I buy alot from these guys. Fast free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILLER-DIVER...item5af96c5f28

I looked at the Syncrowave too, but the additional $700 and the size of the machine is too much of a downside for a machine that won't get used a ton...

If I had a bigger space I would get the bigger machine...

I do plan on some aluminum but mostly thin stuff... Brackets, tabs, pipe, nothing very thick or structural etc

I'm looking at stuff on cyberweld.com....

We are going to need updated progress pics we aren't taking no for an answer.

Ned --- Good for you buddy!



You'll be hooked on TIG just like Sieg! It takes a lot of effort to be any good but it's so much fun!



Make sure you know the specs of the machine you settle on... and mostly - as Vince pointed out -- it's the ALUMINUM that can eat amps.. So just be sure you're set on your gauges.


Now -- Start watching Welding Tips and Tricks dot com.... There's a million of them on YouTube - and he's very helpful and gets right to it. Some other sites spend way too much time just babbling.

Oh I've watched a ton of those videos.. I'm sure I'll watch more once I get a machine...

I will try and get around to posting pix... It's mostly boring stuff... Brake lines. Fuel lines.... Figuring out where I'm going to run my electrical...rear seatbelt harness........I'm trying to make every bracket, drill every hole, and do everything possible before paint... In theory, post paint assembly will go quick... In my dreams...

The car is back in black epoxy since all the big metal stuff was done

The specs on the 180 go to 3/16... The next Syncrowave go to 1/4.... Wow.... Lot more fine control settings... Machine is almost 2x the size and almost $800 more..... Cons outweigh the pro for me

Ned,

You might take a look at the HTP Invertig 221 specs. I debated the same issues as you and thought this was a good fit with some room to grow. Italian made machine and after-sale service and support had been above average IMO. The weak point is the manual which could have lost a little detail in the conversion from Italian to English but Miller's phone app makes up for that.

http://www.usaweld.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=597

I also have HTP's MIG 200 and Microcut 600 plasma cutter, no problems with any of them after 2+ years.

Would I rather have Miller's equipment that's just a step above the HTP in specs.......yes, especially if I had a shop, but not for the dollar difference and my newbie hobbyist usage venture.

You can't affect (change) the waveform with the Diversion TIG machines like I can with my Dynasty.... but it's also half the cost --- and you're not doing the kind of welding where this kind of control would be necessary...


Most hot rod welding just isn't all that complicated.

For you guys looking at the Diversion 180, today (Fat Tuesday) ZoroTools is offering 20% off and they carry that machine. Their normal price is a good bit higher but after the 20% you'll save some vs other online retailers.

Also, be sure and take advantage of the Miller Build with Blue rebate program. The way that works is you spend $150 on Miller accessories at the time you purchase the welder. So if you do the Zoro Tools deal you actually get 20% off of those as well so be sure and spend more than 150 so the after discount amount is > $150. Then submit the rebate. Miller will send you check for 10% of TOTAL purchase.

Zoro was running a similar 30% off deal around the holidays and the way it all worked out you could get the Div 180 and misc other accessories totaling over $200 out the door for about $1495 after you get the rebate from Miller. That was really good deal but this 20% active now isn't too shabby either.

BTW they appear to run these deals every few months so signing up for their email is worthwhile.

Checked the prices.... With the higher price, plus the tax I have to pay for that vendor, even with the 20% it's higher than the other websites