I found one for $500, 300amp, ac/dc, cont. HF and HF start, 240v 1-phase. Basicly all I'd really want, since I'm sick to death of my current TIG's scratch-start.

I've found they are an older brand, and know most older welders tend to be built like rocks. Just curious if it's a good deal, and if anyone has used them before. This is more for hobby work, so I don't need any bells or whistles besides HF start.

 

It'll be fine for what you want to do, does it have the watercooler built in? If everything works this will be a good machine, you'll just need a lot of service to power it.

 

I know about the power issue, it apears it can pull as much as 60A! I'll be doing all of 100amps at the most right now, I doubt that will cause a problem. My dad's an electrician anyways, he can always upgrade me to an extent.

 

I'd be betting it pulls up to, if not over 100amps.
If you weld any aluminum you'll be needing it.

 

Agreed, my Miller 250 was rated rated to pull 96 amps

 

The linde we used in college would dim the lights under full throttle use. I hope you have a lot of power. The $500 it costs wont look like such a good deal when you get $300 electric bills each month.

 

For the money spent on electricity in 1 year you would have saved that just buying an inverter to begin with. For home use its a bit much. Most likely your house is on a 100amp breaker. To upgrade that you need to call your local energy supply and have them drop and pull you another line rated at 150 amps or more.

 

You realize that the power usage scales with power ouput. I don't plan on needing more than 150 amps (output), nor would I have to pay a crapload to change to 200 amp serivce (psu manual I found states max 106 amps input). As I said, my dad is a state-licensed electrician.

The inverter alternative is still pricey, $1300+ for a Miller Diversion 165. I've looked and looked, but can't find an newer "used" TIGs for under $1500. Since it's not a business, I don't mind paying a bit for electricity on occation, nor do I need 15 different adjustable features. I taught myself to TIG weld with a cheezy 130a Harbor Freight unit, after all.


I just don't want to buy an iffy chinese TIG, pay a fortune for a new full-feature Miller, or stick to my scratch-start unit. Constantly resharpening electrodes gets old, quick.

 

Im with ya on this....Ive been searching for these "deals" on inverters all over the place and I can't find ****.....I have come across some monster transformer machines for about that price.....And to top it off, all the local auctions are always on sat morning when Im working

 

Still the older machines use a lot of power. Mine draws about 40 amps at idle (I definitely try to shut it off as much as I can).

 

look on your local craigslist.org

I see the one you are looking at for $500 but there is another one here for $1,000 in the same area.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/1281052699.html

Check it out and let us know what you think.

 

Miller MAXSTAR 150 STL with optional remote amperage control. New in 2008, only used once. Includes stick welder leads and TIG gas regulator. Built-in gas solenoid, 115 V power input. More information at http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...xstar_150_stl/ (with 2008 model case.)
Cash only please, local pick up only.

 

thats what i did. back in 03' i bought an early 70's hobart 300amp bahemath. used it to build the race car and im still using it weekly for projects. i think its max pull is 96 amps on the tag. in 7 years its never once tripped a 50 amp breaker. and i had it at full blast for about 10 min doing some tractor repair for a neighbor.

the main thing to look for on the older machines is they dont like working to well in AC. so id check that out before you buy it if you can.

 

What do you mean by that, the high frequency?

 

Hi, long time. i love the diversion, for the money. i bet that thing is huge. as poeple have said the power bills and if it has to go to the shop could offset the savings fast. good luck dude.