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Looking into buying a TIG machine, need help

JobeFabrications

Active member
Joined
Nov 29, 2011
Messages
40
Location
Austin, Texas
I'm looking to get into TIG welding for my furniture business so I can expand into aluminum and stainless work along with my steel pieces.

The maximum thickness I'm currently welding is 1/4" thick and my Miller Mig handles that nicely.

I'm pretty partial to the Miller line of welders and would be interested in a used machine but a new one if I can afford it.

Any tips or thoughts on what I should be looking for?

Thanks

Bryan
 
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JobeFabrications

Active member
Joined
Nov 29, 2011
Messages
40
Location
Austin, Texas
Yup, I've bought quite a bit from them but I also buy from my great local shop.

Looking for feedback on amperage, what to look for, what to stay away from...
 

MFGENG

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Joined
Jul 21, 2011
Messages
79
I have the Diversion 180 and love it. +1 for cyberweld, that is also where I bought mine from.
 

mayday0017

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Oct 20, 2010
Messages
1,715
Location
Houston Texas
I have a Syncrowave 180 (same as a syncrowave 200 they just upped the specs at least that's what a guy at miller told me) I love mine, great machine for great price!
 

mayday0017

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Oct 20, 2010
Messages
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Location
Houston Texas
Hm... I actually bought my Syncrowave not to far from you, road up from houston to my buddys house then drove over twords New Braundsfel and snagged it up $800 tig had never been fired up was new in box guy had used the machine for stick welding some yard art thing he made. Watch craigslist there are some good finds out there!
 
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srmofo

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Oct 15, 2009
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6,161
Location
SW ohio
Ive got a diversion 165. As far as I know the only difference between the 165 and 180 is the 180 is capable of running 120 OR 240, and it has digital controls.

Both machines state the max is 3/16"

The one 180 also comes with an import foot pedal that everyone complains about. and most recommend this , which I purchased. Its big, beefy, and made completely from steel. No cheesy plastic like the miller pedal

Looking at the specs again, the 180 does go to 180amps, but it still says the max is 3/16
compare the 2 under quick specs tab http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/diversionseries.php
 
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mayday0017

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Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
1,715
Location
Houston Texas
Ive got a diversion 165. As far as I know the only difference between the 165 and 180 is the 180 is capable of running 120 OR 240, and it has digital controls.

Both machines state the max is 3/16"

The one 180 also comes with an import foot pedal that everyone complains about. and most recommend this , which I purchased. Its big, beefy, and made completely from steel. No cheesy plastic like the miller pedal

Looking at the specs again, the 180 does go to 180amps, but it still says the max is 3/16
compare the 2 under quick specs tab http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/diversionseries.php

I was not recommending a Diversion 180, but rather a Syncrowave 180 (assuming your comment had to do with my recomendation)
 

dr_clyde

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Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
6,421
Location
Holland, MI
What is your budget? 1/4" aluminum is looking at least 200 amp range. Syncrowave 250 or better, IMHO. If you can swing it, the dynasty series has some way cool features for welding aluminum.
 

Ron89

Member
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
13
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
I am a total Welding Noob but have been researching welders for basically the same needs as you. So far, it looks like the Miller Dynasty 200 DX seems to be the winner for me. With it being an inverter type, it doesn't require a ton of current and is very small/portable compared to a transformer model (like the syncrowave). Also, the Dynasty supposedly really rocks when welding on AC settings due to it's frequency adjustability. If you do go Dynasty and search used..everyone says to make sure its a newer model with the Blue Lightning technology. Good Luck on your Hunt!

http://www.millerwelds.com/resource...php?13260-Syncrowave-250-DX-or-Dynasty-200-DX
 
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