Precision Tig 225 vs. Invertec V205-T

[Glen Stairs]

Good mourning everyone, I'm new to the forum and after reading many posts, this looks like a great forum. I'm in the market for a new tig welder and need some advice. I will be building bicycles ,both aluminum and chromemoly and other small projects that would require a tig welder. I need a welder that will lay down a nice small bead on these thin materials. The Precision 225 is the largest standard welder I can power up.( I only can supply about 50 amps) That is why I am considering the V205-T if needed. I think the Precision 225 will do the job but should I go for all the bells and whistles with the V-205. I do like the simplicity of the 225 and would lean towards that if it would do the job, but if not, please let me know. Thanks in advance for any advice. Glen

[malich]

Hi Glen,

I have a PT225 and love it. Works great on Steel and Alum. I am not sure what other bells and whistles the V-205 has, but the PT225 does a great job and and will most likely work for you.

Hope that helped!

[Tailshaft56]

Lots of choices here. In addition to the Lincolns you mentioned there is the Miller Synch 180 and Dynasty 200. Don't forget the Thermal units. The most bang for the buck is the Arcmaster 185. Try IOC on ebay. Thermal is pushing the new 200's but the 185 will more than handle your work.

[dstaley]

I called Thermal Arc to find out what the practical differences between the 185 and the 200 were. I thought you might be interested in the answer:

The 200 is designed to work with 3 phase power, but if you (like me) don't even have access to 3 phase power, there is virtually no difference. The 15A output "difference" is virtually nil on 220 single phase. There's basically no practical difference between these two machines for those of us using only single phase! You can save $415 by buying the 185 with no practical loss in performance. Mine is due to arrive today!!!

Oh, you can also save a few bucks by buying from IOC direct on their web site rather than through eBay. I think it's about $7.

[Tailshaft56]

I think the 200 is built for directly competing with The Dynasty and the V205s.