Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello all. My welding experience has been all Mig and some stick. I'm ready for tig. Looking at a few welders and I'm almost set on a Miller based on many things I've read and heard. As far as the model, either the Diversion 180 or the Syncrowave 210. I plan on doing a lot of welding with it, so I want to make sure I get the right machine. Not really something I want to buy twice. Just looking for some input from those who know. Thanks!

First welcome to the forum!

I own a Diversion 180 and feel it is a great machine for its intended purpose. I bought it specifically for the MVP and AC capability. I hav used it far beyond what Miller ever intended and it still kicks.
I have also used the new Syncrowave 210. My LWS got one in and had me try it out. For the price difference the 210 has better features.
However, you need to look at what you are actually doing. I hear a lot of weldors say they need a 100% duty cycle when 20% would have been fine. The problem comes when that is reversed. Both machines have a lower duty cycle at higher amps and I can tell you the Diversion will shut off quite a lot once you get it hot and keep pushing it.
So how thick of material, what material, how much is "a lot" of welding and how familiar are you with the settings. If you have no desire to change the frequency or set a pulse, the 180 is the ticket. If you need those features the 210 will be fine. I also hear the 210 can receive a software upgrade for a few bucks more.
Hope I didn't confuse you.
-Jonathan

Hi Jonathan. Thanks for the reply and the welcome.
I'm planning to start building motorcycle frames out of DOM steel tubing, .120" thick. I also do fabrication with steel mostly. Usually 16ga steel, or angle iron to make carts, shelves, stands, etc... I'd also like to make plinking targets for shooting. I have no familiarity with TIG at all yet. I'd have no problem spending the extra dollars for the 210, especially if it has more features that will be necessary when I progress. I guess you can't go wrong having more than you need, and I've been in a few too many situations where I took the less expensive route and wound up screwing myself and having to spend the money anyway. I think I'm convinced. Thanks again. I'll be on here quite a bit for the knowlegde.

Dsmith45 wrote:Hi Jonathan. Thanks for the reply and the welcome.
I'm planning to start building motorcycle frames out of DOM steel tubing, .120" thick. I also do fabrication with steel mostly. Usually 16ga steel, or angle iron to make carts, shelves, stands, etc... I'd also like to make plinking targets for shooting. I have no familiarity with TIG at all yet. I'd have no problem spending the extra dollars for the 210, especially if it has more features that will be necessary when I progress. I guess you can't go wrong having more than you need, and I've been in a few too many situations where I took the less expensive route and wound up screwing myself and having to spend the money anyway. I think I'm convinced. Thanks again. I'll be on here quite a bit for the knowlegde.

With that said and given the two choices, I agree on the 210.
Let us know when you get it and we will all help with your welding.
-Jonathan