Miller TIG: Dynasty vs. Diversion vs. Synchrowave???

[Greg72]

Can anyone help me define what to focus on when shopping for one of these TIG machines?

I am pretty sure that the SquareWave is just the older Miller design, and the Diversion is more of their "entry level" machine.... but I'm not sure how far up the food chain I should be shopping...???

In the MIG world, I started off with a 220V Lincoln 175+ and eventually moved up to a 220V Lincoln PowerMIG 255.... it was definitely a step up, and it does a nicer job, welds look better, etc. I've got a feeling that I'd have a similar experience if I went with a "cheap" TIG initially. My concern is that I'd end up wishing that I just got the "nice" machine from the start.

Looking for any personal experiences.... suggestions.... feedback.

-G

 

[Captainfab]

You are correct in that the Diversion is an entrylevel/hobbist machine. They work fine, but for an experienced welder they may leave you a little disappointed. The Syncrowave is a good step up from the Diversion, but they are a transformer machine. Consequently they cost more to run than an inverter machine such as the Diversion or Dynasty. I believe the Syncrowave will do just about as much and as well as the Dynasty, but at a lower initial cost. Of course the cost difference will balance out in a few years of use with higher power cost. Of course how long that is will depend on how much you use it. Myself I don't have either at the moment. However I hope to upgrade to a better TIG machine as soon as possible. I would like to have a Dynasty, but I don't think the 200 will do what I need and the 350 is $$$. So I will likely be getting the Syncrowave 250.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I have the same MIG machine you have.

That being said, I have a Syncrowave2000 TIG unit with a remote cooling unit. Originally just ran the argon cooled gun. Got hot in a hurry. Only good for short (2") beads. Then I had to let the gun cool a little. So I added the liquid cooled gun. Run as long as you can sit there.

If you plan on any production or long continuous welds, go liquid cooled.

My welder has worked great and I have not had a single issue, other than people not wanting to pay for the TIG time. So my production stuff is MIG welded.

 

[cybrfire]

Dynasty FTW!

 

[4X4HIGH]

Wow, looking to step it up a notch are you? I have a few friends who are welders by trade and they all love the Syncrowave 350 with water cooled gun.

 

[cybrfire]

I think the water cooled or argon cooled is totally dependant on what you are welding and what positions you need to get into.

Sitting at a bench, sure, water cooled.

Climbing around a chassis, i'd hate the extra weight of the water cooled lines, not to mention, far less maneuverable. Granted its been a while since i've had a water cooled gun in my hand.

 

[Greg72]

Thanks All,

Digging in a little more on my research it looks like the SquareWave machines are real power hogs compared to the more modern inverter-type TIGs.... normally I wouldn't care so much about the power consumption and higher electric bills, but it sounds like they need HUGE breakers (like 90A).... for a residential location like mine (with only a 100A service), that sounds like trouble.

The Dynasty 200 seems to get mentioned a lot on various message forums..... anyone know what the "DX" designation stands for?

Package prices for the welder, torch chiller, cart, etc are pretty expensive...even from the well-known internet welding supply places. Gotta pay to play, I suppose.


-G

 

[KirsL]

For home use an invertor-based machine is the way to go. Much smaller to store and they use a ton less power. Plus they usually are capable of being hooked up different power inputs with a simple changing of the plug wiring.

I have the dynasty 200 DX. I'm using it on 220 single phase and it only pulls 28 amps at full output. It can run on anything from 115, through 460 3-phase. The DX means it has the ability to do pulse TIG. I wanted to buy the SD since I know I'll probably never use the pulse feature, but it was backordered so I got a free upgrade to the DX. A full TIG-runner package is pretty expensive. I've used mine for a bunch of side-work to make some money with it.

As for water vs air cooled. I went water cooled, even taking it to on-site jobs it's well worth having. That torch gets stupid hot fast when welding at full output. Its nice not burning your hand with the torch.

 

[readymix]

I have a dynasty 200DX with a water cooled CK 230 torch and cooler from ArcZone. The torch is light and the super flex hoses are easy to maneuver around. For off site work I also have a CK26 air cooled torch since I don't like to move the cooler around.

The 200DX is awesome.

 

[Greg72]

200DX gets love everywhere I look.....

Package with cooler looks like $5000+

That makes me sad....... And broke..... And conflicted....



-G

 

[readymix]

You can get the torch and cooler cheaper than with the package like I did. Plus I don't really like the torch that comes with the Miller.

 

[KirsL]

Its not cheap by any means for sure, but its a really good machince that can do a lot! I got mine for a bit of a discount because I was doing a welding night class at my local votec and the welding supplier would give students the schools discount if they bought something. I paid just under $4000 for a complete setup, that was after the dicount and free upgrade to the DX. It was also about 6 years ago or so too.

 

[Greg72]

For a discount like that maybe I should just sign up for a welding class......


-G

 

[rdn2blazer]

My god how I want a TIG someday. I've TIG'ed before a time or two and I seem to take to it, but can't afford a welder yet. I found the pic I posted before of my very first time TIG welding a Aluminum coupon. Just a flat weld but I was satisfied for my first try. That 200 sounds like a hot setup.

My first TIG welds ever.

Sadly after this a time or two I practiced in welding class, but finished my stick welding certifications and was done with what I originally setout to accomplish. It's been more then 10 years since I did this. I think given a few good years of a lot of practice, I think I'd get it down pretty good.

 

[vandelay industries]

i just want to weld frames----i.e.,
1) .049" to .068" wall thickness chromoly tubing

2) .118 wall thickness mild steel tubing

3) .083" to .125" wall thickness 2X3 mild steel rectangular tubing

4) tabs, which i ASSume are up to .125" thick?

Most of the welding will be done at home----with shitty levitown type electrical system, although i'm willing to pay for upgrades......

Which Miller TIG welder should get? Money not really the main concern here. Let's just keep it simple and dumb it down for me.

 

[KirsL]

6 years later I stand by my statement of the 200 Dynasty DX being a badass machine. I think it's been replaced by a 210 version. Basically couple more options and few more amps available.