Miller SD180 or Lincoln 185 ?

[emoseman]

I'm going to buy my first Tig welder and am looking at either of these two models. They look very similar in price and performance. I have never used/owned a Lincoln or Miller tool before and if it's just a price issue I'll find the cheapest tool.

Any ideas comments?!??!

Thanks very much!

--
Evan

[fla jim]

Evan:
I have an older SD180, and Im very pleased with it.
Last Friday I got to try a Lincoln PT 185 when the "Lincoln road Show Came to my local dealer. The Lincoln has more features. I especially like the storage features on the welder. The Lincoln was set up for aluminum. with Pure tungsten. It has a "pulse feature, (that is extra "big" bucks for on a Miller). But unless you really feel the need, I don't think thats a necessity. I felt more comfortable without it. The aluminum weld arc feels the same as my miller. I like the adjustable AC balance, but the new SD180 has that also.
I'm sure Aaron, or one of the other guys will comment about the Famous "T/A 185 inverter machine". I've never used one so I can't comment. But the guys that have them, love them.
What you need to do ( as our old buddy Rock used to say) is to go to your dealer and try each, and see which one you like. Don't let a few dollars difference sway your descision. this is a lifetime investment, a few bucks either way is nothing.

[emoseman]

Originally posted by fla jim
Evan:
I have an older SD180, and Im very pleased with it.
Last Friday I got to try a Lincoln PT 185 when the "Lincoln road Show Came to my local dealer. The Lincoln has more features. I especially like the storage features on the welder. The Lincoln was set up for aluminum. with Pure tungsten. It has a "pulse feature, (that is extra "big" bucks for on a Miller). But unless you really feel the need, I don't think thats a necessity. I felt more comfortable without it. The aluminum weld arc feels the same as my miller. I like the adjustable AC balance, but the new SD180 has that also.
I'm sure Aaron, or one of the other guys will comment about the Famous "T/A 185 inverter machine". I've never used one so I can't comment. But the guys that have them, love them.
What you need to do ( as our old buddy Rock used to say) is to go to your dealer and try each, and see which one you like. Don't let a few dollars difference sway your descision. this is a lifetime investment, a few bucks either way is nothing.

fla jim thanks very much for your reply! This is a lot of good information. I think I will try my local Robert's Oxygen and see if they can facilitate a trial for me.

So that pulse feature doesn't seem that useful?

Thanks!

[emoseman]

Also forgot to ask. What thickness metal are these welders capable of welding?

--
Evan

[JMcKeone]

I got the PT185, I love it! Im new to TIG so the Pulser really helps me with aluminum welding. Id say 1/4" is about the thickest youll get out of the PT185, I actually think 1/4" AL calls for 200amps, but I usually use my MIG for anything 1/4" and thicker.