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Maxstar 150 STH

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5.9K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  ChamferTrode  
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#1 ·
Hello all -

I am looking at buying a Maxstar 150 STH to use as a portable / shop stick welder... and to learn TIG on.

I have done some TIG in a basic welding class... and I would like to get something that I can use as portable stick, yet set it in the shop and learn to TIG.

I know it is only DC... no aluminum. My question is this - is this a good, basic welder that is going to last a while as a light duty portable stick unit for up to 1/4" plate (one pass w/ prep) - and good enough to handle a learning TIG welder!

I look at the 150 STH at about $1,200 (Stick only package) and the next step up is a 200, but nearly $1,000 more. Is the additional capability necessary to learn?

My other concern is that the 150 STH is a lower quality model than the 200. Is this possible? $1,000 is a big difference!

Any recommendations?

Thanks!!
 
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#3 ·
I may have to consider that 200 SD for that price... It appears that the SD still has lift-arc. Is that right?

Thanks again!
 
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#5 ·
I have owned an 150STH for about three years, and it is a fine machine. It has done everything from tigging 0.020 stainless to full pen welds on 1" plate (xray inspection) to lifting lugs on a 100000lb machine, 4.5" plate. It will run 1/8 LoHy and 1/8 6010 on 240V and 3/32 of each on 120V, and can be pressed into running the larger rod on 120V, but isn't real appy about it
 
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#6 ·
szymancp said:
...My other concern is that the 150 STH is a lower quality model than the 200. ...
Click to expand...
It is by no means lower quality. It is smaller, less maximum output, and shorter duty cycle. It does what it does better than any other machine, though.

What is does is awesome DC welding up to 150A for 13 pounds.

I owned one as well for a few years. Awesome machine for portable work.
 
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#7 ·
Wow - those are some pretty impressive reviews of the 150 STH :)

I guess for the short term, it comes down to how much available money I have at the time of purchase! I am currently setting up my workshop (hobby welding)... and when it's all sorted out and ready, I'm going to make the purchase.

I really appreciate the help!

Thanks!
 
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#10 ·
Autoline seems to be what a Dynasty has... just strip the wires and stuff them in a box. Pick a wire,... any wire.

well, maybe not literally, but it'll take any voltage from 115 - 575 ( per miller's site ) single or 3 phase.
 
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#11 ·
The Maxstar 150 is advertised differently from its larger brothers and the Dynasty series. It mentions 115 or 230V input instead of the range advertised for the others. Good question.

My instinct is that it should work fine with no prolems. But a quick call to 1-800-4-A-MILLER will give you an official answer quite quickly.
 
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