TIG welder selection?

admin

Hi,New here, been searching for someplace to ask some questions.  I'm itching to buy a TIG welder, but am struggling with choosing a model.  I am curious how decent the Miller Diversion series welders are.  The cost is a great plus, but I dont know if the simple operation would be a downside anytime soon.  I'm very new to TIG welding, I've spent a good bit of time practicing with the fancy TIG machines in a class Im taking, but thats about it.I mig everything atm, and rarely need to weld alum or stainless, but would like to have the option available.  I mainly want a TIG in my home shop so I can practice whenever I want.The Diversion series, and the Syncrowave 200 are the main ones Ive looked at.  Is there other options to consider?ThanksBen W
Reply:I just bought a new Syncrowave 200, and cant say enough good about it.
Reply:I'd go Syncro 200.  You can stick weld with it, a lot more tuneable, The pedal is a better unit, more choice of torches & options available.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Have you considered Everlast products?  Their PowerTIG 185 Micro machine comes to mind as being pretty competitive with the machines you mentioned (with 185 amp output capacity @ 35% duty cycle.)  Its got a wider range of AC Frequency (20-250Hz) and AC Balance (10-90%) than either of the two units you mentioned (which will be nice to have on aluminum), and it costs less ($850 retail price with footpedal.)  It can't run on 110V like the Diversion 180 can, and it can't stick weld like the Syncrowave can.
Reply:I've never seen any of the Everlast Tig machines so I cannot comment, but I am impressed with my PowerArc 200. If you could possibly swing the price of a Dynasty 200 it would cut your learning curve on aluminum immensely!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions so far.I'm not familiar with Everlast brand, and would be hesitant to buy anything not made by Miller, Lincoln or perhaps Thermalarc without hearing lots of positive feedback.If I had a larger budget, selecting a machine would be much easier, all the Syncrowaves and Dynasty series look great. It will be at the top of what I want to spend to get a syncrowave 200, as I still have to buy an argon tank as well.
Reply:I had a Miller Synchro 180 and traded it on a ThermalArc 185.  Get the ThermalArc if you can swing the extra money.  Way advanced from the 180.
Reply:Another vote for the Syncrowave. I picked up a Syncro 200 and have been very pleased with it. I just didn't have the cash for a Dynasty at the time. I do wish I had a bit more amps for doing 1/4" alum. The Syncro 250 would have been a better choice for that..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have been keeping my eye open for used machines locally too, I did find an older Syncrowave 250 that comes with the torch, regulator and footpedal.  Its an auction so not sure how much it will go for though.Would this be a similar or better option than a new syncrowave 200 if the prices are similar?
Reply:Well I went ahead and ordered a syncrowave 200 from my local Airgas.  Bit more than I wanted to spend but hopefully it will be more than I need as a welder pretty new to tig.