I'm interested in an Inverter-based TIG machine.

From what I can tell, either of these machines would perform very well. The Millers apparently had a bad production run that would kill off the HF functionality (bad capacitors on the HF board).

I know I could go do a cheaper inverter if I didn't want AC, but the idea of getting a TIG that won't do Aluminum seems pretty wasteful to me. So I'd pay for that capability even if I rarely used it.

Please weigh in with your experience with the newer inverter-based TIGs, especially if it's either of the above models.

Thanks.

Justin

 

I havent used either of those but I'm a die hard Lincoln fan so thats what I would choose.
Just my .02 take that and 5 bucks and you can get a cup of jo.

 

Im a miller man, so Id say miller.


Its really a ford vs. chevy (vs. dodge)

 

Here is my kick on the inverter. I have a Lincoln 175 square wave Tig that I really like. Totally dependable and smooth running. I had a chanch to compare it to a Miller inverter side by side with 2 of us doing the same job. I leased it to a shop for a temporary extra welder. It was a very fussy stainless project, production weld on 304 stainless. .018 thick corner weld on the outside, well fixtured with a copper backup bar. There were several different welds in different positions so it was a good test I think. A couple of "hot shot TIG welders" from tech school came in to "take over" from us but all they did was scrap out a couple hundred pounds of fresh 304 stainless. haha They said something was wrong with both welders.

We welded this stuff day in and out 10 hours a day for about 6 weeks. We both found the Miller to be a bit fussy on the settings but once there it was very good. Very stable and smooth. The one thing it didn't handle as well as both of us found was slightly contaminated electrodes. Yeah I know you are supposed to stop and regrind or replace but this was a hot rush job and a bit of rough weld was ok as it was polished off anyway. We didn't like to do it this way but the boss insisted. My Lincoln handled the contaminated electrode very well. It's even better on aluminum.

The Miller had ability to save weld programs where mine does not. We didn't have a problem with mine as we both can handle the foot pedal with ease. The Miller had to be set with in a range but then ran very well. Both of us are old school and learned on non square wave stuff so I think we sort of auto compensated where the new guys don't do this.

I'll take my Lincoln any day even though I used Miller stuff for many years.

If you insist on Miller I'd get a Syncrowave.
Today I'd get the new Lincoln Precision Tig 225. Check their web site for side by side comparison.

 

I don't really care for Miller over Lincoln or vice versa. As far as I'm concerned, all that matter is what's INSIDE the case--not the color or logo on the outside.

I have friends who bleed Miller Blue. They also bleed Ford blue, so that's hardly an endorsement

I just want something that I can TIG weld with off 120V in a reasonably compact package, and that will be easy to learn and produce decent results with my novice skill level (I'll be learning on this machine).

Thanks.

Justin

 

unless your working at a jobsite using a generator or store power to finish weld sinks or hoods i wouldn't buy 120V welders. my .02

 

For my work, 120 will suffice.

Just light hobbyist type stuff. Little to no aluminum.

An inverter will run anything from 120-460 so it's really versatile.

JH

 

I have a Miller Dynasty 200 at work that I use all the time for everything from stick welding steel pipe to TIG welding schedule 10 stainless process pipe and anything else that needs stick or TIG welded. Its a great welder and handles abuse really well. My favorite part is that it is self adjusting to what ever power it is hooked too. 120v-480v single or 3 phase just find some power hook it up and go.

 

Me Too! Go BLUE!

 

Big fan of the BLUE here too

I've had a Syncrowave 250 (with heat control on the torch) for about 20 yrs no problems with it yet.

I just bought their 350P mig set up and love it too. I do like the dual phase input as well...single or three phase with out changing internal jumpers...LOVE IT LOVE IT.

On three phase I can max at the machine (400 amps) and only pull 30 amps off the wall circuit..The energy savings alone will pay for the machine..

Go to the Miller welding site and check out their forums as well..

I can't imagine if they had a production defect they would not have fixed it.
But then again they hire from the same gene pool Dodge does....

 

Miller fixed the HF issues, so all current-production Dynasty 200s should be fine on the HF.

I had an old welder tell me to get "Lincoln for MIG, MIller for TIG"-- I'm not sure that matters.

I think the new machines are so good that it's hard to go wrong.

Well, I could get a Hobart, I guess

 

Are sure it wasnt the other way around the general concensus around here is the opposite IE Miller -MIG Lincold -TIG

 

I could be mistaken... but opinions on this welding gear are all over the place.

 

Very true be sure to let us know what you choose. And how you like it I like lincoln but either choice is a good one as they both make great machines.

 

Here is the 350P MIG in the middle of my current GN trailer project 32' deck W/ 2 12K HD axles..

My saying if it's mobile go with a Lincoln if it's plugs in to the wall buy Miller.

Don't you love all this free advice we give on this site.