Correct choice of machines?

[CaptPatrick]

Andy,

I'm going to be installing a Miller TIG setup into my shop, but am somewhat confused as to which machine will be the right choice.

First, let me say that I have no prior experience with TIG, some experience with MIG. I'm a marine fiberglass fabricator/manufacturer, wood worker, master goldsmith, licensed Marine Merchant Captain, & usually have very little problem with learning curves.

The two extremes that I need to be able to address are: Light - medium weight aluminum and steel fabrication, (building a custom motorcycle) and heavier weight aluminum fabrication in 3/8" 6061 aluminum plate for marine diesel engine mounts. (Lot of other stuff falls between these two examples.)

While I don't need a heavy industrial application, I certainly want to be well ahead of the "hobby" & "DIY" guys... I seem to be looking the hardest at the SYNCROWAVE 250 DX. (Want to stay below a $3K investment, if possible.) (Also don't want to install 3 phase -- Single phase only.)

Sorry for the long post, & looking forward to your recommendations.

Thanks & best regards,

Patrick

[fun4now]

dynasty 300

about youre only other option would be the dynasty 300 although it is well outside youre $3000.00 mark it would depend on how often you were to use it, it may pay for itself in powwer company bill savings it seems like there was a chart on the miller site that would calculate the savings for you .although it is a verry large jump in price im shoure HAWK will tell you he loves his .
good luck and happy welding

[CaptPatrick]

James,

Thanks for the response. Not too worried about the FPL bill, just want to make sure that the system that I buy won't turn out to be a "Close, but no cigar" type item. Most of my research prior to this morning was between competitors & the "Blue Boxes" had no problem keeping my attention.

The welds on the bike tin need to be as fine as I can make them, able to hold up to planishing and forming. Want to keep fairing to a minimum & intend to lead what fairing needs to be done. Keeping the Bondo and plastic reserved for the boat projects.

Current bike is a Dave Perewitz custom FLHTPI. Want my build to be at least a few show points beyond this...

Best regards,

Patrick

[klsm54]

To stay in your present budget, the Syncrowave 250 is about your only choice. Just for trhe heck of it, it might be worth your time to read the following thread... Dynasty vs. Syncrowave thread

Just in case you might want to increase that budget a little. If not, the Syncrowave will do the job. However, if those 3/8 motor mounts are a regular thing, the Tigrunner watercooled package would be in order, aaaagain, breaking that budget line.

[HAWK]

Welcome!

The Syncro 250 DX is the only way to go in the 3K bracket. However, the Dynasty 300DX will out weld it! It is nearly twice the price, but research and consider all the options of both machines before making the plunge.

[fun4now]

wATERCOOLED

klsm54
the syncrowave comes with a250 amp water cooled torch and the cool runner 3X as standerd start up package all under $3000.00

[fun4now]

under 3000

sorry it is just over $3000.00 with the water kit but im shoure he will go that rout probly get a deal from his local dealer to keep him real close to $3000.00
happy welding

[CaptPatrick]

Hawk, James, & klsm54,

Thanks for your replies and insights. I believe that I'll wait a bit, collect some more revenue, and spring for the Dynasty 300. In the mean time I already have a new MM210 that'll handle the course stuff, and maybe even the motor mounts.

Thanks for pointing me to the other thread on pretty much the same question. Very informative!

Best regards,

Patrick

[klsm54]

Glad we could help CaptPatrick. I don't think you will ever regret the decision to hang on a while and get the Dynasty. In your type of work, it sounds like you are used to good quality, the Dynasty will let you put out the best welds possible.

Good Luck....

[ASKANDY]

Welcome aboard!! (had to say that to the capt)

Anyway, the Sync 250 Tigrunner would be a fine choice in your price range. The one thing I would have you look at is whether you need to have this whole set up portable or move around the shop. The Dynasty Tigrunner will take much much less power to run and can easily be moved around the shop with out bustin your back.
The Sync will have to be wired to a 100Amp breaker and have a heavy cord! Both will weld what you need but the Dynasty will pay for itself in the long run on power savings if you use it enough.

Good luck!

Andy

[HAWK]

Originally posted by CaptPatrick
Hawk, James, & klsm54,

Thanks for your replies and insights. I believe that I'll wait a bit, collect some more revenue, and spring for the Dynasty 300. In the mean time I already have a new MM210 that'll handle the course stuff, and maybe even the motor mounts.

Thanks for pointing me to the other thread on pretty much the same question. Very informative!

Best regards,

Patrick

Patrick,

Good decision. Most people flounder(no pun)over such a decision. You have quickly proven you have no problem catching on and learning fast! That is a very smart decision. I could not do without my Dynasty 300DX.

[Paul Seaman]

Capt,
The mm210 w/spoolmate is a great machine with a multi-pass it will do the material your talking about but it requires much more patience.

I have done 1/2" AL in 3 passes for butt's and Tee's with a v'd edge preperation to aid in the penetration. Granted it is a bit more work but I do what I can to avoid calling in the big favors till it gets really bad. You know memorial day weekend storms take out the power and need to borrow the buddies bobcat to power the house kind of favors, BTW this really happened, and I am still cleaning up the wreckage.

Waiting is a good decision, keep us up on the progress toward the new TIG.

Peace,
Seaman

[CaptPatrick]

Thanks for the follow up guys!

Yeah, Hawk, after 60 years I've finanly learned that patience is King. Kinda' like the old bull and the young bull up on the hill...

I just finished a 2 1/2 year project, total customization of a 31 Bertram. Celebrated the culmination with a 2,600 mile motorcycle ride & fixing to spend a week marlin fishing in Lousianna. Fly out tomorrow.

Catch back up with you later when I come crying for help. Thanks again for all your help.

Best regards,

Patrick

Oh, the boat? http://bertram31.com/bailey/ & http://bertram31.com/bailey/aerials/

[fun4now]

sweet boat
love the bull joke 1 of my faverate
iwas going to get a syncrowave also but as you are i too am saving my pennies till i can get the dynasty need a bigger piggybank but it will be werth it in the end
happy welding