Thinking about a TIG

I've got a Diversion 165. I like the simple, user-friendly aspects of it, but if I had my 'druthers I think I'd opt for the Synchrowave.

The Diversion is really small and easy to move around the garage (I don't have mine on a cart). Setup is stupid-simple. The included torch has built in amperage control, but I run the optional foot switch 'cause I'm old-school. It welds fine and most of the time you're really not gonna be TIG welding anything thicker than 3/16-inch. That said, the air-cooled torch is sort of a bummer. It gets really hot - especially when welding aluminum.

The Synchrowave is a huge unit and weighs more than 200lbs, but if you've got the room and the extra $800 I think it's a more permanent solution. You can upgrade to a water-cooled torch down the road and it's got built-in pulse control which is nice if you're a beginner or just lazy.

Really, if I could have any welder it would be a Dynasty 200DX, but it includes so many bells and whistles the average hobbyist doesn't need the price is waaay too high.

 

If you buy the Diversion it comes with a TIG for Dummies book.

One more thing - the duty cycle on the Synchrowave is gonna be better. I've had to wait to let the Diversion cool down on a couple projects. No biggie, really, but it's just one more point in favor of the Synchro.

The Synchrowave should come with an engine and a steering wheel, though. Things are massive for the home hobbyist.

 

I can stop by and play with your new TIG, errr I mean give you some pointers on welding aluminum

 

I looked at a Dynasty 200D, thought it was too pricey as well. I have only owned Lincoln welders previously so I ended up getting a Lincoln 225 Precision package unit including the cart from Harris Welding in Ohio. It comes with the air cooled 150A torch.
Free shipping, no sales tax to CA, and only 3 days on the truck to my driveway! Just got it last night, I'm itching to get it setup and in use to finish some frame work on my '69 CJ5.
My only previous TIG unit was a High Frequency add-on box for a Lincoln 250 engine driven welder, it had no squarewave or balance control in AC, just High Frequency for arc stabilization and starting and gas postflow controls.

Don

 

I have the miller 210 with the spool gun it is great for aluminum. the gun is an extra $500+. The 210 was the smallest that could run the gun when I bought it 4 years ago. I love the set up but pricey.

 

I have a miller synchrowave 180. It was about 1800 several years ago and I think the new version is the 200. Here is my 2 cents............ Buy the bigger welder and put it on wheels. I roll my unit around the shop, or you can long leads for stick welding. Squarewave is the way to go. It makes aluminum much easier to weld nicely. I have welded with many kinds of machines, and my Miller is the sh**. Don't get a foot pedal. I have one and curse it all the time. A thumb switch is the ticket, unless you plan on welding only on the bench. Laying on your back with the pedal under your arm to do overhead is a pain! Postion welding is easier with the thumb unit.
I have the air cooled torch, and have had no problems. It does get hot, but it cools quickly. I use the stick way more than the torch, it is very convieneient. Buy the biggest welder you can budget. Welders are like garge space. You always want more than you have. Buy a small unit and you will eventually regret it.

 

Im resurecting a little here but I have a miller synchrowave 250dx that in an amazing machine. I do anything I want with it and it does it well. A tip, get the thumb control option. I have it, and its really nice being able to switch the control around to what is needed for the job. Mine is expensive but nice. I couldnt have afforded it if I hadnt known a guy that was selling it very cheap. I was with him the day he bought it. Everything together was almost $5000. Four tubes of rods, tons of tungsten, a cover, the thumb control, different tips for the gun. He used it twice and 6 months later sold it to me for $1500. I said he was a friend, I didnt say he made smart decisions, lol

 

So how do you like it???

 

Get some 2% thoriated (sp?) red tungsten. prob 3/32 thick and some er70s-2 filler 3/32 also. Depending on the thickness. Thats what we use the most at work. 1/16 works well for sheet metal. Get a couple different size cups, 4-7 should be a good start. That should be enough to get going.

 

Thats assuming you want to tig steel.

 

Keep us updated on your welder!

I am looking at getting a Miller 211 MIG for my home shop.

TD