TIG welding: is an inverter-based welder worth the cost?

[parsonsj]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be doing a whole bunch of fab on Unfair over the next few months, with lots of aluminum welding. Fuel tanks, brackets, radiators, etc. etc.

Here's my question: is an investment in an inverter TIG machine a good idea? Something like the Miller Dynasty DX (or the Lincoln Invertec) is what I have in mind. Right now I've got a newly new Lincoln SquareWave Pro, but that's a rectifier machine, and lacks frequency control.

And... anybody got a good lead on a new or nearly new machine?

thanks!

jp

[hefs72]

Hey John whats going on. I would highly recommend miller syncwave 200 it has adjustable balance control to help with penetration and your cleaning action also has adjustable pulse.Its a great machine. You can weld 1/4 inch with no problem with straight argon you can obviously weld thicker material than that just need to get a little heat in the alumnium first. Another option is to use helium/argon mix its going to burn alot hotter
You can weld 1/2 and more no problem going to need a cooler though but I dont think you will be doing alot of heavy welding. Ive got quotes for the 200 brand new for 2600.00 a dynasty is probably going to start at 6000_7000 grand. At work we use the miller aerowave machine its badass but also comes with a 10,000 pricetag it has the capability of adjusting the amperage for the negative and positive side seperatly in ac welding but to be perfectly honest its fun to play around with those settings for the first day but you end up finding a setting thats about the same as a machine that doesnt have that adjustment. I think all you need is ac balance adjustability thats gonna make a huge difference especially on thin stuff. Alot of those machines are geared more toward robotic welding thats why they have so much adjustibility
give me a call when u can I have a question for you
Shawn

[oestek]

We use an HTP Invertig 201 and really like it, it's got adjustable balance and frequency, will kick out 200 amps, and welds down to aluminum cans. Not a zillion dollars either, we've had ours for about 5 years with no issues. http://www.usaweld.com/Invertig-201-Welders-s/27.htm

[parsonsj]

Thanks for the link to the HTP. That looks like a good buy. I'll give them a call, but I really prefer to work with local welding stores.

I talked on the phone with Shawn about aluminum welding, and frequency control is the thing I'm missing with my current welder. We talked about technique and setup too. I'm still on the fence... it may come down to if a local dealer has some sort of sale.

jp

[70 Chevelle]

If you change your mind about staying local HTP x2. Luckily there 10 minutes from me

[aronhk_md]

Two other places to keep an eye out.....local area type searches on ebay and of course craigslist. I'm often surprised at the high dollar equipment available both places, and stuff changes daily. Missed out on beautiful Ingersoll Rand 80 gal compressor 2 days ago on CL. Dual stage unit in VERY nice condition listed for $300. I was the 2nd caller, but the first guy got it. lol. I find the scammers seem to keep more to vehicles and electronics than they do to tools.

[ccm399]

Hey John,

I thought I would chime in here.

I ran a sync 250 for years mainly doing casting repairs and such now I own a Diversion 165 (I couldn't swing a Dynasty at the time :( ) and it weld aluminum WAYY better than I could ever get the Sync too. I might get flamed for that statement as I know there are plenty of AWESOME welders out there using the sync but.... the inverter technology just seems to work that much better. And that is without any ability to adjust the freq or cleaning settings. My understanding is the Diversion comes with the Dynasty 200's "base" setup built in.

Anyway, is it worth the money, I guess that depends but if you are asking the question I am guessing you are not completely happy with your current rig?

Hope this helps.

Chris

[parsonsj]

No, I guess I'm not that happy with my current setup (a Lincoln Precision 185). My aluminum welding has suffered since I traded my Lincoln 175 SquareWave Pro for the Precision. I've done a fair bit of aluminum welding with Prodigy's Synchrowave 250 too, and that's a superior machine, but my take is for a few hundred dollars snag the inverter machine. Everybody who's used an inverter machine says it's better for aluminum.

As I mentioned, Shawn (from above in this thread) walked me through setup and technique, and I'll try his suggestions too.

I did drop by my local welding store for some 5356 rod for use with 6061 aluminum welding. They want $3900 plus tax out the door for a Dynasty with a foot pedal.

Still on the fence, but I want the best possible aluminum welds on Unfair.

jp

[ccm399]

Pull that trigger! LOL.

$3900? Either the Dynasty has gone way up in the last year or I am not remembering the quote I got from my LWS. Have your guy check Miller for reconditioned machines. Basically Dave at my LWS told me these machines are the ones Miller uses at trade shows and such so basically they are new but at a reduced price. If I remember correctly Dave quoted me a year ago he could get me a Dynasty 200dx with a water cooler for $2900 + tax. I am just about positive that the price was not over $3000 as I am sure there would have been NO WAY my wife would have even came close to going for that at the time! :)

Looking back I probably should have waited and saved a little to get the Dynasty but I can always sell the Diversion when it comes time to upgrade.

Chris

[L & H Kustoms]

Thermal Arc 185. I have had it 5 years and use it everyday and it works great. has all the features of the Dynasty but just a lower price tag

[parsonsj]

Thermal Arc 185. I have had it 5 years and use it everyday and it works great. has all the features of the Dynasty but just a lower price tagI spent some time looking at the TA machine along with the HTP. It has a good reputation online, as does the HTP. But in the end, I had to put my money where my mouth is: I bought a new Miller Dynasty 200 DX from my local welding store. Total price was around $3400 with foot pedal.

It'll be here Wednesday. Can't wait.

As an aside, I put an ad in craigslist to sell my Lincoln Precision 185 yesterday. Eric from Melbourne took it home today. I guess I didn't ask enough for it, lol. For the first time in 15 years, I don't have a TIG welder in the house. Thing is, I've got work to do on Unfair. Not very good planning on my part, I guess.

jp

[ccm399]

Keep us posted!!!!!

Chris