slightly OT, but I need some input. I'm looking for opinions from those who've used them on a Miller Maxstar 90. And what's a good used unit worth. I've found a LOW use unit from a retired welder--was used about 20-25 hours (one week) during an onsite job at a hospital. comes with filled tank, gauges, torch--no footpedal though. I'd prefer an AC/DC unit to accomodate aluminum but I think this is most too good to p*** up for the money-- I'll mostly be using it for sheet metal work/patch panels. have the trusty red mig and bigger red stick as backups. thoughts? thanks
I have a maxstar 150 and LOVE it. Got a smokin seal on it when our $ was high (CAD). Really good unit and great for sheet metal once you are proficiant. Softer welds than MIG for easy hammer / dolly action.
Don't buy it, you will be disappointed and just end up selling it. I teach welding and have been a tig welder for many years. Here is the problem. The Maxstar 90 or 150 will not work well for what you want to do. Both machines are scratch start only and do not have high frequency start. That in itself is not a problem depending on what you want to weld, however the high frequency start is really nice to have, as is a foot pedal. The real problem with these machines is the lowest amperage setting that you can run. The output is from 30 amps to max, try to adjust it any lower and you get small sparks, no arc. The lowest setting is just too hot for sheetmetal. I had a Maxstar 150S (stick machhine I converted to weld DC scratch start tig) and it was a nice little machine for heavier metal. For body metal it was just too hot at the lowest 30 amp setting. I sold it and bought a new Diversion 165, high frequency start, foot pedal and it will run 5 amps and up to max. It also has AC so you can do aluminum. A very nice machine and well worth looking at and well worth the asking price.
Thanks blue. I Demo'd the 165 at the nsra knoxville show and really liked it but. I was hoping the good deal might make it worth my while. what's a used 90 worth these days? might be worth flipping it to help the cause.
Not sure what a used 90 would be worth where you live. I did the same with the little maxstar 150 I had. Bought it for $500, repainted the blue cover housing and sold it for $800 Put that towards my Diversion 165, which has proven to be one of the best purchases I have made.
If you are now considering other TIG welders, I have a Miller Dynasty 200 and it is just the sweetest little TIG welder you could ask for. The power is clean, the adjustment is nearly limitless, and it is so small you can carry it anywhere.
Great information! I have been kicking around buying a TIG for a long time. I didn't know or understand the limitations of the smaller boxes. I used the 165 or bigger at a demo at NSRA nats to weld aluminum. It seemed very similar to soldering to me, but there are tricks and a learning curve to it, for sure.
I demo'd the 165 at NSRA knoxville and fell in love. I found aluminum to be easier than steel, but like you said, a little practice. the guy's asking $800 with the bottle and all, but has already indicated he'd come down. I expect $500 would get it.
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