Worth keeping around?

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HelloBeen around for a while and finally have a question worth posting... I recently inherited (sadly) a Syncrowave 351 in good condition. I am currently using a Dialarc HF for stick and air-cooled tig, and have not yet had the chance to hook up the Syncro and give it a try.  I LOVE the Dialarc arc for stick, and am not willing to compromise any arc quality but do not have the space for redundant machines in my shop. I will definitely keep the Syncro for sentimental purposes and for its superior tig capabilities, but wanted some input from some of you who may be using a large transformer tig machine like the Syncro for both processes, and how you find ease of switching back and forth, differences in arc quality, mobility, etc.  When I get the 351 hooked up I will of course make my own opinions about how it welds, etc. I just wanted some input from those of you who never looked back, or maybe sold the old beast and regretted it forever.This is a great site.Thanks.Last edited by flatrockfarm; 10-31-2009 at 10:27 PM.Reason: misspelling
Reply:I have weld time on a Syncro 250 and a Syncro 500. Both are excellent stick welders as well as tig. I have no weld time with a dialarc but I believe  what you may find somewhat different will be the arc start with the syncro compared to your dialarc when welding with stick.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:keep'em both !!!   you can never have too many welders.Daye
Reply:My thought also, but the space that the Dialarc takes up could be filled with some other piece of unused dust-attractant. I like variety.
Reply:I think you'll be safe selling the Dialarc.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I would keep the syncro. Most guys would love to have that large of a machine. The syncro has more functions than the dialarc which would make me forget about the possibility of a slight arc differences between the two machines.Plus the sentimental  value
Reply:To be clear, I will definitely be keeping the syncro, the question is if I should keep the dialarc as well. My biggest hesitation is that the dialarc is on the factory running gear, making it as portable as 500lbs can be. The syncro is also on wheels, but really only portable enough to be pulled away from the wall to be cleaned.I am leaning towards selling the dialarc and using the money to buy some long leads for the syncro. I'll have to walk a little farther to change amps, but that won't kill me. (might even qualify as exercise)I'll let the welder have the final word as soon as firewood is finished...