Tig welder Q.

[R6 Racer]

I have been looking for a tig for a while now. Strictly for hobby use! I'm a complete newb as far as tig is concerned. There are so many models its hard to keep them straight. I have a Lincoln mig & would like to get a Miller or Lincoln tig.
With that quick background... can anyone tell me about a Miller Maxstar 200SD Tig ? there is one for sale kinda in this area for $1200.00 & I have no idea if it will do, or if the price is good or outrageous.

Any helpful information will be appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Maxstar is a DC only welder, so no aluminum. It is an inverter machine so it uses less power and is smaller than a transformer based machine. I don’t have one but Miller Tigs are sposed to be very good. Price will depend on what is included; torch, cooler, tank/flow meter, consumables, ect.

 

[R6 Racer]

Ahh that would be it then, DC only. I see used Miller180 diversions that people are asking $1800 to $2000 for. Used anything around here seems so expensive.
I do want aluminum capabilities so this one is out.

What would a good, used, well outfitted, 180ish machine sell for in your area...ANYONE?
Where are They the least expensive?
Steve

 

[srmofo]

I picked up a bnib diversion 165 from craigslist for $600.

I was very patient and took nearly 2 years to find it though. Before that I was facing the same thing as you with people wanting nearly new prices for well used machines with no extras.

 

[MotoDave]

Well, do you need an AC/DC tig welder? What materials are you usually working with?

If you're OK with DC only, all of the major companies make cheaper machines. Do your research and get one that lets you use a foot pedal control, and has a gas solenoid - some of the cheaper models are scratch start only, and you have to use a manual valve on the torch handle to turn on and off the shielding gas.

I found a good deal locally on a used Thermal Arc 160TS, its similar to the maxstar in that it's DC only. 99% of my projects are in carbon steel or stainless steel, so it has worked well for me to learn on. I do have a buddy in town who has an AC/DC tig, and I also have a spool gun for my MIG if I really need to weld some AL.

 

[WILD-BILL]

Have you seen What Everlast has to offer?

 

[Transman304]

At Christmas time I picked up the Eastwood 200 tig a plasma cuter(don't remember amps) and cart with free shipping for 1200. And love it! Strictly a hobby for me and works well and didn't break the bank!

 

[brianpgriset]

You can get a new thermal arc TA186 from cyberweld for like $1600 new. Full featured AC/DC 200 amp tig machine. Still made in China but I would take that over an everlast or equivalent.

 

[Ohmthis]

About 4 years ago I was in the same boat as you. I wanted to stay with a known brand and quality. I ended up narrowing it down to a synchrowave 200 or a precision tig 225. I went with the 225 and am very happy with it. Ask your self a few questions.
1. What materials will you want to weld?
2. What power demands can you fit (what size electric service)
3. How much room do you have for one
4. What's your budget
These can help lead you in a direction

 

[INTMD8]

Not what you asked but another brand to consider is HTP. I have a water cooled 221 and it's awesome. Shop I work for has had a 201 for 10 years, never once a problem.

 

[motoretro]

If you could swing it, the Miller Syncrowave 210 looks to be a nice machine, AC/DC Tig, DC stick, Inverter type, dual voltage. Pulsed arc. I'm anxious to try one soon myself.
Motoretro

 

[rockinacummins]

+1 on the syncrowave 210!!!

They seem to be really nice machines and the best bang for the buck in my opinion. They got the MVP ( 110 or 220 plug in ) and they will do just about anything a person could need. Miller all the way when it comes to mig or tig!!!