Tig welder purchasing matrix

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I know you've probably had it with the 'which welder should I buy' threads but I definitely tried to do my homework for this thread before just dumping my request on the pros.This is where I stand on my choices:  I WANT the Miller Dynasty 200DX.  But I can't justify it.  I feel like this machine is not targeted at the hobby/garage welders as it needs 3-phase power to reach the higher amps.  It looks more like the ThermalArc is the sound choice to make here as I'm a little scared of the HTP.  I have no idea who or where that machine is made.Some questions I would like answered:1)  How portable are these inverters?  Can they be run off of a power generator?   I would mostly be welding out of my garage but we do have acreage that I will need to get to that is well away from any built in power source.2)  I've seen a couple of posters giving their HTP Invertigs good reviews.  Who makes these (rebranded Lincoln?).I have a list of suppliers I've seen mentioned here and there, feel free to add to it if you know a good one to check for pricing:Cyberweld.comIndiana OxyRAM welding supply (Fresno Ca)USAWeld.comTook a screenshot of a welder matrix I've been compiling.  If you see any glaring omissions or inaccuracies please flame away!**Can't stop drooling over the Miller Dynasty**Thanks all!
Reply:The Dynasty 200DX weighs 45#.  I will run easily on a 5KW generator.  The TA 185TSW weighs 42#.  Do you need the aluminum capability?  If you can live with just DC TIG, there are other alternatives.  As far as wleding remote from your garage or shop, why would you haul a TIG rig, with gas and all, into the field?  Stick or FCAW would seem to be able to do anything except Al.Add these stores to the list:www.brwelder.comwww.b2b.airgas.comwww.weldingsupply.comHank
Reply:Don't be scared off by HTP. I have had it for well over a year now using just about every day doing both tig and stick and haven't had a problem. The invertig is made by Stel in Italy. I actually got the 201 with a tig accessory kit and WP17 air cooled torch thrown in for free for a total price of $2200. This is the deal Jeff Noland (President of HTP) shot me and I took it. I have heard of people having problems with the invertig but after getting shipped a new pc board had the machine up and running in no time. Jeff really takes care of his customers!NOTE: The HTP Invertig 201 does have pulse!Last edited by TiggerAaron; 10-26-2004 at 01:11 PM.TiggerAaronHTP Invertig 201w/ CK-20 torch and Bernard ChillerHTP MicroCut 300 plasma cutterLincoln R3S-325 w/ TA 17A Wire FeederVictor Super Range II O/A kitClausing/Colchester 13X40 LatheBridgeport 9X42 Mill
Reply:I updated the image to include a list of suppliers since we can't edit our own posts past 20 minutes.  Gave the HTP nods on the pulse.HTP seems to be a good machine based on stats alone.  Has a slightly higher duty cycle than the others.  I generally try to see where the welders 100% duty cycle is to determine what the 'real' capacity is - even though I won't use it at 100%.Hankj - I definitely want aluminum capabilities.  I already had to pass up a project helping to build a prototype recumbent bike frame that was aluminum.  As for hauling this out into the field, I would only be doing stick welding out there.  Since it will do both I figured this would be a good choice...correct me if I'm wrong here.
Reply:The HTP probably works fine. Although 1 year isnt exactly a long testing period.But I still vote for miller or lincoln. I have had miller welders for over 20 years with no problems. But more importantly, anywhere in the US, the local welding supply will be familiar with lincoln and miller, and they will probably have the parts you need in stock. There is a local welding repair shop in every major city that will repair your lincoln or miller if it needs it, with techs who have worked on em over and over again, and know what to look for.And then there is resale value- most miller tig welders sell for MORE now then they did when they were new- even 25 year old machines. What if the guy who runs HTP gets sick, or decides to retire to the bahamas? who is gonna fix your HTP, or send you parts, then? You might save a few hundred dollars now, but what about when you have a job, and the machine breaks down- how much is it worth to drive over to the welding supply, and pick up that switch, from stock, and put it in that day?Normally I am not a conservative guy, but with welders, I stick with red or blue.
Reply:I am considering springing for a Dynasty DX. I would like to be able to TIG small alminum on occasion and this thing would make a great portable stick for factory work. YI was tempted to get a little Maxstar but this thing runs on any voltage, very cool.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Hey, HTP is red!TiggerAaronHTP Invertig 201w/ CK-20 torch and Bernard ChillerHTP MicroCut 300 plasma cutterLincoln R3S-325 w/ TA 17A Wire FeederVictor Super Range II O/A kitClausing/Colchester 13X40 LatheBridgeport 9X42 Mill
Reply:You might want to look on ebay for a used unit save a load of cash, I picked up a dialarc hf for 1400 with a brand new footpedal, radiator 1 with a 350 amp water cooled torch. As long as you have the room for a 500-650 lbs monster give it a shot. I love the idea of having the same power in a 50lbs box that I could carry around but right now I just dont trust them, I like them big and heavy...
Reply:My 201 was $2300, complete ready to weld,(except for argon) it doesn't come with a stinger for stick, Jeff threw in a connector for free, I picked up cord and stinger for $20.I've had no problems with mine. It weighs in a few lbs heavier, than others. It has a all steel box and uses three cooling fans. When I was looking for a tig, I asked my local dealer on service for the dynasty, they said they ship them back to Appletown for work.
Reply:As much as I would like to get the 200DX, who has 3-phase power in their house?  Not me!  Is there still a reason to spend that extra cash for it?  I'm kinds waiting for someone to talk me into it.
Reply:I agree, if you dont need 3 phase then it isnt worth it but I go to factories on occasion and it would be handy. I have a transformer for 480 3 ph to 230 single but its heavy. I just like the multi V options, all the way to 120 if it was needed.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:HTP had their Invertig 200, the predecessor to the 201 out before Lincoln had there V205T out and before Miller had the 200DX out.  I will say that Miller was the first with the Dynasty 300 though.My experience has been that if you need anything other than a tip or a nozzle for a Miller welder, the local BOC or Praxair doesn't stock it, so we have to wait a few days for it anyway.The guy at HTP has been there since 1981.  Maybe he will retire to the Bahamas if ITW wants to buy him out!Whether you buy the HTP or the Blue or other red, if you are using this at home, keep in mind the power consumption.  A 180SD or a SW185 will need about 70 amps to run wide open.  And the inverter will give you the benefit of an adjustable AC frequency which is huge, and a much wider range over the AC balance, really nice when working on dirty aluminum castings.
Reply:I will say that Miller was the first with the Dynasty 300 thoughI think you will find that Thermal -arc was out close to, or before the Dynasty 300.
Reply:I guess I am lucky we dont have BOC or praxair around here. Where I live, we have a chain of locally owned welding stores, and they stock repair parts for most common lincoln and miller welders, as well as victor and smith torches. And they have an agreement with the closest real repair shop, that does nothing but fix welders. So I can drop off a machine at my local store, and they will truck it to the repair shop, and then bring it back, and put the whole thing on my account. I am currently running an XMT 304, which is like a dynasty, but DC only, and boy do I like it. The light weight, the number of different processes it will do, and the weld quality- noticeably better for both tig and mig than my older power supplies. So whichever brand you buy, I say go Inverter.
Reply:Hey I realize this is an older post - so this info may be obsolete - maybe not. I called Miller product support to make sure of the output capabilities on the 200DX.He stated that the chart in product literature is wrong and misleading.This unit is capable of 150A output with 1-Phase, 115V input; 200A output with 1-Phase, 230V input OR 3 phase. - not 150A with single phase and 200A with 3 phase....Does anyone have other info or experience?
Reply:Damn...I've been gone a long time.
Reply:Actually, WRONG was probably to strong of word. More misleading. The info is there you just have to look at the right place. The performance charts in the same product info are clearer.
Reply:I would get another TA 185 in a heartbeat.  I love mine.