What TIG welder to buy???????

[Itoldyouso]

If you guys were buying a new Miller Tig, what model would you buy, and who has the best deals? What features would you want, like a cooler? I am starting to research a possible Xmas gift, and am looking for a good piece of equipment.

I understand the internet is a good place to save some money. Anybody in particular that you would talk to?

Don

[cffisher]

Don
I'm not fussy any old Miller will be fine, and thanks in advance
Charlie

[Itoldyouso]

Charlie, you weren't supposed to see this.


Oh, one more thing. I know very little about Tig, but I understand DC is the way to go? Something about less electric used?

Don

[Dave Severson]

Synchrowave 200. Researched the heck out of them before I bought one. This one is plenty big enough for roll cages and frames, but at the same time will turn down low enough to do sheetmetal work and light aluminum.....

[Itoldyouso]

Dave: Is this the one? I've been doing some digging, and that was the model I came up with too.

NEW Miller Syncrowave 200 Runner AC/DC TIG Welder

Best in class - the Syncrowave 200 is a Squarewave welding package that provides you with professional performance at an economical price.

A complete industrial grade single-phase, squarewave output, AC/DC TIG/Stick machine, and now with adjustable AC Balance Control and other new features. All you need is filler material, a bottle of shielding gas and some stick electrodes and you're ready to start welding. With over 20 years of Squarewave technology, the Syncrowave 200 is a full-featured machine that brings you capabilities which were previously available only with heavy-duty industrial TIG equipment.

Features:

# Squarewave™ output with AC balance features adjustable penetration and cleaning action while increasing arc stability on various aluminum alloys, and helps eliminate tungsten spitting and arc rectification.

# Dual digital meters allow for quick and easy viewing of actual and preset values of amperage and voltage. Allows for greater accuracy and repeatability in the welding procedure.

# NEW Built-in Pulse Control enhances weld bead and puddle control for improved appearance and quality.

# NEW Cable management system uses dual cable hangers and foot control storage conveniently attached to the power source side panels.

# NEW Auto Postflow protects the weld end zone and electrode by optimizing postflow time base on welding amperage.

# NEW 115 Volt Auxiliary Power with convenient receptacle on front panel for cooling system or small tools.

# NEW Syncro Start allows the operator to select Soft, Standard or Hot TIG HF starts to optimize the application according to tungsten diameter and material thickness.

# NEW Runner has low cylinder rack to eliminate lifting gas cylinders.

Miller Exclusives
Squarewave - The AC output of a power source that has the ability to rapidly switch between the positive and negative half cycles of alternating current.

LVC™ Line Voltage Compensation - Keeps output of the power source constant regardless of fluctuation in input power ± 10%.

Thermal Overload Protection - Internal components are protected from damage by thermal overload protection which automatically shuts down the unit if duty cycle is exceeded or air flow and cooling are restricted.

Adaptive Hot Start™ for Stick - Automatically increases output amerage at the start of a weld should the start require it and prevents the electrode from sticking and creating an inclusion.

Comes Complete With:
# Power source with primary cord
# No. 39 "Runner" running gear and cylinder rack
# 150 amp TIG Torch with 12 1/2 ft (3.8 m) cord
# 12 ft (3.7 m) work cable and clamp
# Electrode holder and quick-connect
# RFCS-14 Foot Control with 20 ft (6 m) cord
# Gas regulator and gas hose

Quick Specs: Syncrowave 200
Input Power Requires 1-Phase Power
Rated Output 150 A at 26.0 Volts, at 40% Duty Cycle
Output Power Range AC or DC: 5 - 200 Amps

Weight 238 lb (108 kg)

Applications & Processes:
Light Industrial Applications
Metal Fabrication
Maintenance and Repair
Light Manufacturing
Auto Shop
Vocational
Hobbyist
TIG (GTAW)
Stick (SMAW)

Free standard ground shipping within continental U.S.



Availability: Usually ships the next business day.

907308011padMfg Industrial Price: $2,350.00padCyberweld Price: $1,864.00pad








This price is through Cyberweld. Does anyone have good or bad experiences with them?


Thanks for the info, Dave.


Don

[Dave Severson]

Yup, that's it. Never heard of Cyberweld..... Just make sure it is new in the box and comes with the manufacturer's warranty.

[bigdude]

damn Don we heard you were loaded but thought that involved a good weekend. Sure is nice of you buying us all a new tig!

[Itoldyouso]

Well, it's a once a year thing, and I just gave his Brother that T kit, so I kinda have to balance it out a little. I'll have to dig into savings, believe me, but Dan likes good tools and loves to work with metal, so this will be something he (and in turn me ) will get a lot of use out of. This stuff is what he really likes to do, and he has been talking about how TiG's are coming down in price. He does a lot for me through out the year, so this is my payback.

Now, I just hope he doesn't snoop on this forum and find out.


Dave, They tell me this has to ship from the MFR in Georgia, so I take that to be Millers warehouse. I will check that out some more, to make sure it is new and all.

Don

[hotroddaddy]

Don im with dave on the syncrowave, those are really good machines, it will do everything you guys will ever need it to, another smaller machine is the econotig ,little cheaper and not as many options, but a good machine, id get the syncrowave, and later you can get the watercool attachment, that will weld damn near anything, boy you got some lucky sons

[Don Meyer]

Hi Don, I have a syncrowave 250. Great tig. The 200 would be fine.

One item you might also consider is a water cooler. Makes tigin more comfortable.

Don meyer

[Dave Severson]

Don im with dave on the syncrowave, those are really good machines, it will do everything you guys will ever need it to, another smaller machine is the econotig ,little cheaper and not as many options, but a good machine, id get the syncrowave, and later you can get the watercool attachment, that will weld damn near anything, boy you got some lucky sons

Exactly!!! Next thing I will be getting is the water cooled attachment and new torch. Don't really need it, unless I'm doing a complete frame after everything is tacked and ready to weld. Doesn't happen very often that I would need the increased cooling capability, but it would be nice to have.... The Miller route driver was bound and determined to get me away from red welders..... He finally made me the right offer and it's the best welder, tig or mid, I've ever had bar none!!!! That's really tough for an old Lincoln square wave guy to admit!!!!!!!

[Itoldyouso]

Don: Is the water cooler really that much of a help? I have heard of them , but all I have heard is that they are good if you are sort of sitting for long periods welding. What can you tell me about them, I really want to know.

Thanks,

Don

PS: Miller told me that 250 unit you have is a SERIOUS welder.

[hotroddaddy]

If youve ever used a water cooled torch, then you know even on small projects it makes youre hand feel a whole lot better, plus imo it makes the torch perform better, esspecialy on aluminum

[Itoldyouso]

Dave: Yeah, he has a Miller mig, and it has been flawless, and I bet he has welded hundreds of miles of bead with it. The thing just keeps on going.


Don

[hotroddaddy]

Plus the torch is smaller, letting you get into tight spots better, easier access to tight spots is always a good thing