Why ask when you seem to be convinced that miller is superior?

I have a Thermal Arc Dragster 80. A very "Hobby type" machine. I have used this for both GTAW and SMAW. It tig welds better than it stick welds due to the reduced voltage.

The machine is well made as can be expected.

I have also used thermal arc 300 Amp inverters in the field for SMAW and CAC. These were used along side Miller 300 Amp CC/CV machines during the 1-1/2 month job and I noticed no difference.

I have 7 machines in my shop,all stick.Most are miller and 3 are older lincolns while one is an idealarc but I wanted to maybe try out one of the thermal arc machines see if they are good and if they have better warranties and misc like that.I also have a salvage yard behind my shop with lots of old engine driven welders that dont run anymore.I buy old welders that I could use for parts like electrical and engine.So i can fix people's machines and not always having to order parts or buy them from a supply store.

Certain models of the Thermal Arc are good. These are the old 250 amp+ Hobart models with some refinement, although the designs are very close. Their TR 250 is good for a light machine and their Excel Arc is good in the heavier units. Don't know if the Excel arc is available anymore.

Stay away from the lighter duty Thermal Arc units, they may be good, but not up to the task you expect. Parts can be tough to get and many repair shops are not set up with TA.

Keep in mind that buying the wrong welding machine is much like marrying the wrong woman. I could tell you more about the second-but that's another story.

If my living came from the equipment on my shop floor, I would get a little more than I could afford.

Keep in mind, too that the era of buying a heavy duty machine and expecting a 20 yr life is fading very quickly as well.

As far as heavy duty stick machines go, and I know I may get some heat about my recommendations-here we go!!.

If money is not a real big object, I would seriously consider the Lincoln R3R series or the Miller Gold Stars. As a welding repair tech (along with other dubious titles, including AWS CWI), I have been inside both and would give the nod to the Lincoln.
Remember, I have gone through all the Miller schools and spent my first 15 years of my career on Miller equipment exclusively. Hell, I think my shorts are still blue!!

The older pre ITW Gold Stars were very good, the newer ones not so much so. You can identify the newer by the "2" in their names (ie 302, 402, etc) I've had a number of small, frequent, and dumb repairs on the newer ones that the Miller QC should have caught.

Do not be afraid of the new inverter type machines. They are good and rugged, although their price is somewhat higher. The Lincoln V350 (not the 300) and the older Miller XMT 300 (not the 304) get my nod in this category.

All said, you can't really go wrong with either machine from either mfg.

Find the distributor that gives the best support to your efforts.
Buy and support your local distributor if you can. This is much more than the factory does.

Hope this helps

Good Luck
brande

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