Syncrowave 200 a good choice for a hobbyist/home guy?

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Just wondering if the Syncrowave 200 from Miller is a good choice for a hobbiest, welding on various materials and thicknesses? Whats the thickest material that 200A can weld? Steel and aluminum.I took a class on TIG and got pretty good at it. Unfortunately my current welder does not have a foot pedal, its just an OLD power source and I'd like something with a foot pedal.How much welding is an air cooled torch good for?Any info you guys have, I will take!I found it for 1855. Anyone know of a cheaper source?Last edited by striker754; 04-04-2006 at 06:39 PM.
Reply:I'm no longer tig shopping but your price sounds about right.  I'm sure the Synch 200 is a fine machine but I went with a Thermal Arc.  My little inverter has more bells and whistle but cost a little less money.  The inverters take less up less space and are more efficient which save on the electric bill.  There are several of us with the TA on the hobart site.  Do a search there if you want more info.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Inverters don't have AC though do they?
Reply:Some do and the Thermal Arc 185 definately does
Reply:The TA will let you adjust the frequency up to 150 hz in AC mode.  Transformer type are locked in at the line freq.  60 hz here in the US.  The higher frequency will let you get a more focused arc.Here's a link to one at IOC.  Gives you all the goody skinny.http://cgi.ebay.com/THERMAL-ARC-PRO-...QQcmdZViewItemHre's a link to the spec sheethttp://www.thermadyne.com/uplFiles/l...rc/84_2220.pdfLast edited by Tailshaft56; 04-06-2006 at 12:41 AM.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I think the Synchorwave does AC and DC.  It can also do things like square wave AC for welding on dirty aluminum.  I think I used a Synchrowave 250, but it may have been a 200.
Reply:Square wave eliminates the voltage and current drop as the cycle changes directions.  You will still nead to clean your aluminum to get satisfactory welds.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:By dirty I mean scrubbed with a stainless brush or Scotchbrite pad, but not necessarily acid etched like it seems is sometimes required.
Reply:The TA185 is a great machine for the price..  (comming from a big miller fan).  The 200 syncrowave is overpriced.  It has ONLY 15 amps more to boast.  The TA beats it in ALL other areas.
Reply:Based on claims by most companies that make inverter machines, because of the adjustability, the inverters weld thicker material at a given amperage.  So, the 15 amps separating a 185 inverter and a 200 transformer may not mean a thing.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Good point.
Reply:After using my Sync 250 this weekend on some 1/8 and 3/16 alluminum I am very glad I didn't get the Econo-Tig as I originally planned. The amount of amperage the al eats up is amazing. I am not sure how think of material you plan on welding but beware alluminum is not like steel in the capacity department. Having said that I wish I could have gotten a Dynasty instead. The amount of many I am gonna have to spend to get the 200 amp service out to my new shop is gonna offset the price, but oh well.Millermatic 251Century 180 migSpectrum 625 Syncrowave 250DX