I run a Miller Dynasty 200DX


Remember that we're welding fairly thin materials usually -- UNTIL you get cranking on some aluminum - and that's when you need so power… so just something to think about when looking for these type machines.

Nearing micro........at least with my eyes!

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-R...RMMTTkV-XL.jpg

Ya know, I though you were THAT Greg Weld for a while. Then I remembered he passed away some years ago!

Nicely done Siegymundo!











That's a very common "ASSumption" --- particularly in automotive venues etc. While ordinarily one might sometimes wish they were said famous person but in this case… not so much. Given the fact that he was bankrupt and is dead -- and I'm neither of those. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Amazing precision there!

I know the monster I have available at work can TIG most anything but for a home shop how much power do you suggest for someone who would eventually need the power to weld aluminum??

1/4" aluminum takes 200 amps…


Remember too - that what you pay EXTRA for this power - the couple times a home builder may need something thicker (bracket etc) he could sure as hell take it somewhere and have it welded far cheaper.

Just always trying to give guys stuff to ponder before they commit is all. I know everyone has different pocketbooks etc. Or maybe their panel wouldn't take another 30amp 220V circuit or whatever.

I like to buy a bit more than the bottom - because as we all know - it's not just THIS project -- once you have "capability" -- there's other stuff you can do and your friends love to find out you have a 'welder' and so forth.

But you also gain duty cycle and when say boxing frame rails that is an important consideration.

Ordinarily I would agree - duty cycle is important…. but for a home welder that basically sucks - has to constantly reposition - has to check his work every other nanosecond (think SIEG here)… IDK if that duty cycle would be an issue but glad you mentioned it.

I have the Diversion 165 with a foot pedal that I really like. It however does not always like me... I used to run a Syncrowave 250 so I tend to push the 165 a "little" hard sometimes...

Most of the time I weld thinner stuff but I have worked it pretty hard it when repairing an aluminum bell housing and some other thicker aluminum work.

Some day I will step up to a Dynasty 200 or something like that. But not just yet. I have other things I need to get before stepping up to a larger welder. So far the 165 has done all I have asked.

Hope this helps,

Chris

First tig - syncrowave 180sd. Good machine. Stepped up to Dynasty 200. Nice unit with a lot more features that I will ever need.