Well, I have about $2000 in the bank right now and I'm shopping for a nice TIG welder that will fill my needs over the next 5-10 years. I am willing to wait a bit longer and save a bit more money to get a nicer welder. My ultimate budget lies in the $2000-3000 range. I'm trying to decided which machine I want. I would like a machine that can handle about 200amps. Has to be capable of both steel and aluminum.


The choices as I have thus far:

Miller Dynasty 200dx with contractor kit. (high end of my price range).
http://store.cyberweld.com/mildyn200dxa.html
$3220 shipped

Thermal Dynamics Arc Master 185tsw
http://toolsforless.com/product/9805.html
$1988 shipped

Miller Syncrowave 200
http://store.cyberweld.com/milsyn180sd2.html
$1815 shipped


I figure the miller machines will hold there value the best. The Thermal Dynamics inverter machine seems like a very good value. It just hurts that they've raised the price on them $300+ dollars since I was looking at them last summer. What would you recommend for me?

Best Regards,
Justin Olson

 

I would recommend the dynasty 200dx.
I bought the sync 200 and I'm happy with it, but if I had to do it again, I'd get the smaller inverter.
If you are going to do a fair amount of projects, maybe get the sync 200 and use the other 1400 for some other tools like bandsaw, sander, tubing cutter, nice helmet,etc.
Something to think about.
Good luck, you will love either Miller.

 

dynasty 200dx gets my vote, less than 50lbs and more machine then i'll ever need.

 

You'll find that the less power the inverters use is really handy is you are working out of a small shop with limited service and you get more tools/machines. I'd say get the dynasty 200dx, I've had one and loved it, I'll probably get another to go along with my syncrowave 200 and my dynasty 300dx.

 

I would suggest you look into Thermal Arc inverters. I love my Pro Wave 185. Its fully programable and good all around welder. Not to mention you can get the Fire Power name that is basically an Arc Master with a different name for around $2100 shipped ready to work.

http://www.asedeals.com/firepower_tig.html

 

Go with an inverter type welder. Im trying to get rid of my 800lb transformer for a smaller inverter

 

Get the dynasty ,but dont get the contractor kit just get your own torch and pedal setup

 

I just saw two used Dynasty 300 with everything cart, pedal, cooler, etc...

one for 2400 and 2700 yeah not 2000 but this is the best your going to get because you can weld a lot thicker aluminum and you don't have to have the huge qir cooled torch

 

Unless your pretty good at aluminum then definately go with an inverter machine. This will help you dial in the frequency so you can weld some really small aluminum welds.

I suggest going used you get more for your money and it is very rare that they break.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CSaddict &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would suggest you look into Thermal Arc inverters. I love my Pro Wave 185. Its fully programable and good all around welder. Not to mention you can get the Fire Power name that is basically an Arc Master with a different name for around $2100 shipped ready to work.

http://www.asedeals.com/firepower_tig.html</TD></TR></TABLE>
He linked to a Thermal Dynamics, same machine.
That'd get my nod, plenty of power, and they have a good track record.

 

If I go with he dynasty without the contractor kit, which pedal and torch should I buy?

 

Go on ebay yo can get any miller 14 pin foot pedal.

If you are getting a water cooler than go with a black daimond torch.

 

how thick aluminum can you weld with the dynasty dx on 115v?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CSaddict &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would suggest you look into Thermal Arc inverters. I love my Pro Wave 185. Its fully programable and good all around welder. Not to mention you can get the Fire Power name that is basically an Arc Master with a different name for around $2100 shipped ready to work.

http://www.asedeals.com/firepower_tig.html</TD></TR></TABLE>

Holy ****, I got mine from that same place no less than 2 months ago for $1849 shipped, and that was the best price I could find, now its $300 more, wow, glad I got mine when I did.

 

I'm going with an air cooled torch to start out. I may go with a water cooled setup later on.

Justin