Tig Welder Advice

[MOwens79]

Hello newbe here,
I have been lurking this sight for a couple of months searching forums for some advice. Maybe I am looking for the magic bullet answer? Would you still recomend the Miller Dynasty 200DX over the ESAB Caddy Tig 2200i AC/DC with a thousand dollar price difference. 110v capabillity is not of importance to me as I am a machinest by trade and the tig welder will be used for piece mill work (bench work) in a small manufacturing capacity.
I appreciate any questions comments or concerns,
Thank you,
Matt

[gordfraser]

cant answer your question, but have you looked at the TA200AC/DC for @ 2K
it competes directly with the Dynasty

[MOwens79]

I haven't, the LWS sells both esab and miller that is why I am considering these two machines. But I am open to any manufacturer as long as it is a reliable one.

[Steve HR Hooligan]

the Miller is a great machine, very smooth welding, the Lincoln welders are good as well, with prices that are comparable, the ESABS are hit and miss, some have been called circuit breakers as they can pop fuses and have some welding issues, i would go with the Miller, they can take a beating and they come back for more

[greenbuggy]

I would like to hear more about this debate as well. Right now I've got an Esab Heliarc 307i which I have been very happy with, but when I quit the ski hill I'll probably end up selling it to them since its 460/3/60 power only. I like Esab, but the only comparable thing that will run on more normal power is their Heliarc 352/252 which is much larger (less portable), less features and not as much arc-shaping ability.

What may be a deal killer as well, I haven't seen a caddy tig go up on ebay for sale yet, people are holding on tight to them. Not sure I can justify the depreciation of buying a new welding machine to myself...

[ESABREP]

MOWens,

Not sure how far you are from Kansas, but at the beginning of may there is a farm show in Great Bend City, Kasnas. www.3ishow.com/3i/default.htm


There will be most of our equipment at the show, and you can use it hands on. Then you can decide for yourself. This is a piece of equipment you will have for a long time, and you need to make the best decision for you. They are both great machines. At the end of the day, I don't think you would regret buying either, it's just going to be what you are more comfortable buying.