Sync 180SD or Maxstar 150 STH?

[stumpjumperpro]

I am having trouble finding the info I need on the Miller site, so I thought I would ask you guys.

I am a new welder, but am going straight to TIG (I am in my second class doing MIG and Stick) for my first machine. I would get the Dynasty 200, but can't afford it right now. So how is the Maxstar 150 STH compared to the Dynasty 200?

In my price range, $1000-$2000, should I get the Sync 180 SD or the Maxstar 150 STH? I for sure want to be able to weld aluminum. What type of power will I need in my garage for the two? 220V for both, right? I would love to get a portable machine and the Sync weights 225lbs! Any info is appreciated!!

Jeremy

[Tanner]

Ride a specialized bike?


Anyways, the Maxstar won't do aluminum. you need AC current to weld aluminum, unless you're welding at 300+ amps and 100% helium shielding gas or something like that. I'd recommend the Syncrowave, if you want to do aluminum. If you really NEED portability and the ability to do Al, save for the Dynasty.

[Sberry]

For home use I would stretch for the Dynasty for a couple of reasons. Its light and stingy with the power and will work on multi voltages. It will work well with extension cords for portable work. I would run it on 230V where I could but it will run on 120V too. Its good on aluminum too.

[stumpjumperpro]

Hey Tanner, yes, I have an '04 Stumpjumper Pro. Also an '03 Cannondale R2000. I love bikes!!

I thought that it was only a DC welder, just didn't see that anywhere right off.

Sberry, what all can be done with the machine on 120V? Stick only? I ask, because I don't have 220V(230V) in the garage yet.

I also heard to not by the Contractor's Kit for the Dynasty, but to buy the pieces seperately and get better stuff. So, I could get the foot pedal, torch and ground lines, regulator and the essentials for now. Still, it is going to cost about $3000 to get the Dynasty. Hmmm.... descisions!

[Tanner]

I love bikes too! Trials and BMX mostly.

Ok, with the dynasty and I think the maxstar can do tig and stick on 120v current. However, amperage and duty cycle are reduced

[Sberry]

Is this an attatched garage? If so it can be simple to run a welder circuit and I would bite the bullet and run one and be done with it. No matter what machine 230V is wayyyyy superior for welding.

[stumpjumperpro]

Tanner, Trials bikes rock! I have great handling skills and balance, but not that good :-) I would love to be able to do that.

Sberry,
My garage is attached, but my circuit box is in the basement, finished, on the opposite side of the house :-) I had one company say it would be about $400 to run the circuit. Oh, plus my box is full, so things would have to be rearranged. Any suggestions? Would it be possible to put a seperate breaker box in the garage? Seems that this might be easier and cheaper.

Thanks for the help guys!

[fun4now]

stumpjumperpro

if you intend to make your garage your work shop a sepret pannel(sub-pannel) would be best and alow for extra outlets for the othere stuff that will soon start to apear. (grinders, air comp.,chop saws, and so on)

as for what the dyn.200 will do on 120v it will drop your amprige range to 1A-150A on 220v you will have 1A-200A

[stumpjumperpro]

Thanks for the info!

I already have the compressor and will need to get a bench grinder once I get the TIG machine. :-)

Should I get a specific tungston grinder or use a bench grinder?

Thanks to everyone for the help, so far this board is awesome!!

Jeremy

[fun4now]

stumpjumperpro

Should I get a specific tungston grinder or use a bench grinder?


many people use bench grinders to sharpin the tung. the big thing you need to do is make shoure you only use that 1 grinder wheel for tung. only never, never, never use the tung wheel for steel or the next time you sharpin your tung. it will be contaminated befor you even get it in the torch. so if you want (i did) get a 2nd bench grinder for your tung. and later if you decide you want a true tung. grinder get it.


a tung grinder will srt you back about $200, a second bench grinder will only set you back about $40
depending on how often you need to grind your tung. or how acuret you want your grind, and how much $$$ you have to spend will determin what you get
eather will grind tung. just remember nothing but tung. on the 2nd bench grinder or you will be killing yourself trying to figure out why you keep getting crappy welds

[stumpjumperpro]

Thanks again for the info! My welding instructor told me the same thing last night :-) I thought I would go to Harbour Freight and get a dual sided grinder, one side for tung and the other for steel. Although, he did tell me once I start to weld aluminum I will need a grinder specifically for that also. So, I will need at least 3 wheels sounds like.

[fun4now]

stumpjumperpro

i think HF has a cheepo that would be good for your tung. grinding and save you a few bucks to put tward a good 1 for steel and alum.

i have a cheepo i think it's a clark was about $30 for tung. grinding witch will not need any real power to just do tung., the other end will have a buffer or wire wheel. and i also have a nice dewalt to use on steel and alum. so dont worry about having to spend big $$ on the bench grinder for tung. as it wont have to work hard any way. if you need to you can just get extra wheels and swop them out for what ever you need at the time.just remember to lable them as to what they are for.also some people just use the side of the wheel to do tung. grinding

and yep you got it right about not using same wheel for alum/steel same goes for all things like wire bruches and scotch brite pads keep them seperate. and be shoure the wire brushes you use on alun. are stainles steel brushes. kind of gets to be a pain you almost have to set up 2 shops in 1


buy the way not shour if this was coverd but the maxstar wont do aluminum

[stumpjumperpro]

Thanks!

Yeah, looks like I will be getting the Sync180 or Dynasty 200. I want the Dynasty for portablilty and the power range, but don't know if I can swing the extra cash. I will have to kiss up to the wife :-)

[Sberry]

Yes, you may have to re-arrange in the panel to gain a couple spaces for a welder circuit or to feed a new panel. You could use a couple of the existing circuit spaces and transfer them to the garage panel, or double up some lightly used circuits to one breaker or add some tandem breakers to gain spaces depending on panel type and brand. It sounds like you need a little help with that call.

[fun4now]

stumpjumperpro

but don't know if I can swing the extra cash. I will have to kiss up to the wife :-)

i soooo know where you are comming from on that 1. i gota take mine to a 3 day dollie (similer to barbie) convention in canada

aaaaaa but the dyn. will be werth it

if you are like me you may be wondering if the extra $$$ for a good bench grinder is werth spending. as i have bolth i can just say this bolth do a good job of grinding but you can tell the dif. for shoure. the biggest differance you will first realize is you will have to tie down the cheepo for shour or it will walk off the table shaking everything on the table off as it goes

atached is a pic of bolth you will notice i have the clark tied to the wall