Maybe I need to shorten my post and get to the point.. With 112 views and no responses I don't think my question is getting across..


Regarding the older model syncro 350 and 351, how do they differ through the years 90 up from older to the newer machines?

If the older machines lack some features of the newer when did syncros change? I ask so I can shoot for the oldest model and still get most needed features to save on investment..

What options or features do the older machines lack that the newer machines have overall?

Which model should I look hardest at to put in a fast growing commercial situation?


If these questions can't be answered I do understand.. I will not bump this post again. I just thought my first post was to long and people were not reading it or understanding what I was asking..

Thank you again guys either way,
TheTester

 

I'd be looking for a Syncrowave DX model. Having pulse TIG will be good for thin stuff. An inverter would allow you to change the frequency of the arc on AC as well. This have the effect of focusing the arc which is beneficial in some applications. But, since you indicate that an inverter machine is beyond the budget, you'll have to do without adjustable arc frequency, not to be confused with pulse frequency.

Papa

 

I think part of your issue isn't understanding the question, it's the fact that most probably don't have that much experience with tigs that size, especially over a large time period. Most probably only used one model vs tracking changes over time. I've worked with a lot of older Syncro 180's, 200's and 250's over the last 6 years or so, and even trying to keep up with all the changes I couldn't give you some of the basic info you are looking for exactly. Having never had a chance to run or look at a Syncrowave larger or older than the 250's, I couldn't even guess unless I downloaded the manual.

The guys that probably might know this best, are some of the repair guys. Even they might not be aware of what options were offered when without looking up specific serial numbers and consulting manuals.

I have yet to find a good source that lists older information on Millers except specific manuals. For example they currently don't list my spoolgun on the list they have for my machine. You'd have to have access to an older product listing or manual to give you that information. It's some what of a PITA every time they change their product line and you want to try an reference say an accessory for last years model.

 

I'm not aware of any unique functionalities across the Sync 300, 350 and 351 over the years. They all had the option of pulse, spot timer and sequencer. Analog volt and amp meters were optional but I think they came standard when they switched to DROs. Late models could be packaged w/chillers and wheels. But as far as I know (and I've seen a good number of them all) that's it.
Find one at the price point you can afford, plug it into a 100A circut and you'll be welding anything that conducts electricity for the rest of your life (and probably the next guys).

You can put a loaded 300 together for about $1000. The later model 350- 351s start for about a grand more.

 

You can put a loaded 300 together for about $1000. The later model 350- 351s start for about a grand more.

Would you have an idea where I may find a good used machine in that price range?? I would be appreciative if anyone here has leads on a good 350 or 351..

I don't mean to sound like I am questioning your knowledge but maybe you can shed light on this for me.. I looked on ebay and seen a 351 made 1995 and it has fewer control knobs on the panel than the 350 1996 model.. Here are photos.. If someone knows what was the difference in the 350 to the 351 was...



syncro 350 1996

Syncro 351 1995

Edit.. I added another pic of a newer 350

 

syncro 350 1996

Syncro 351 1995

Edit.. I added another pic of a newer 350

I can't make out all the different buttons in the pics but any differences are due to options. That and they chagnes from switches to buttons to knobs and vice versa.

 

It would help if you went to the top left and added your location to your User Cp so we all knew where you were located.

A quick search using Searchtempest.com to pull up some Cl listings. I arbitrarily listed ones at $3K or less roughly.

http://www.searchtempest.com/result...n=na&cityselect=zip&page=0&showeb=1&category=8&subcat=sss&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max



Syncrowave 351 (Reading, PA) $2400
http://reading.craigslist.org/bfs/3651708731.html

Syncrowave 351 Water Cooled - $3500 (West Chester, Pa. $3500
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/3670684689.html

Syncro 350 (Ocean County NJ) $2800
http://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/3677477563.html

SYNCROWAVE 350 WELDER with COOLER, (Hillside, NJ) - $2000
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/3630804759.html


syncrowave 300 tig welder Cleavland - $1900
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/3694925679.html


Syncrowave 300 tig welder (Wallingford ) - $1500
http://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/3717928557.html

Syncrowave 350 with cooler (SOUTHWICK, MA) - $2795
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/tls/3692692827.html

Syncro 350 Detroit - $2500
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/3708402715.html


Syncro 351 Atlanta ...$3000
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/3608292200.html

Miller Syncrowave 300 Tig, Arc, Welder -(Big Rapids)... $2500
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/3705338060.html

miller syncrowave 300 - (Owensboro) .....$550
http://owensboro.craigslist.org/tls/3629447723.html

Syncrowave 300 TIG Welder w/ Cooler...(Lake Bluff, IL) - $1799
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/tls/3706896806.html


Syncrowave 350 with cooler Iowa - $2250
http://fortdodge.craigslist.org/bar/3682469635.html

syncrowave 500 New Orleans - $1750
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/tls/3604376661.html


SYNCROWAVE 300 (EAST TEXAS) - $1950
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/tld/3665313527.html


Syncrowave 351 Tuscon Az - $2500
http://tucson.craigslist.org/tls/3671116969.html

SYNCROWAVE 350/351 WELDER (Ventura, CA) Several listed no prices.
http://ventura.craigslist.org/tls/3582901791.html

Syncrowave 350LX TIG Welder SF Ca - $3000
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tld/3709118988.html

 

WOW thank you so much DSW Thank YOU.. I keep a close eye on CL myself.. I live in Northern Alabama and I haven't found anything within reasonable driving distance.. I did try tempest months ago but after I kept getting a resounding NO from all listers, they don't wanna bother with shipping, I gave up on long distance searching.. I WILL give these guys a shout to see if my luck has changed.. I think most would not have a way to get the unit on a truck.. Like I said maybe my luck will change and I might get a business.


After I did a closer look and labeled these pics, I realized that the 350/351 are close to the same but an OPTION or TWO or all adjustment knobs are usually not in the used 351 machines I have seen so far.. I don't know if the cards, knobs and panels can be added to the machine at a later date..The 350's that I have seen seem to come with most all options except spot time and preflow.

Should I try to look for a machine with the panels already installed? If they can be installed is it cost prohibitive?

Here are the pics labled maybe it will help someone else who reads the thread. Thanks guys!!.. I hope I am not being annoying to you guys or sounding like a broke record.. I am just trying to educate myself as much as possible that way I make the best purchase possible for my business and save myself money and time in the long run.



The arrows in orange are options blocked of with plastic inserts. Options not installed on machine.



Older 96 model 350

Newer 2000 model 350

A 351 with one option installed.. The pic in my other post is of a 351 with no options installed.

 

Nice work w/ the labeling. As previously state, these are all options available on all the big syncs (with the exception of DIG, I think that was a later addition). If there's an option you want, I'd wait to find a machine with it already installed. Trying to add an option on will at best be expensive and at worst be impossible. None of the options comand a premium in used pricing.

If you're not sure what options you want...
- preflow is useless. Much easier to tap the contactor to activate post flow for a few seconds prior to starting your weld.
-spot time is useless. You're welding, if you want a spot weld, make one.
-sequencer could be handy of you do a lot of out of possible welding and you have a LOT of time to develop a program but it's certainly not needed.
-pulse... Everybody new to TIG thinks that pulsing is the greatest thing since sliced bread. They use it like a metronome desperately trying to "stack dimes". In reality pulse can be usefull when welding very thin material. Syncs don't pulse fast enough for true puddle aggitation but it's still probably worth having.
-start time, I've never used it. Thought about it once or twicebut that doesn't count.
Crater Fill might be standard on all Syncs. It's very handy when using a momentary switch.Especially for AL. I use it pretty regular.

I think that's it.

 

If you decide you want some of the options on an older welder. You might want to get them with the welder. some of them are no longer available.On the 351 If the serial number is KF780420 and lower. You will want to look at the polarity switch and see if it is white plastic or copper Blades. If white plastic get a mirror and inspect the contacts. see if any are burnt or the plastic is melted or the switch is hard to move.
If bad, price out Miller part number 182 245 I think it is around $1600. It is a kit that includes The blade style switch and wiring harness, Handle and front sheet metal. both inside and outside front panels.
Takes 3 to 4 hours to install. If you are careful.
If buying an older one in that serial number range and it has not been updated.
Keep that in mind went setting a price.