Picking up a TIG

[HotRod68Camaro]

I have decided that it's time to move up from my Miller 251 MIG. Right now im looking at picking up a Syncrowave 250 DX Complete (http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/syncrowave_250_dx/) package. Vendors on EBAY have them for $4700 w/ free shipping. I would love a Dynasty but i can't justify the price difference. Any suggestions or comment?

[Ketzer]

I've got the Syncro you're looking at. Got a ridiculous deal on ebay (and got lucky that it was actually what it was supposed to be). Unless you can get a really, really good deal everyone is saying spend the money on the Dynasty.

Jeff-

[War]

Get the dynasty and I'm Nobody

[HotRod68Camaro]

Y'all are going to destroy my wallet. Which model Dynasty, 350?

Jason - Your build is actually the motivating factor for getting a TIG.

[War]

The 350 is a really a nice machine but if its just to work on your car the 200dx is more than enough and the tig runner package is about what you were looking to spend.

[The WidowMaker]

i have the dynasty 200dx and have no complaints thus far. the amount of adjustment is just insane. i dont see any reason for a bigger machine for the car. i also dont see the need for any crazy water cooled torches until you get used to working closer to the machines max. the air cooled torch has been really good, even at 150+ amps on aluminum.

btw, dont get suckered into hand controls. they suck!

[GregWeld]

I have the Dynasty 200DX --- it's just right for hot rod fab.

The real limit is aluminum -- but we don't do that much aluminum that is over 1/4" --- so it's not a real limitation.

Get a foot pedal -- the finger deal is WAY too hard to learn and make a nice looking weld. Don't think you can pick one of these bad boys up and weld stacks of dimes like a pro does that welds day in and day out.... but with some practice you can do nice work.

[HotRod68Camaro]

Thanks guys,

Looks like i'll be picking up a 200DX.

[GregWeld]

Thanks guys,

Looks like i'll be picking up a 200DX.

There ya go!

Don't bother with the water cooler and water cooled torch etc --- you don't weld with that many amps or for that long... trust me! LOL

You want to get fancy -- get the new WIFI foot controller.... I love not having the one more cord on the floor..... and being able to just kick the controller where I need it. Remember - we're not production welders -- we're moving around - doing different materials - different gauges etc... so portability is important.

I have a couple different torch sizes -- and love my #2 CK Trimline with the ultra flexible hose...

Also -- you'll like the welding better if you get set up with GAS LENS... AND make sure you buy a top quality helmet with some low lens settings.... TIG uses some pretty low amps on thin stuff so you'll be down at a 7 or 8 setting. If you can't see the puddle you can't weld...

[GregWeld]

Check out these tips -- for starter uppers....




http://www.weldcraft.com/2010/03/top-five-tips-for-improving-your-tig-welding-efficiency/

[HotRod68Camaro]

This is the helmet i already have: Elite Series (http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/head_face/helmets/elite/) is #8 low enough?

Thanks for the recommendation on the torch and lens. Any body else have input on torches and lens?

[GregWeld]

This is the helmet i already have: Elite Series (http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/head_face/helmets/elite/) is #8 low enough?

Thanks for the recommendation on the torch and lens. Any body else have input on torches and lens?

Yeah 8 will work... I'm old and blind -- so low is good for me. Mine jumps from 8 down to 5 for grinding - but most of my low amp TIG is at 8 so you should be fine.

[Revved]

I have several projects going right now where I'm fabricating intercooler and intake tubing and had never TIG'd before so I would tack it with a spool gun and have a welder I know finish it out for me which got old quick. So a few months back I jumped at the chance to buy my brother's Miller Diversion 165 220V... He bought it for a project about two years ago to learn; used it twice and gave up!

I had only MIGd before so there was a definate learning curve to the TIG especially since everything I'm doing is thin wall aluminum or welding brackets on expensive radiators but it definately teaches you control.

I've been using it now for about two months and I love it! I'm not stacking dimes yet but i'm getting close. I'm (hopefully) past the point of blowing through and melting things down and quickly learned how to backfill when I did!

I definately agree with Greg on the foot pedal... I couldn't imagine trying to do it with the finger knob- especially when you are first learning!