Maxstar 150stl/sth

[1fasbu]

I'm going to buy either the maxstar 150stl or 150sth and am curious about a couple of things. The sth has high freq for starting and pulse tig. When would you use pulse tig? I've never used it myself. If any machine would tig down to five amps, what would be the purpose of pulsing? If I was tig welding sheet metal out of position would it reduce heat input? Does anyone here own the sth? Is it worth the extra $$$? Thanx for any input. Cheers.

[HAWK]

1fasbu,

The pulse will help your arc stability(.5-20PPS)on material thinner than .035". Pulse can be used to add filler wire in rythym with the pulse frequency (.8-1.5PPS). Pulse can also be used to create puddle agitation at very high rates(300-500PPS) to help float impurities to the top of the weld. I don't own either of the Maxstar 150 units, but do know the pulse on the Dynasty 200DX and the Maxstar 200DX has been a wonderful addition. The Maxstar 150STH has 4 fixed pulsing frequencies where the Maxstar adn Dynasty 200DX has infinite variable pulse and sequence programs. Download the manual and take a look at the fixed pulsing programs versus a 0-500PPS adjustability of the 200DX units.

The high frequency start is nice, but the lift arc does very well. Either method will leave you with an uncontaminated tungsten start. I think if I were leaning toward the extra money for the STH I would go ahead and spring for the 200DX Maxstar or even the 200DX Dynasty if AC is needed for aluminum. Otherwise go for the plain jain STL.

More specifics? Let us know.

[klsm54]

I have yet to find a customer that saw the value in the STH model of the Maxstar 150. The STL model has been a great seller, and customers love it, but the extra money for the STH doesn't get you much. Hi-Freq starts and 4 pre-set pulse settings, .5, 1.0, 2.5 and 60 pps.

Pulse can be very helpful, but if you learn it's benefits, you will appreciate the infinite settings of the Maxstar 200DX or the Dynasty 200DX.

If the portability of the 150 is amajor factor for you, I would choose the STL model. If pulse is something you think you may want, now or in the future, I would hold out for a Maxstar or Dynasty, depending on whether I wanted Aluminum capability or not.

[HAWK]

1fasbu,

It looks like klsm54 and I agree. I appeciate his plainer way of expressing the same thing. Thanks klsm54.

[Danny]

Anyone else out there besides me purchase the Maxstar 150 sth?

I confess, i spent $200 more for the sth over stl for the HF arc start. I just like the hf start better then lift arc. Nothing wrong with lift arc I just prefer the HF start.

I dought I'll ever really need to use the pulse features, I generally don t welded on material thinner then about 16ga., which i have no problem welding on without the pulse. I ll probably play with it some though since i paid for it.

If the wife factor wasn t involved in my machine purchase, i would have went with a Maxstar 200 instead. Actually, i take that back i would have went with a Dynasty 200.

[HAWK]

Dan,

The "wife" factor enters into many things. However, I keep my second wife (welding and NASCAR) separate from my first wife (the one and only for almost 16 years). The two just don't mix!

Fortunately my equipment is used to make my income. It is much easier to justify the Dynasty 200 and 300 series under such cirmstances. I am actually looking at an Aerowave with a large HP rotary convertor, but the D300DX really is more than adequate! Now there is an understatement. I am also looking into VPPA Welding in the future. Who Knows? It's all about what the client wants.

[HAWK]

Originally posted by Dan
Anyone else out there besides me purchase the Maxstar 150 sth?

I confess, i spent $200 more for the sth over stl for the HF arc start. I just like the hf start better then lift arc. Nothing wrong with lift arc I just prefer the HF start.

I dought I'll ever really need to use the pulse features, I generally don t welded on material thinner then about 16ga., which i have no problem welding on without the pulse. I ll probably play with it some though since i paid for it.

If the wife factor wasn t involved in my machine purchase, i would have went with a Maxstar 200 instead. Actually, i take that back i would have went with a Dynasty 200.

Dan,

If the MS150 is what I could get, then by all means I personally would have spent the $200 extra for the HF start. I just prefer it! I am some what old fashioned and "lift-Arc" works great, but is new fangled. You will like the lower pulse rates to help you add filler and stabilize the arc. The 60PPS may help agitate the puddle slighty if you welding less than the cleanest material. Try it!

[1fasbu]

MS150shl/sth

Thanks for all your input everyone, you've given me something to mow over. Simularly, I do prefer HF starts as well because allthough I'm not cert for tig, this is the kind of machine I learned on. I'm sure that lift start works just as well. I'll see when the quotes come back. Thanks again, cheers!