Dynasty 200 DX vs Dynasty 280 DX

[Zan]

I am interested in getting some feedback on these two machines. I am a metal sculptor and have been using my dad's Lincoln squarewave 175 for tig welding. He now wants it back so I have to buy a new welder and I have narrowed it down to these two machines. In my studio I currently weld 1/4 inch stainless steel on down and I would also like to get into aluminum. I have done a fair amount of research and am familiar with both machines from a technical standpoint but I have never seen or used either one. My question is; Do I buy the 200 DX that will handle my current needs or do I buy ahead of my needs and get the 280 DX and future proof my possible Aluminum endeavors? The 280 DX is a relatively new machine so I would like to hear from some people that have that machine or better yet someone who has used or owned both. Is it simply "money no object, get the 280"? Is the CPS option advisable? Thanks for any help!

[Ltbadd]

or do I buy ahead of my needs and get the 280 DX and future proof my possible Aluminum endeavors?

While I don't have experience with either machine, (we have the Dynasty 350 at work), this is the top of the line inverter machine. If the cost of the 280 isn't an issue then I think your reasoning is sound.

[H80N]

While I don't have experience with either machine, (we have the Dynasty 350 at work), this is the top of the line inverter machine. If the cost of the 280 isn't an issue then I think your reasoning is sound.

I agree... go with the Dyn 280...

it was not available when I bought mine... I have both Dyn 200 & Dyn 350... and love em...

[WillieB]

I love aluminum. I find the 280 DX is probably more than I need for steel. Aluminum needs lots more BTUs. It carries heat away at an alarming rate. Often I need lots of heat to form a puddle. I wanted to never need a better TIG welder. I feel the 280DX fits the bill. Paying for it hurt, Now I don't even remember the exact cost. If I had bought a machine that didn't measure up the cost wouldn't matter, I'd be unhappy.

['Stang]

I am interested in getting some feedback on these two machines. I am a metal sculptor and have been using my dad's Lincoln squarewave 175 for tig welding. He now wants it back so I have to buy a new welder and I have narrowed it down to these two machines. In my studio I currently weld 1/4 inch stainless steel on down and I would also like to get into aluminum. I have done a fair amount of research and am familiar with both machines from a technical standpoint but I have never seen or used either one. My question is; Do I buy the 200 DX that will handle my current needs or do I buy ahead of my needs and get the 280 DX and future proof my possible Aluminum endeavors? The 280 DX is a relatively new machine so I would like to hear from some people that have that machine or better yet someone who has used or owned both. Is it simply "money no object, get the 280"? Is the CPS option advisable? Thanks for any help!

I haven't used the Dynasty 280 yet. I have the 200DX. Great machine! We have about 50 of the 350DX at work. I love them. As for your question-buy the 280DX. the 200DX can do .250 material, but, it will stretch the duty cycle of the machine. Especially on aluminum!

If you are going to do .250 material on a regular basis, go for the water-cooled package.

[WillieB]

I had a Diversion 180. Duty cycle was extreme! The chart shows 10%. Even very thin aluminum needed preheat. The task of forming a puddle was enough to leave it spent. I haven't used a 200. I think duty cycle time is similar to 280, but at lower amperage. I have stretched the 280DX to 3/4" stock. It behaved admirably!

[OscarJr]

I've never even used a Miller Dynasty anything and I want a 280DX! I'm happy with my HTP Invertig 221 for the moment at least.

[dave powelson]

280 purchase CPS option?

I am interested in getting some feedback on these two machines. I am a metal sculptor and have been using my dad's Lincoln squarewave 175 for tig welding. ........... I would also like to get into aluminum.
My question is; Do I buy the 200 DX that will handle my current needs or do I buy ahead of my needs and get the 280 DX and future proof my possible Aluminum endeavors?
The 280 DX is a relatively new machine so I would like to hear from some people that have that machine or better yet someone who has used or owned both.
Is it simply "money no object, get the 280"? Is the CPS option advisable? Thanks for any help!

The CPS option is a good idea-turns the cooler on thru machine power outlet

An option on the 280--which is standard on the 350--that
will make all the difference on AL welding is:

MEMORY CARD,DYN 280DX EXPANSION AC INDEPENDENT

301235

$514.00

AL has 3X the heat capacity that steel does.
This feature allows the waveform to be further tailored
to deliver that additional heat. It is a big deal.

'Normal' folks just set up the EN side higher than the EP side--which is what Miller suggests and this works wholly well.
It adds significant punch to the heat input, compared to machines which do not have this feature.

In Oct.'2014--Zank bounced a krazee idea off me to try
using a very short duration--10-15%, but 1.5 to 2.0 higher
'spike' of the cleaning amps--the EP side. This provides
the best cleaning action I've ever seen, while allowing for
massive, focused heat input and still maintaining a sharp
point on 2% Lan. electrode.

I refer to this 2EP-1EN waveform setup as Zank's Krazee Idea.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?455001-Taking-a-different-approach-to-independently-adjustable-EN-and-EP-amperage&highlight=

The link above shows what's possible with a 280--Zank and a 350 by myself. Since the start of this, I've done a bunch of other AL weldments/repairs--thick, thin, new stock, old corroded, cast, wrought......and the 'reversed' 2EN-1EP has always pleasantly surprised me with its performance vs. the 'normal' way.

I'll contend that especially for a new tigger--this will make them look much better than they are in dealing with AL. For old tiggers, it saves us time and hassle.

[CODE4]

I reinforce what is mentioned above - if you plan to perform heavy use near the 200 amp mark just go up to a 280DX - I bought one in January after using an Everlast 200 (no comparison) and love it. Beautiful arc control on DC & AC. I have used Dynasty 200s and 300s years back and fell in love with them.

Additionally if you ever want to get serious and want flexibility on AC, the 280DX has the upgrade available for independent amplitude too.

[Zan]

Ok. The 280 DX it is. I don't have any torches or accessories and will have to get the machine up and running. I have decided to start with an air cooled torch for various reasons. Should I get the miller contractor kit with wp 1725R tig torch or should I go "a la carte" and buy a ssc foot pedal and ck trimline 26 torch as well as regulator and ground clamp?

[CODE4]

I would suggest an SSC pedal over a miller any day. So that alone means going a La carte for everything else you need. Check your LWS for flowmeter, torch, consumables.

[WillieB]

Get the water cooled torch, and if you aren't ready for a cooler use sink water. I did when my cooler was back ordered. It'd be a shame to limit yourself with a big clunky torch you have to baby. Water cooled torches are smaller, and don't overheat. I have a weldcraft 280, I would look into a CK.

[Mountain Metal]

Upgrade cost 200DX to 280DX

I have a Dynasty 200 DX with about 65 Hours of arc time. I really like the machine but have always need more heat when doing aluminum which is what I do 60% of the time.

I think a 280 would really improve my situation.

What could I reasonably expect Money wise to get out of my 200 DX Tig runner package it's in fantastic shape and has been covered it's entire life in a private shop Purchased May 2010 I have been the only operator.
200 DX
Cooler
WP 20 Torch
Cart
(Tig Runner Package with wired foot control)

['Stang]

Ok. The 280 DX it is. I don't have any torches or accessories and will have to get the machine up and running. I have decided to start with an air cooled torch for various reasons. Should I get the miller contractor kit with wp 1725R tig torch or should I go "a la carte" and buy a ssc foot pedal and ck trimline 26 torch as well as regulator and ground clamp?

Late response as usual! Working too many hours! I would personally go with the C K torch. I am very pleased with their products. Check and see if they have the super flex cable to go with it. I got a flex lock torch last Christmas with the super flex cable. It is great!! You can't go wrong with CK.

Another option is the WeldCraft torch kit. It allows you to configure your torch into various head angles and sizes. It works for the 17 size torches-so you will still be limited on the amps you can run. But, it is better than buying a bunch of torches.

[OscarJr]

Late response as usual! Working too many hours! I would personally go with the C K torch. I am very pleased with their products. Check and see if they have the super flex cable to go with it. I got a flex lock torch last Christmas with the super flex cable. It is great!! You can't go wrong with CK.

Another option is the WeldCraft torch kit. It allows you to configure your torch into various head angles and sizes. It works for the 17 size torches-so you will still be limited on the amps you can run. But, it is better than buying a bunch of torches.

...and YET another good option is WeldTec's Tec Torches. They make some really nice torches and heavy duty consumables. Their Speedway water-cooled torches are rated at 320A(!). I use the i-Head Roto-head water-cooled torch and very pleased with it.

http://www.tectorch.com/sw%20torches.htm