Thermal Arc ArcMaster 300 AC/DC

[SundownIII]

Looking for comments on above unit.

I have been waiting for Miller (hopefully) to come out with an AC/DC inverter between the Dynasty 200 and the Dynasty 350. The 200 doesn't quite have the HP and the 350 has a lot of bells and whistles that I'd probably never use and a price to go along with it.

I'm really looking for an inverter replacement/supplement to the Syncrowave 250 I've had for quite some time.

Seems that Thermal Arc has now (somewhat recently) introduced a 300A AC/DC tig (ArcMaster 300 AC/DC). The specs look good and seem to give me everything I need (without all the bells and whistles of the Dynasty 350).

Have any posters on this board used an ArcMaster 300, or what is the general feelings towards Thermal Arc machines in general (Performance, customer support, warranty, etc).

Any input would be appreciated.

[knucklehead]

Looking for comments on above unit.

I have been waiting for Miller (hopefully) to come out with an AC/DC inverter between the Dynasty 200 and the Dynasty 350. The 200 doesn't quite have the HP and the 350 has a lot of bells and whistles that I'd probably never use and a price to go along with it.

I'm really looking for an inverter replacement/supplement to the Syncrowave 250 I've had for quite some time.

Seems that Thermal Arc has now (somewhat recently) introduced a 300A AC/DC tig (ArcMaster 300 AC/DC). The specs look good and seem to give me everything I need (without all the bells and whistles of the Dynasty 350).

Have any posters on this board used an ArcMaster 300, or what is the general feelings towards Thermal Arc machines in general (Performance, customer support, warranty, etc).

Any input would be appreciated.




Well, that is basically the big brother to the 185 (TSW)/AC/DC. I'm sure you have not seen any "negative" feedback on that model...:)

[CaptainWilly]

I use one everyday and love it... as said its pretty much just a beefed up version of the 185.

[Me!]

How about a Miller XMT?

http://millerwelds.com/products/multiprocess/xmt_350/

[SundownIII]

Guys, thanks for the responses.

ME: The XMT series are not capable of doing AC Tig (Aluminum), the main reason for buying a new machine.

CaptWilly: Sounds as if you're pretty happy with the Arcmaster 300. Have you ever compaired the arc quality to the TA 185? The reason I ask is because the arc quality of the Dynasty 300 is far superior to the arc quality of the Dynasty 200. Not just more HP, but a better starting, more consistent arc. Most believe this is due to the fact that the 300 uses a full wave bridge rectifier whereas the 200 uses a half-wave bridge rectifier.

My only concern (other than support after the sale) is that the Arcmaster 300 AC/DC only goes to 150HZ AC. In reality, this probably would not be too limiting a factor since my Sync 250 is limited to 60HZ (fixed).

Any comments.

[knucklehead]

There is no difference between the 185 and 300 other than output. Honestly is it necessary to go above 150HZ? How much tighter can you focus the arc, not to mention arc stability? Same with wave balance. Miller claims they can go to 90% positive but.... I couldnt imagine ever going above the claimed 65% on the thermal. Would you actually be able to keep a tungsten without balling up? I have used both units and they perform identical other than the 185 is limited to 1/4 " which is pushing it whereas the 300 will do 1/2 inch plate.

[Me!]

ME: The XMT series are not capable of doing AC Tig (Aluminum), the main reason for buying a new machine.

You are correct it is DC only :(
I have seen one only a few times and just assumed it would do AC. :rolleyes:
And they call that "Multiprocess", no AC... :realmad:

[FusionKing]

There is no difference between the 185 and 300 other than output. Honestly is it necessary to go above 150HZ? How much tighter can you focus the arc, not to mention arc stability? Same with wave balance. Miller claims they can go to 90% positive but.... I couldnt imagine ever going above the claimed 65% on the thermal. Would you actually be able to keep a tungsten without balling up? I have used both units and they perform identical other than the 185 is limited to 1/4 " which is pushing it whereas the 300 will do 1/2 inch plate.

If you got it you'll use it....as for the tungsten balling at 90% the Miller sets in the opposite direction from Thermal...that would HOLD a point. I run 75% all the time on mine.

[CaptainWilly]

Guys, thanks for the responses.

ME: The XMT series are not capable of doing AC Tig (Aluminum), the main reason for buying a new machine.

CaptWilly: Sounds as if you're pretty happy with the Arcmaster 300. Have you ever compaired the arc quality to the TA 185? The reason I ask is because the arc quality of the Dynasty 300 is far superior to the arc quality of the Dynasty 200. Not just more HP, but a better starting, more consistent arc. Most believe this is due to the fact that the 300 uses a full wave bridge rectifier whereas the 200 uses a half-wave bridge rectifier.

My only concern (other than support after the sale) is that the Arcmaster 300 AC/DC only goes to 150HZ AC. In reality, this probably would not be too limiting a factor since my Sync 250 is limited to 60HZ (fixed).

Any comments.

we have both a 300 and a 185 in the shop and I switch back and forth between them constantly. Cant tell the difference between the 2...