help with Inverter welders

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we are looking at  a new inverter type TIG for doing installs and were hopeing some one might have the ones were sre looking at to give us a heads up on them. 1st we are looking at the Miller Maxstar 150 STL the best price we can find on this one is about $1400 (for the package ,includeing the torch, leads, regulator, etc) 2nd we are looking at the ESAB Miniarc 150 APS the best price on this one is around $1000  (includeing torch regulator leads Etc)  they seem to be comparable the ESAB is a bit heavier at around 18LB VS/ the miller at around 14LB both have lift arc starting and both have the same duty cycle and volt/amp ranges. is the miller worth an extra $400?thanks MPHeat it and Beat it!!!http:www.Fallinghammerproductions.com
Reply:without a doubt.Miller's customer service is best in class, believe me you may never need it, but when you do, you'll be happy you went that route.I owned a Maxstar 150STH (have since stepped up to a Dynasty 200DX) that little machine is incredible.edit: on the interweb you can find a STL package for ~$1200Last edited by ChamferTrode; 08-08-2007 at 01:42 PM.
Reply:I agree on Miller's customer service.  They are always quick and willing to help.  Many companies (not saying other welding companies, but in general) make you pay for customer service and the ones that don't usually do it half-assed.
Reply:I own and love the Maxstar. It seems that everyone that borrows it ("I have this  kitchen job of the 18th floor and can't bring the engine drive in and there's only 120 in the kitchen and no one has access to the panel and..." "Here, try this" "Isn't that a toy?" "Ok, if you say so, but it runs on 120V") buys one the next week. I get more free beer and dinners as payback from that machine.  I have not used the ESAB, but will say that those four pounds mean a lot to me on a 30 foot ladder. (Not as much as the 50 pounds for leads from a stationary machine vs. the 2 pounds for the extension cord) Oh, ya, the Maxstar is a good stick machine and will run 7018 and 6010.