hell of a PFC it must have.http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESAB-CADDYTI.../111509360683?
Reply:Originally Posted by bassboy1That's rubbish.Most new transformer machines have almost as many circuit boards to go bad, yet don't have the benefits of the inverters. Worst of both worlds.Adjustable frequency combined with adjustable balance will blow your mind if you've only welded with transformer machines.  The higher quality in your finished product, due to being able to control more of the functions will more than make up for any higher cost over the machines life....