Help deciding on right TIG/plasma package to purchase

[sprocket]

Hi this is my first post (apologies if its not in the right place and for the length I know is coming lol).

Im looking for an ac/dc tig welder that will, most importantly, offer good control on the low-end for detailed work in metal art like tacking/seaming thin (28-30 gauge min maybe) sheet and welding small parts like, for example, securing an 1/8" piece of round steel rod to a 3/8" ball bearing...in this neighborhood. So far my pieces have been only steel as I do not have A/C capability (but would like decent low-end on aluminum, as well), and Ive been using an old flux core mig for my stuff (still kind of getting off the ground, here with the art). I have some experience with GTAW from a shop I worked in a few years ago...seemed to pick it up pretty quick on a Miller Syncro (I think) we had there at the time.

I would like to have up to 1/4"+ stock welding capacity as I also dabble in making my own shop equipment, tables, brackets, heavier sculpture, auto repair, etc. I recognize the value of pre-heat for thicker stuff to push the envelope, so really 185-225 amps would be quite sufficient I would say. At this time I am not in the market for a water cooler set-up.

I am also looking for a plasma cutter with pilot arc that would handle 1/8" plate with some speed, 1/4" material with ease, 1/2" at slow speed, and 3/4" severance (very rarely) without TOO much struggle. 110volt option would be spectacular in case I needed to take an air tank along for a quick cut on some scrap outside or at a buddies house as well (obviously on thinner stuff).

I have a 220V 20 amp circuit, and I believe a 220V 30 amp circuit available in my shop currently (obviously some 110v outlets also).

From what Ive gathered, Im leaning toward a 200DX with upgraded torch (if there is substantial benefit to a different torch than stock) and upgraded pedal (if the upgraded pedal yields a substantial increase in control or 'feel'). Im also considering the 185 microtig, but I think the pedal only offers low-full throttle? And also, I believe I would quickly wish for some more of the control features offered by the DX. However, if any here could specifically speak to which machine offers the best low-amp control, that would be very beneficial as well.

Im thinking of either the Super Cut 50D with HF pilot arc, or the Power Plasma 50. For the difference between $650 and $800, can someone break down for me advantages/disadvantages offered by these two units?

While these machines wont be in an 'industrial' environment where they see everyday use, I fully expect them to occaisionally be called upon to do a little heavy lifting and want full featured units.

Lastly, thanks so much for the forums and for taking the time to 'help a brother out'. Any and all guidance/advice is greatly appreciated.

[Cippee]

Depending on wither you want a tig/plasma cutter combo or separate. The 30 amp breaker limits you. You could run up to the power tig 200dx. On the combo side you can go up to the power pro 205. I would see about getting as bigger circuit up to 50 amp and get a bigger machine. How ever if you don't think your gonna go very thick then you should do fine. I don't go over 180 amps very often and have only used 250 amps once to weld 1/4" copper heat sinks.

[redbeard]

I'll second the recommendation for a bigger circuit if it is feasible.

The PP60 has performed well for me and I would gladly recommend it. Like you, I wanted something with a bit extra for that occasional hunk of big stuff, and it has fit the bill so far.

A WP-20 flex head is a good torch upgrade, it is small enough to comfortably hold and still will carry 200+ amps. I found that bending it almost straight and holding it like a soldering iron gives me good control with the small stuff. You will also want to get a TIG finger from Jody at weldingtipsandtricks.com if you use that method.

[everlastsupport]

With 30 amps you are limited to the PP205 combo or the 200DX for AC/DC TIG.

I too would recommend a 50 amp breaker (and wiring) as well. Good combos for me in the years for using our products. From a 225LX and PP50 to a (what I use now) 250EX and PP60. All great combos. I am not a big combo fan, weather a welder or a mill/lathe/drill, no time to swap things around.

The Power plasma units have a pilot arc. They allow you to burn through paint and grease if you work with that type materials. I used a HF SC50 last weekend. Works quite well, but I really like the pilot arc on mt PP60. If you look at 3-4 years ago or so here on the forum you will see me stating I hated pilot arc. It was new, it's a nice feature.

[CGCINC]

I really, REAlly like my 250EX!!! Smooth, tons of control and able to weld thin to thick

[sportbike]

Get the 200DX for the extra featuers and welding aluminum.
Also get a Power Ultra 205 combo unit for the ability to have IGBT plasma at low input current, and to be able to also use it on the bread and butter of your work, DC Tig.

If you run into a situation where you need to weld steel that is thicker than you have the heat for, switch the 200DX over and stick weld it.

I would buy both units, and put a small tig torch on the 200DX, like a wp-9. Only use this one for the low amp stuff, and even add in pulse if you need to have less heat.
Use the PU205 primarily setup for cutting.

If you have a bigger project, do your cutting, then swap out the PU205 with a WP26 torch. Grab the 200dx torch for the lite stuff, and pickup the PU205 for the heavier stuff.

Also, measure the actual voltage you have, If you have 240V, it will be a bit better than 220V. I have a 200DX and can confirm full load capability, on AC, with a 30A 240V circuit. I can also confirm that it will do so with a 100+ ft 10awg SOW extension cord.

I'd stick with the pedal that is supplied at first, and go from there if you feel it does not fit the bill. If you set teh current low, and use pulse, the pedal resolution woudl be quite high. I will note that you should read the manual for teh 200dx as well as some of the posts about pedal operation as it is a bit customized to this machine. I am not sure that any other pedals are available for it. If you are not stuck on how YOU think it should operate and instead, actually read the instructions (the file available online, not the included paper manual) and set it up, it works just fine.

You may also want to invest in a nice air drier for the plasma. Seems the cut quality and consumable life is improves with better quality air input.

John

[Titan winch]

I suppose i should anounce the 200DX foot pedal is now a little different in that it is now controlled by the panel Amps . In affect this gives the same control as the 225Lx and 250EX.
In addition the New Amp controlled torches will work on the new 200DX models.
Noit sure if the US has these but for any Canucks interested we have them arriving on Tuesday.
Cheers
Duncan

[sportbike]

I suppose i should anounce the 200DX foot pedal is now a little different in that it is now controlled by the panel Amps . In affect this gives the same control as the 225Lx and 250EX.
In addition the New Amp controlled torches will work on the new 200DX models.
Noit sure if the US has these but for any Canucks interested we have them arriving on Tuesday.
Cheers
Duncan

Sounds good Duncan.

Do they also have the pre-flow adjustment as well? Seems the initial few that were made and released had these other features as well.

John

[kenwhite]

...Also get a Power Ultra 205 combo unit for the ability to have IGBT plasma at low input current, and to be able to also use it on the bread and butter of your work, DC Tig...

...Use the PU205 primarily setup for cutting...

...If you have a bigger project, do your cutting, then swap out the PU205 with a WP26 torch. Grab the 200dx torch for the lite stuff, and pickup the PU205 for the heavier stuff...

...You may also want to invest in a nice air drier for the plasma. Seems the cut quality and consumable life is improves with better quality air input...

I don't have a DX, but I do have a PU205P.

If you are going to use it on 120V and primarily for plasma cutting, you would probably be better off getting a dedicated plasma cutter, which is what I am probably going to do since older CUT50D that I had cut better than my PU205P.

I do agree 100% that a good dryer is essential.

[brad3579]

I don't have a DX, but I do have a PU205P.

If you are going to use it on 120V and primarily for plasma cutting, you would probably be better off getting a dedicated plasma cutter, which is what I am probably going to do since older CUT50D that I had cut better than my PU205P.

I do agree 100% that a good dryer is essential.

This one works very well for me.

http://store.cyberweld.com/mogumplairfi.html

[kenwhite]

This one works very well for me.

http://store.cyberweld.com/mogumplairfi.html

Same one I use...

[zoama]

This one works very well for me.

http://store.cyberweld.com/mogumplairfi.html

I agree thats a great filter, but the price is too high at cyberweld especially for the unit only.
It's better to buy the kit with 3 filters for less money (around $75 shipped) http://www.automotivetoolsonline.com...it_p_9419.html a penny saved is a penny earned.

Note, the only difference between the m45, m60 and m100 kits is the inlet/outlet size whitch can be bushed to any size you need for about a dollar.

[kenwhite]

I agree thats a great filter, but the price is too high at cyberweld especially for the unit only.
It's better to buy the kit with 3 filters for less money (around $75 shipped) http://www.automotivetoolsonline.com...it_p_9419.html a penny saved is a penny earned.

Note, the only difference between the m45, m60 and m100 kits is the inlet/outlet size whitch can be bushed to any size you need for about a dollar.

Got mine here: http://www.tooltopia.com/motorguard-m45.aspx

Lots of good deals...

[posixPilot]

I second (or third) the 50A circuit upgrade. I would spend the money and get it upgraded. If cost is a concern, you may look at doing what I did an run a heavy gauge extension cord from your panel. I found that this was much less expensive than conduit, trenching, subpanel, etc, etc. Just depends on your situation. It's a bit of work to haul it out, and my setup is not weather proof, but those were both acceptable compromises for me.

Cheers
Mike

[brad3579]

I agree thats a great filter, but the price is too high at cyberweld especially for the unit only.
It's better to buy the kit with 3 filters for less money (around $75 shipped) http://www.automotivetoolsonline.com...it_p_9419.html a penny saved is a penny earned.

Note, the only difference between the m45, m60 and m100 kits is the inlet/outlet size whitch can be bushed to any size you need for about a dollar.

I was just showing the brand. No idea what I paid for mine as I have had it for about 10 years.

Got mine here: http://www.tooltopia.com/motorguard-m45.aspx

Lots of good deals...

Ya gotta love Tooltopia

[Cippee]

Yeah the 250ex is my best friend. I would sleep with her but she gets cold at night. Brrr.

[KSmith]

I have one of these harbor freight units installed after my compressor, and then the separator on the back of the plasma cutter stays empty. I think a large equation in the air system water problem, is the ambient humidity in the area where you live. In eastern Washington state, air is pretty dry. I've not seen a problem. I do check for water regularly in the compressor tank, and the HF filter, but find only small amounts.
http://www.harborfreight.com/industr...tor-68247.html

[KSmith]

Sounds good Duncan.

Do they also have the pre-flow adjustment as well? Seems the initial few that were made and released had these other features as well.

John

I have been looking at the 200DX to purchase. The specs on the current product page says it has only .3 second preflow, but maybe the later units have more range. Nice to hear that the pedal is panel controlled.

[everlastsupport]

I have been looking at the 200DX to purchase. The specs on the current product page says it has only .3 second preflow, but maybe the later units have more range. Nice to hear that the pedal is panel controlled.

I personally never use preflow on the 225 and 250. Many people purge the line by firing the HF and pushing the air out and working from there. Saves a little argon if you TIG a lot.

On plasma and water separation, it's a must. Jody over and welding tips and tricks did a DIY video on making a desiccant filter. I posted a link in our knowledge base area the other day, as it servers for both TIG (bad gas in smaller tanks) and plasma cutting. He made the video over bad argon, but it works for both.

[sprocket]

Thank you for the information, guys. John (sportbike) - your thorough assessment was exactly the kind of information I was looking for - thank you for taking the time as it is much appreciated.

It sounds like the 200DX may be the best fit for me. I did read around here somewhere or on WW about a 210EXT digital that is coming out. Are the features on this machine equal to or better than the 200DX from a low-end control perspective or in any other way and do we know how reliable this machine is yet or if the bugs have been worked out (wasnt there some issue or other with the larger 250 digital machine, or something)?

I like the idea of having the back-up DC tig machine in the 205 ultra as well as the plasma cutting ability. Are the multi-process units pretty reliable overall?

Kenwhite - I will likely be cutting 1/8" and under with the plasma 90% of the time for my art (and will be running it on 220 also for 90% of the time). Does your PU205 machine yield decently clean cuts on the thinner stuff at 220, or can anyone else comment on the quality of the PU205 cuts?

Thanks again, guys. This is what I was looking for.