looking to buy a new miller 165 or an old Lincoln Idealarc Stick/TIG 250. really undecieded. which one is easier to use? I want to teah my kids to tig so I am looking for a simple machine but can tig chromeoly and build frames. anyone with experience with both would be great.
X 2 on the newer. Personally, I'd go with Miller. I've had Lincolns and they always seem to end up as P.I.T.A. problematic machines.
I was at a welding supply place the other day to get a new liner for two year old Lincoln. The guy told me that most Miller stuff interchanges where the Lincolns don't. Maybe he was biased,. maybe not. Keep looking and asking you will arrive at the correct decision.
I have used both over the years. I have a shop with 22 red machines and two are 250"s. My guys love em for light stuff and they always work. I'll admit I am biased but 40 years experiance moves me to red. Miller makes good machines but they made the decission several years to go after the consumer market while Lincoln has mantained their commerical durability. There I said it. I also know that a lot of excellent work is done with blue machines. I also know that it is the craftsman and not the tool that determines the final outcome. As far as new. That isn't always a good argument. We have some generator machines that run very smooth. Again, it's all about the operator.
I would opt for the 180 over the 165....also the 250 will be a power hog compared to the miller...Just my 2C..Shawn
What can you get the Lincoln 250 for? What about the 165 Miller? Price is always a factor. Of the 2 you listed, I would pick the Lincoln. First and foremost, if you choose the Lincoln, try before you buy. My opinion is that the 165 Miller is an entry level machine with low capacity. That Lincoln 250 is professional grade equipment and you could weld all day, everyday, aluminum/carbon/alloy without a hitch. Having the ability to scratch start (lift arc) on TIG is really nice if you are welding out of position, or in tight spaces. Older machines are built better IMO. They all used copper windings. Now, manufacturers are moving to Aluminum windings because they are cheaper. Newer machines have some really nice features. Like pulse TIG for nice control on the thin stuff, and better starting on Aluminum. Good luck with whatever you decide!
I can get the lincoln for the same price as the 165 and it was a home use welder so I figure it has less hour on it. they guy did tell me it needs a 100 amp breaker. I believe the 165 needs 50. anyway my biggest thing is that the 165 is not big enough. I mean I probably will be welding up to 3/16 but a lot of 3/16 as a lot of ch***is compents are that or bigger
Look into an HTP 221 invertig...2495 out the door...... Me and a buddy just got one and is slick.....HTP America inc. out of Glen Ellen Il. Similar in comparison to dynasty 200 at 1000 cheaper
I agree, p*** on the Miller. I wouldn't give more than a grand for that 250 Lincoln though. Maybe a little more if it came with a bunch of consumables, a bottle of gas and regulator, long stick leads, etc. It's an older machine - a good machine - but older - probably been around 20 years or so. Price out what you can get a new (comparable) Lincoln for from your local shop. Then, don't spend anymore than 1/2 that.
I bought a miller 180 tig about 6 years ago and it serves me well, but I wouldn't replace it with a 165. Miller replaced the 180 with the 200 ( square wave etc.)I think I'd try to deal on the Lincoln.
I have the Miller Diversion 165 with a foot pedal. It is more than enough machine for any home builder. I weld all kinds of stuff with it. A very nice little machine.
^^^ that The Diversion 165 is a great welder for the hobby guy, the Diversion 180 doesn't perform any better or do anything different, it just has digital settings and can be used on a 20 amp 120 volt circuit where the 165 cannot, it's 220 only.
If you have never touched a tig, this a great machine. I bought mine a year ago and never tig welded before, and was layin beads within minutes. On the other hand I had a Lincoln tig 300 that someone gave to me and I ended up selling it because I was discouraged of all the settings. Now I wish I would of kept it.
Even if you have touched a Tig it is still a great machine. I made my living as a Tig welder on pressure vessels and piping systems and used any machine you can think of over the years. I teach welding now and still love my Diversion 165.
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