Dynasty dx

[Gaslight]

I have gone out two times to buy a Dynasty 200 DX, and each time the local store tries to turn me on to the Lincoln TIG 185, because it's so much cheaper. Anyway, I'm pretty convinced that the 200 DX is the machine for me, I would like to be able to weld motorcycle frames, and aluminum, but I could get by without the AL. However once the price gets up there then it only makes sense if it does everything. And the 200 seems ideal for me due to it's input flexibility, and the portability which would allow me to hide it when I'm not using it.

Bike welding is mostly .120 tube, though at time one has to fasten that tube to thicker materials, up to .5 inch plate for the transmission. I would accept a machine that could weld a little copper, instead of aluminum, since both are fairly maliable and heat transparent, both of which are good features for certain parts.

So in the interest of due dilegence what about these other machines:

Maxstar 150. The argument is that it's so cheap compared tot he 200, that it is almost worth it as a step machine. Once you get into 1500 or so, then it needs to be able to do everything, but with some 150 models selling around 700 it might make sense. Can one weld the 1/2" plate to the .12 tube with this machine set up for tig? Can it weld light copper for either tanks or oil bags? I know Al is totaly out.

Syncrowave 180SD. I know this machine would probably get me covered, but how does it compare to The Lincoln 185. They are both huge machines, and that really hurts in my set-up.

What is the argument for going up to a Dynasty 300DX I really can't see the need, and loosing the 110 input voltage would hurt at times. I have 220 in the shop, and can probably wire for up to 60 amps, but there are site specific occasions when I need a lower connection, nevertheless this is the minor end of things.

Any thoughts would help, I know this kind of question comes up a lot, but still everyone's situation has some minor differences.

[Blown S-10]

i would bet that they steer your away from the 200dx because they don't have one to sell you. though those other machines would probably give you what you want, except for the 110v, portability, and maybe some of the settings that the 200dx has, like pulse and hz adjustability. i needed 110v because i don't have 220v in my garage.
the 200dx will do your .120 pipe no problem on 110v.

[dyn88]

if you read around this panel you will find nothing but pleased 200 dx owners.

[GaryM]

Having a Dynasty 300Dx Tig runner and well very happy that i went with it. when i was thinking and trying to decide which one to get. Was looking at i had to have the aluminum ability. I already had a Syncrowave 180SD and it was a nice entry lvl unit. It will never hold anything to the Dynasty Feq. Adjust and Pulse.

I welded some 1" to 5/8" aluminum plate a while back and i tell you what that was so sweet. 3 passes on easy side and the dynasty never looked back.

It was cool had 5 people watching me. They never seen anything like a dynasty.

Go with a Dynasty and you will never be unhappy unless you got the 200 and later want the 300

Gary

[Wheat]

Go with the Dynasty over the 180SD..... IF you can afford it. I'm STILL putting mine together. I never thought about purchasing the Dynasty for the "hide" factor. You must live in a "hood" like I do. Being a weld shop store hang out crownie I too have NEVER seen one in a store. Usually and sadly you know more about the machine then the sales personnel. You're going to have to learn how to work the machine yourself. By reading and re-reading the manual, and trial and error. The welding stores, (for the majority) let me just say. They do a very good job at selling gas. Thats about all. Good luck with your purchase.

[Gaslight]

Thanks for the advice! I did read around about the DX, and not only does one hear great praise, but one also hears enthusiastic praise of all kinds of things that just don't even exist for the other welders, because of all the control features.

What do you guys think of the Maxstar 150? A lot of folks seem to think that it doesn't have the power for welding mild steel frames and brackets. Of course it's in a totaly different class than the DX, but could it weld copper for things like oil tanks in 16 guage? Could it weld the .5 brackets to .12 tubing? As to the latter, could it do it in a pro fashion. I don't want to have to do it in a way that looks like a patch, it's got to look/be proper, though I am willing to consider doing it stick if that was required. Most of the guys on the motorcycle boards don't think 150 amps is enough, but if the 150 Maxstar can punch out of it's weight because it's an inverter machine, then might it be enough?

[aphexafx]

Dynasty all the way man. Seriously, I was sweating having to lay down that much cash for my hobby, but I don't think I've ever been happier with anything I've ever bought, than this little blue TIG machine called the 200DX.

I was also told by a welding store salesman that I was "kidding myself with the 200DX because it had all kinds of strange controls (he said that!) that I'd never know what to do with and they really weren't needed anyway, this Lincoln, however, is bigger." Bigger? It's not as powerful, but it's "bigger". Oh my god.

That made me so mad that I embarrassed the stupid guy who I KNOW never picked up a torch in his life, and prompty went home and emailed Miller about it, as this store was a Miller distributor with a big Miller logo in their window and I thought that was horrible, especially as I went in there and said, I want a Miller Dynasty 200DX form the start. Anyhow...

The 200DX is perfect for what you want to do, and in the future when you want to weld aluminum, titanium, copper, etc. you'll have the ability with nothing else to buy PS wise. That goes for really technical welding with the pulser control too. It's there when you're ready for it. Auto-Line, BTW, is one of the greatest features you could ever ask for. Jeeze, then you have your choice of REAL HF start or Miller's Lift-Arc (the best non-HF starter in the business, I think). You have an AC balance range of 30% (lower than you'll ever need) to 90%. Frequency up to 250Hz.

I don't think you need a 300DX just yet, based on what you said you wanted to do. Besides, if you want to go above 200A at the torch tip you're really going to want to look into a coolant system, which is exensive in it's own right. Plus, the 200DX has a lower low end than the 300DX, which you might prefer.

Just keep in mind that the 200DX does not come with a torch, hose, or gas regulator. You can, however, buy a torch kit from Miller that includes a regulator and hose andother things to get you going. I bought a big 200A Diamondback and I'm very happy with it, but you could get a third party torch if you have a brand that you like.

Good Luck!

[Blown S-10]

from what i understand. inverters are better on aluminum because of the advanced settings. but are the same on steel,etc. as far as output power goes.

[HAWK]

Gaslight,

Welcome to the forum. I have responded to many of the Dynasty 200DX posts with nothing but praise. Until recently I owned (1) 200DX and (1) 300DX Tig Runner package. Both are fantastic machines. The 300DX is overkill for your application. The 200DX (DO GET THE DX MODEL) will do .125 material all day long. I have gone mostly to shop business and kept the 300 Dynasty while selling the Dynsaty 200DX to a friend.

As for the .120 to .500 plate it will be tough but can be done. This is where the 300DX really shines, but for the occasional weld good techniques will get you by. What do I mean? Proper cleaning, preheating, and multiple passes should do it for you. If you forsee a lot of thicker weldment work, perhaps then the 300DX will be a consideration.

The maxstar 150 is under powered and about .90" will be its steady diet for working long periods. Copper requires more heat and technique than aluminum as it is a tremendous heat sink! Even with the Dynasty 200DX about 1/8" -3/16 " copper will max the machine out! The copper sucks heat like nobody's business.

The Sync 180 is a nice machine, but power hungry and not portable comapred to the Dynasty 200DX. At 45 lbs and able to digest 1 or 3 phase input power from 100-500 VAC are tremendous positive features.

[Bendaman]

The Dynasty 200Dx is a great machine, I had all the same questions you did
before I purchased mine. I've had the machine for a few months and would
not trade it for anything. If your local dealer does not have all the answers
this forum is the place to come, great folks and good advice.

[mlicoasty]

I love my Dynasty. Have you thought about buying it online? I bought mine at cyberweld.com. They were by far the cheapest and I had it in my hands within two days. Great customer service and they have a lot of stuff on hand. I only go to my local welding shop for gas, rods and repairs.


Hope that helps
Mark

[Gaslight]

I'm in Canada so usualy the best I can do is use online prices to blackmail local suppliers. That process is underway. It's tough right now, with the US dollar plumeting, the standed Canadian stock is real expensive. Something should sort itself out though, and with the lighter inverter tech. machines, I probably could do a amil order.

Thanks for the idea.

[fun4now]

Gaslight

most online dealers do free shipping on the big ticket items so for a trip to can. they may only charge a small fee to cover extra expence try asking 1 i use theas guys for all my stuf fast shipping and great on phone service (nice to speek to a person)

http://www.andale.com/store?sid=177352&cid=3777381&mode=1&catId=&pnum=&tpages=&psize=&lid=60048562&storeLayout=classic&storeTheme=ruby&view=ITEM_DETAIL&newStore=&parentCatId=

i dont know how much they would charge to ship to Can.

[mlicoasty]

Cyberweld ships to Canada, and they are very reasonable on price
www.cyberweld.com

Mark

[Paul Seaman]

Don't forget the guys at www.brwelder.com

Real great things spoken from forum members and friends here in Indiana.

Getting a 200 DX soon and can't wait.
Peace,