Reply to Thread

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Miller really sticks it to you with bundle pricing.

Their cart is grossly overpriced for what it is, and there's absolutely zero incentive purchasing the bundle as far as added value versus cost savings goes. For the guy that wants a plug and play, roll it off the pallet and turn it on deal, then that's definitely the way to go.

For the guy that doesn't want to pay Miller a premium price for a cheap cart and accessories, buying the machine by itself and building a rig is the best way to go. Personally, I don't like their cart, price for a new cooler and particular brand of torches and accessories. I built my own set up, and pretty well always have for all my welding machines. I'm also not a fan of all in one MIG machines either, I like the versatility of a multi process inverter or power source with a wire feeder. For a lot of users, my setup would be overkill and totally unnecessary for their needs. All about what the individual wants. I prefer an 18 year old industrial inverter for my MIG & Stick welding needs. That isn't necessarily gonna work for the next guy down the line tho.

Just depends on the user and their needs. There's no right or wrong answer, rather an individuals specific requirements that define the best value for them.

IMHO of course

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by AKweldshop

Your happy that you bought your Dynasty as a package?
You lost money there.

My 280 would have been the same price with a package. I've got concerns about function with wireless pedals, and everybody loves the SSC pedals. I didn't want a cart. Some say there are better torches. Don't forget the adapter for the cooler to Dinse.

I used sink water for a while cause my cooler was back ordered. It worked just fine. Zap has no cooler, he has used sink water since Kennedy was president.

Stingers are 1/0 welder cable from lots of vendors on E bay, an electrode holder, good ground clamp. 6010 and 7018 rod in 3/32, and 1/8". Once or twice in your life you might want 5/32.

A good helmet is a must. I'd get a top of the line Miller or Viking. I've heard of 3M making a good one. The price is a shock, eye repair is much worse. Get a face shield , and safety glasses.

Scotch brite is needed.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

I live 20 miles from a gas dealer. I rent 300 CF bottles of argon, If you find a dealer willing to provide a second tank at a bit more cost, do it. I only run out on weekends.
Some use a cart, I don't. Mine sits on a shelf. You can build a cart.
I'm in love with 4943 Filler, occasionally 5356 might be needed. for aluminum.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Just a receptacle to clean stuff with acetone, Which reminds me you need good Raven nitrile gloves, Ove gloves, TIG Fingers from Weldmonger, clamps, I use copper blocks for many things.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by Willie B

and a flat cookie pan.

The electrical cost of welding is so expensive that you need to bake cookies at the same time to cut costs.

Seriously though, whats the cookie pan for? I haven't done tig long enough to know any trade secrets/shortcuts.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Why do you want to limit a 280 amp welder with a 150 amp torch? I bought a SSB foot pedal, a Weldcraft 280 torch, a coolmate 1.3 cooler, Tungsten could be anything but green pure. It dissolves into big droplets of liquid. Lanthanated is nice. I have gas lenses in 4 sizes, Cups range from #8 down to 4. I rarely use other than 8. I have but haven't used .020 and .040 tungsten. 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8" A dedicated grinder is a must. Mine is DeWalt about $120.00 I found it on sale at $100.00. You also want a dedicated 4-1/2" hand held. I use aluminum hargd grinding discs from Radnor, Norton Blaze soft disc. Wire brushes in stainless and steel.
Acetone, and a flat cookie pan.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by nelzweldz

Add to that the exact same package from the exact same seller on line went up $192 from the time I ordered to the time it was delivered. I must've ordered just in time!

That was probably the scheduled Miller price increase for 2015 --

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by nelzweldz

For me personally; it was money well spent. That's just how I feel about it. Dx machine, coolmate 1 with a gallon of coolant, wireless pedal, watercooled torch with 3 different sized cups and 3 different sized tungsten electrodes, a regulator/flowmeter and gas line for your argon, a cart with wheels 2 roll it around on. A total newb like me just has to choose my plug, buy gas, filler, and safety gear and go. Sure an experienced weldor might have some or all of this and knows about a cheaper cooler here, and a better pedal there...etc. But for ME , personally, this was the best deal. Ordered and delivered to my door in 2 business days. I think I did alright.

I suppose that avoiding the hassle of buying all the different parts from different places was worth the extra money.

I just like building my own custom package, and saving a little money.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Add to that the exact same package from the exact same seller on line went up $192 from the time I ordered to the time it was delivered. I must've ordered just in time!

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by AKweldshop

Your happy that you bought your Dynasty as a package?
You lost money there.

For me personally; it was money well spent. That's just how I feel about it. Dx machine, coolmate 1 with a gallon of coolant, wireless pedal, watercooled torch with 3 different sized cups and 3 different sized tungsten electrodes, a regulator/flowmeter and gas line for your argon, a cart with wheels 2 roll it around on. A total newb like me just has to choose my plug, buy gas, filler, and safety gear and go. Sure an experienced weldor might have some or all of this and knows about a cheaper cooler here, and a better pedal there...etc. But for ME , personally, this was the best deal. Ordered and delivered to my door in 2 business days. I think I did alright.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by nelzweldz

This is why I bought my 200dx in package form. .

Your happy that you bought your Dynasty as a package?
You lost money there.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

To the Op -- nice job -- I did the same thing!!! -- Got a tracking # and my machine should be here Friday -- that price was unbeatable

I am not new to tig -- been using a 251 HF box off my miller 250G Trailblazer for a few years now -- this inverter is going to change everything for me

I have a CK flexloc torch, water cooled -- Will the CK safeloc dinse connector fit the dynasty? I though I read that there where some issues with depth using dinse connectors other than Miller

How about the ground lead -- Does a dinse connector come in the box for that? I bought 200 feet of 1/0 cable from electron beam tech a few weeks ago -- Needed some for a few projects and knew I was gonna buy a dynasty fairly soon

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

This is why I bought my 200dx in package form. Congrats! I still have to buy a plug setup and argon and a helmet! And like you I have zero tig experience.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Um.... does this mean we are off topic?

Couple questions on the fixturing…

HTML Code:

The threaded shell in this picture is 0.150" wall, which is about as thick as I go for most of my work.

"

Hey Zank,
In your 1st pic , is that an allen head threaded back purge device inserted into the pedal spindle bore?

2. The spiral springs on the allen head bolts on the fixture are to prevent scratching the piping?
Just wondering

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Lately, I've been using the same 1/16" 2% lanthanated prepared the same way for both AC and DC. Granted, I don't do much in the way of heavy wall. The threaded shell in this picture is 0.150" wall, which is about as thick as I go for most of my work.


Random by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

This steel frame was done with the same electrode.


0306151636 by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

This is how I prep all of my tungsten for both the steel and aluminum frames.


1/16" 2% lanthanated initial prep by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

This is what it looks like after welding one aluminum frame.


1/16" 2% lanthanated after welding by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

Arc starts are excellent on both AC and DC.

Hope that helps a bit!

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Since we are on the topic of tungsten, I'm used to using Thoriated on a Maxstar 150 with SS and mild. I was reading the description on the various tungsten and I can use 2% blue's for SS, Mild, and Alum. I know Zank said the same thing but I just want to get some more opinions on the subject. I think I would need to keep separate tungsten for metals?

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Yeah, inverters change what you thought you knew about TIG welding.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Originally Posted by smilexelectric

..... and green for aluminum........

On an inverter, especially a dynasty--it's anything--but green. Lanthiated works very well and it's AC tig with pointed tungsten, etc.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Welder.

Coolmate 3

Ck 25' SuperFlex TIG torch (in whatever configuration you like best)

Weld Tec Dinse connector and spin on quick connects for water and gas

Miller wireless pedal (or an SSC one, they're cheaper than OEM)

1/0 ground lead with Tweco solid copper clamp

Build your own cart.

Think that about covers it

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

I hate buying stuff twice. So tell me what the dream setup is for this. Which pedal, torch, cooler etc.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

Oh, a Coolmate 3 is one of the best coolers on the market. About as quiet as they come. Last forever and hold an excellent resale value too. $300-350 will get you in a very nice used one

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

I think he misunderstood your comment on the coolmate being loud and thought you wanted to go air cooled instead.


With a machine with the output that one has, I'd go water cooled so you can make the most use of the power available. A CK 20series water cooled torch like the CK 250 would work You can get it in several versions like the standard torch, flex head or swivel head. I'd just start with the standard head myself. You can always change later if you find a need for one of the others based on what you need to weld.

SSC makes reasonably priced pedals that would work. I've used the wireless Miller pedal and it's nioce if expensive. Depends if you want to sp[end the money to avoid the cord. I can make do just fine most times with the corded pedal myself.

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

You have the welder.

You can put a good used Coolmate 3 under it for $300 (or purchase the new Watermate Showdog has for sale here)

Buy your choice of torch (I went with a CK SuperFlex Trimline setup and used Weld Tec connectors & quick disconnects)

Buy a new pedal from SSC controls. They're under $175 shipped to your door. I bought the cordless pedal and I love it. Worth every penny.

Throw a ground lead on it and you're good to go. Like zank said, you can buy most everything from HTP (usawelds.com) You can put an air cooled torch on it for the time being if you don't have immediate funds for a cooler. You can pretty much set it up how you like. There are no real limitations, except the size of your wallet

IMHO of course

Re: Help me outfit a Miller Dynasty 280DX

When you say I eliminated the water cooled torch option what do you mean? Should I have ordered a different model?