New member with a question transformer or inverter

[philxx1975]

Hello all New forum member here but might i draw on your expertise?

I am wondering as I have seen a newish miller syncrowave 175 ac/dc for the right money,(it is virtually unused) its 200 amp 3 phase it doesn't appear to have pulse or slope up down (maybe someone will know).

it does have pre and post flow

how does this machine compare to say an rtech ac/dc 200 amp

my research says the transformer machines are bombproof but the newer inverter machines more user freindly and but will they be good down at low amps

it will be used for welding thin wall steel tube 0.8mm thick and some aluminium ,mainly 1.6mm thick tube also

I know this is a how long -piece of string question but will the old machine produce a better (define better) weld in experienced hands than the inverter machine

any help would be greatly received ,as im a bit confused which way to go

edit forgot to add also these machines are less than 1k if i was looking at spending more than 1k would rtech still be in the running with their digital machines as im more inclined to spend that money on a transtig esab or ewm

cheers

phil

 

[shenion]

The old Syncrowave will run circles around anything new as far as duty cycle. Although a 175 amp machine, they probably can go up to 225A or more. These older machines were rated at their 60% duty cycle, not their max current.

If you find one with a footpedal, that is a big bonus; the pedals are specific to most of the older Miller/Airco TIGs.

I'm not familiar with that model, but most went down to 5 amps. A few were 10 amp.

Note if it is AC/DC, it will be single-phase. It usually can be jumpered for 220 or 400V. Some are 400V only though.

They require a lot of power.

A new inverter will have more features. It will also likely have variable frequency which makes thin stuff easier.

Here the old machines sell for about $1/pound. They are heavy beasts (my older Miller/Airco is 750lbs.)

If you can get it real cheap, it will be fine and you could always sell it for the same. To get something as reliable new you would probably be many times the price.

They don't have a lot of electronics and much can be repaired as they don't have a lot of custom parts.