Trying to narrow down my selection of a TIG. I'm leaning more towards a Lincoln. I was all set on the Precision 225 (counterpart to the Syncrowave) mainly because of Lincoln's "Comparison Guide" between the two.
http://content.lincolnelectric...2.pdf
But now I'm eyeing the Invertec V205-T.
I'm going to have to run a new line to the garage anyway, so my decision between the 110 and 220 is not an issue.
The Precision has more bells and whistles (MicroStart, Pulse Control, AC Auto-Balance) which all look super-cool to a novice welder but it is fairly immobile (260lbs w/o tank).

The Invertec is small and portable (38lbs), but is over 1000$ more. And per the brochure, does not have as many options as the Precision.

I'm not asking "Which one should I get?" because even I don't know the extent of the type of welding I will be doing or the amount of garage space I have to spare. I don't currently see the need to throw the TIG in the back of the car and go weld something, but if the moment arrive, it would be nice to do. (But 1000$ extra nice to do? I'm not too sure)
But I am asking, for those of you that have encountered this dilemma before, what was the ultimate deciding factor and are you happy with the decision you made?

 

Could be handy, but most work comes to me. I bought a larger one that can roll around garage, but will not transport easily. Hasn't been a problem yet.
Being portable is nice, but what about the rest of the tools to do the job?
It seems very expensive to get that option, and you aren't getting as much welder.
My .02

 

I had the same dilema 8 months ago, syncrowave 200 or dynasty 200DX... Didn't need portability at the time, now I wish I had gone with the dynasty, mobile tig work brings in some really good cash.

 

Yeah, on rare occasion I might go mobile if I had the option, but on the other hand I almost think that just might a bit unreasonable though. I have plenty of work in house, plus like the guy above said what about the additional tools required. You add the gas you have to carry, accessories, other tools....too much hassle. My garage is laid out and very comfortable to me, so that's where I work best.

It's a big decision, but I can't honestly say that my next TIG will be "portable" either. My Lincoln is 375lbs, and the runner package gives me all the mobility I really need. My .08

 

I personally use all HTP products. I have there tig, mig and plasma cutter and have yet to have a problem with any of them. Look in to them if you're interested. 200amp ac/dc inverter tig if I remember correctly was $2200. The best customer service by far as well!

http://www.htpweld.com/

One thing to consider as far as portability is where do you intend to bring it. At one point that was an issue to me and the welder hasnt really moved since other than around my shop. One big problem becomes what plug do you put on the welder. I rarely see the same 2phase outlets in differant locations (ie: shops, garages, drying machines.) Its just not as universal as 110v.

 

Dynasty 200DX. Period.

I'm using the Maxstar 150STH, and there is nothing better than being able to TIG with 120 standard current. I've welded @ 150amps on just a 15amp circuit and didn't even trip the breaker. The inverters are simply amazing.

I was also able to tote the entire assembily with a couple 60cf tanks to a buddies house to TIG in a roll cage. It takes a while to setup and break down for transport, but it is WELL worth the extra $.

At some point I will be selling the maxstar for the Dynasty so I can get the complete package. The maxstar was simply more affordable, and because I only need to weld steel, it was a better option.

 

I thought take down and bringing gas and stuff would be a hassle too, its not, I can get the welder ready to roll with a 110 bottle and all my tools and stuff out of my rabbit ready to weld in much less than 10 minutes.

Still I didn't originally think I would ever need to do some mobile tig work, but since I bought my syncrowave I have had 2 phone calls for some midnight emergency mobile work for sanitary stainless welding that I could have billed at $200CAD an hour, needless to say I could have payed off the extra cash for the dynasty dx with only 5 hours extra work... Kinda frustrating now!

 

I bring my parts to the tig welder to big of a pita unless im getting 100+ an hour for mobile tigging