Syncrowave 180 SD Vs. Precision 185

By Pappatho Date 05-13-2005 01:06

I am a novice welder looking to get a TIG unit for automotive/motorsport work. The local welding supply place pointed me to the Miller Syncrowave 180 SD and Lincoln Precision 185. The price of the two similarily equipped is very close, so I do not know which to get. I am looking for advise.

It seems the benfits of the Precision 185 are amperage range (5-185 vs 10-180), Lincoln's microstart, pulser, and AC auto balance.

The Miller unit has longer available post flow, and a reputation for better quality(?).

How much of a difference does the 5 to 10 amp minimum make?

Any ideas on which unit would be better in the long run? Should I consider some other unit? I would like to spend less than $2000.

Thanks,
Chris

By pjseaman (**)

Date 05-13-2005 23:13

In that price range the syncrowave is the best.

Peace,

By mometal77 (*)

Date 05-14-2005 01:38

I would choose a miller. I have used both a few yrs back at the school a lincoln and a miller i would choose miller over all. How much is the miller again.?
bob
mausermodel98@hotmail.com

By Pappatho Date 05-14-2005 12:26

The Miller unit was quoted at $1738. The Lincoln unit was quoted at $1610. The Miller unit comes with a cart and the stick electrode holder while the Lincoln does not.

My concern is I may be able to produce better welds with the features Lincoln has on the Precision 185 such as the pulser, micro start, and the lower amp range.

What can you weld with 5 amps that you can't with 10 amps?

Chris

By pjseaman (**)

Date 05-14-2005 16:28

A general rule is that for 1 amp=.001 in material thickness so the difference is a great deal if you plan to weld .005 inconel sheet or something else wierd but for most of the real world no difference.

Good luck,