SyncroWave 180 For Beginner?

[HotShoe]

Hi everyone. I'm a rookie here so forgive me if this seems like a stupid question.

I am beginning to build my own custom concept car and I am interested in purchasing a tig welder to do chasis work, aluminum, etc. I have been teaching myself to gas weld aluminum sheet for the past year as a result of learning the english wheel for this project and I would like to add a tig welder for chassis work as well.

Having done a few searches here, it seems everyone recommends the Dynasty tig welders. Why is the Dynasty spoken such much more than the Syncrowave? I don't foresee a need for portability and I was going to have an electrician wire my garage for 220. I assumed the Syncrowave 180 would be more than adequate for someone like myself. Is this an incorrect assumption? If I am going to spend the money I want to get it right the first time and not regret my purchase.

My question is whether the Syncrowave 180 would be a good machine for my needs or is there another reason why I should look at the Dynasty (or any other model) that everyone seems to rave about?

I have no prior experience with tig welding so I really don't have a clue as to what machine would be best for me. I went to my local dealer and they were really pushing Lincoln's new tig welder but I wanted to stay with Miller based on the fact that every pro shop I've ever been in has Miller equiptment.

Thanks!

[tooldude56]

I srill run a syncrowave 350LX,but would highly reccomend the dynasty.Do'nt get me wrong,I love my syncrowave,but would also love to try the latest and greatest technology.I intend on purchasing a dynasty in the not too distant future.The big pluses that I can see are:inverter technology,far less power consumption,lightweight, aluminum welding with a pointed tungsten,versus a balled tungsten on the syncrowave,arc shaping capabilitys,balance control;factory installed pulse.I have been watching all the onfo. on the dynasty and have not heard one bad word about it.I really think that inverter power sources are here to stay.I have had an XMT 304 inverter powersource with a wire feeder since 1999 and am still impressed with it.There are a lot of guys on this site that run the dynastys,so I am sure that you will get a lot of good info. on this subject.Hopefuly Andy will also pickup on this thread,I beleive that he has a ton of experience on this subject.

tooldude56

[ASKANDY]

I think the Sync 180 is a great deal for the money but in reality, the arc is wider on aluminum and is harder to learn on. The Dynasty with it's slightly more complex adjustments give you a real tight arc that gives the operator much more control and is easier to weld with. It comes at a price as you know. The inverters are more money. So to answer your questions, the Sync 180 would be fine for you but your learning curve on welding will be longer. Your learning curve on the Dynasty wil be longer only on the initial setups but your welding will come easier.
One of the guys I race for up in Wisconsin got a Sync 180 last year and he didn't know anything about tig until I showed him and he likes it just fine. It may come down to a money thing for you. On DC steel welding at the mid range amps you will be at, the Sync 180 will be great for you. Only on Aluminum will you see a difference. Don't get me wrong, the Dynasty has a better DC arc also but for what you need, you wouldn't notice.

Good question.

Andy

[HotShoe]

Thanks for the quick replys! I really appreciate the input. Andy, I will be working a great deal with aluminum so perhaps the Dynasty would be more appropriate?

I don't want to spend a small fortune but I'd rather pay more for a machine that will be adequate for a long time than end up buying something that I'd want to replace once I get up to speed.

I've been combing the search function to try and read all I can about the Dynasty and Syncrowave to better understand their differences. Unfortunatelymy lack of knowledgemakes it all pretty confusing.

Is there a comparison chart that comparesthe two? What machine in your opinion would be better to butt weld .063 aluminum sheet or 4130 .125 tubing? What would you personally recommend (Syncrowave or Dynasty)?

[rb455ho]

Hotshoe, I have a like new syn 180sd in my garage that has less than 20 hours on it. Complete, torch, foot pedal, work clamp, stinger, runner set up. I was going to keep it but since I got my syn 350 would love to find it a good home. Again it is barely used for $1000.00. Let me know if interested. Good luck on whichever model you choose.

[Sberry]

I like the idea of the sharp tungsten with the Dyn and you certainly cant beat the power requirements. The synchro is greedy and you will need heavier service entrance. The Dyn will work great with extension cords too. I have a synch too and my next machine will likely be a Dyn for use on aluminum.

[HAWK]

Hotshoe,

The basics of the Dynasty take about 30 minutes to run through as far as arc frequency, balance and low rate pulsing. These features will help you overcome the TIG learning curve much quicker than the Sync 180. You will be able to concentrate the arc where you want it, easily balance the cleaning and penetration, and learn to add filler through the pulsing function.

As if this is not enough here is a machine capable of 3/16" material on AC and DC without a struggle, runs on anything from 100-500 VAC 1 & 3 phase input power, draws less than 30 amps welding wide open on 220 VAC single phase residential power, and in a 45 lb package the size of a carry on flight bag.

I have welded with both the Dynasty 200 and 300 amps machines, several Syncrowaves, and an a couple of old sinewave machines that are antique by the Syncrowave's standard! I love the Dynasty series. The D200DX (Get THE DX!!!) is the 200 amp unit capable of 150+ amps on 120 VAC residential power. Miller says less, but do a search and see what you find. It is also a great stick welder with great adjustability (DIG CONTROL).
The DX has the pulse and sequence controls and is only $200 more than the standard SD model.

I think you will enjoy the newer technology. Even though the Syncro 180 is a great machine you will be really excited about the Dynasty after you use it and learn to TIG a little. If you get a Sync 180 and then use a Dynasty in a month or so you will want the Dynasty. That is my personal opinion.

[pgk]

Yah' what he said

Nicely put Hawk, quite honestly the more I've used my D-300dx the more I'm impressed with it, not to say the syncrowave series is inferior in any way. I owned a S-250 for 12 years and it served me well. I guess for me at least, it was nice for a change after updating to a new power supply to actually notice a HUGE diffrence in the performance between old and new technolgy.
Now, if I could only weld half as good as this thing is capable of...!!!

Pete

[HAWK]

Pete,

Thanks. At the Miller Expo last year in Atlanta the TIG booth was set up with several machines including a Sync 250 and a Dynasty 300DX. It was a good way to feel the difference. By the way Mark did a great job demoing the machines to the crowd! I hope you read this. If not, I know someone who will pass it back to ya-all the way up north.

You are right about the Syncrowaves. They are great machines and Miller continues to make them. At some point application and personal preference have to enter the decision making process.

[HotShoe]

Thanks again for all the great responses. I really appreciate all of your advice.

rb455ho, I'm definitely interested in the 180 you have for sale. Perhaps that would be the best way for me to enter the tig world and then uprade? Drop me a line at my [email protected]. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and fish down that way alot.

[rb455ho]

Hotshoe, I sent you an email. Thanks for the response.

[TJS]

I just sold a 180 I had for a year. I learned on that machine by myself with just some reading. When I got it I did not know how to even turn it on or wire it. As Andy says it will take you longer to learn on a 180 sych machine but I think IMHO that is a good place to start. It will serve as a good foundation for a higher technological machine to come down the pike later. I have done some cool projects with the 180sd in alum, steel and stainless. I think it is a great machine for a beginner.
T.J.

https://www.tjsperformance.com

[rb455ho]

Tj, I have to agree. The only reason I did not continue to use it is because my requirements (1/2"-1.0" aluminum) changed. It is ashame for a new machine to just sit in my garage when someone is looking to begin welding. I emailed shoe and told him to put the money he saves towards a mm175 for his GMAW needs.