They both had 0.023-0.024" wire, which is all I'd recommend for either machine. It perfectly matches its capabilities, and provides good low end control.
It makes more sense if you look at the output charts for both welders and see where the 125's 1 and 2 taps split the 1-3 taps of the 140. I always felt like the 125 was closer to where I'd actually want to set the machine for anything on a car, but the 140 was always in between settings. Not a big difference, but that was my feeling behind the gun.
FWIW, the 125 only needs a gas regulator - not sure how that adds up to $130. I think I bought one for $35 or so? It was a while ago, but I can't see them being much past $40-50 for an entry level regulator.
For the guys saying get a TIG - the other stuff I have for TIG welding is pretty pricey too. Lots of rod, new torches, etc. etc.
Thanks for the advice and the tips. I was looking at the hobart regulator ($75), the 8" hub ($15), and then hose for the gas so it was getting very close to the price of the 140. I could probably do some better shopping, but I have no idea what I'm looking at so I figured buying hobart brand parts was safe. I'll give the 140 a shot and see how it feels. If I don't like it I can always return it. Amazon is good for that, and then I'll just go with the 125.
I'm sure you'll like it. Both the 125 and 140 have a nice smooth arc. I like them much more than the Lincolns I've used for instance.
I never understood why more people dont pick up the hobart stuff. I picked up a refurbished (from Hobart 220 or 240) 10 years ago 375 bucks. great mig!
Great old school welder. What's your first project?
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Very nice! Good to see someone who uses back purging.
Quick question for you guys... I'm looking to pick up a TIG this winter and I've held off until I can afford a Miller. Right now I'm set on the Diversion 180. Not that I can afford it but I could be talked into a Dynasty 200. Can you guys give me an Idiot's guide to deciding between the two? What practical benefit do you gain from the Dynasty? EG I get that it's more flexible but specifically, what can I do with it that I can't do with the Diversion? I like the range as 1/4" aluminum is definitely on the plate for me, and it seems the Dynasty can go thinner too. The size of the powersupply is pretty mindblowing too.
If you plan on tig welding pretty regularly, and would like to upgrade later down the road, id stay away from the diversion. it is very limited on what it can do, and you can not upgrade the leads or torch on it if i remember correctly. i bought the new syncrowave 210, its pretty affordable and still a inverter based welder which is pretty nice. You can also buy expensions for it to add more features if you would like, its all digital and pretty easy to opperate. The 210 will do just about anything that we would use it for on our cars
I use a wp9fx on my diversion. But yes it's not a quick disconnect or anything.
But honestly it will do absolutely everything you want on a car and more and with very very little head scratching or learning needed. Setup is dead simple. Anyone can use it.
Downside if you are trying to be a professional tig guy, I would want something more versatile.
Also millers sell for about 80% retail used.
Hey e30 dude. Do you actually enjoy the benefits of a Pyrex lens? I do a lot of stainless work and a simple gas lens has done wonders for me. The price on the Pyrex setup is why I don't have one yet.
What's your torch setup?
You can absolutely upgrade the hose and torch. I run a weldcraft ultra flex hose and WP-9 flex torch on mine for stainless.
Don't totally agree with your recommendation of the Sync 210 vs Diversion 180. Sure it can do a couple more amps but I have yet to weld anything at 180A. But, also, if you look at the duty cycle ratings:
Sync 210: DC 125 Amps at 15 V, 60% Duty Cycle AC 114 Amps at 14.6 V, 60% Duty Cycle
Diversion 180: DC 150 Amps at 16 VDC, 20% duty cycle (230V input) AC 125 Amps at 12.4 VDC, 35% duty cycle (115V input)
I don't think its an accident that they published the Sync 210 at lower amps but higher DC than the Diversion. There may be a DC chart and maybe the Sync 210 is better than the Diversion at 125A also, but 60% at 125A vs 20% @ 150A makes me wonder if they're pretty similar when compared 1:1. The Sync is $2700 - $2800 and the Diversion $1500 - $1800. I've yet to find a short coming with my Diversion 180 and automotive stuff. Personally, I think the DC argument is moot on cars because we're usually welding 0.065" tube or maybe Schedule 10, but it's unlikely that you're welding at 150A for 2 minutes concurrent on a vehicle. It has literally not posed any issue yet.
Ive tried to weld a super thick intake manifold as fast as possible just to reach duty cycle limits and I have yet to get it too hot. My hand though, holy Jesus.
Don't need any more amps. It needs a watercooler.
On thing to add. It's small man! Best thing ever. Especially 110/220 capable.
Yeah you can't hold the torch well before the machines out of DC lol
I use mine at 185amps all the time, usually when I'm building intercoolers. I've even cranked it to 210 doing rim repairs. Biggest thing between the 2 is that the syncrowave is a inverter. Don't thing the diversion is a inverter. Recently bought a water cooler and that makes the world of difference
Last edited by 5mall5nail5; 07-27-2015 at 02:58 PM.
You are right, didnt think it was an inverter as well. I will disagree that it doesnt offer a whole lot over the diversion. the syncrowave can adjust post flow, diversion uses a auto setting based on amps, syncrowave can do pulse, diversion cannot, syncrowave can adjust frequency, which is big on aluminum, diversion can not. the syncrowave has a lot more features and easier to upgrade to different cables and even the wireless foot pedal if you plan on doing all that. Im not saying its better than the diversion, some people will use the features, like myself, and some people wont. just depends on what you want to do
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on the syncrowave, half of the welder is a storage compartment.
Portable? How much more portable do you need than the diversion? Lol. It fits in the e30 trunk just fine and I can carry it by myself no problem. I think around 50lbs?
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