Talk me out of a PowerTig 200DX

Printable View

03-20-2013, 06:59 PM
SoFlaZ06

Talk me out of a PowerTig 200DX

I'm having a toss up between the 185 and the 200, yes I know, they have been threads about this, i read them :).
my toss up is, i'll be new to welding. my budget allows me to get a dual voltage 185 which is very convenient. I can sacrifice and get the 200DX by sacrificing the dual voltage feature and just get the 240v model. I'm probably never go over 1/4" since my goal is just auto fabrication, stainless and aluminum piping etc.
The 200DX has the pulse feature, which I don't know if i'll use or have to.
So to those who had this toss up, which would you choose. I guess this comes down to convenience of dual voltage vs Pulse feature that i may not use.
is there anything the 185 is possibly better at welding wise. I'll also have to get a pedal for the 185, so that more $$
03-20-2013, 07:30 PM
cbmkr

I have owned both machines, upgraded to the 200DX for the extra options and pulse. The 2013 185 is priced on Ebay $1020 with free pedal , no stick holder . The 200DX 2012 model with pulse on Amazon $1026.00 pedal, torch , stick holder ground cable ect.

Your choice .

Mark might know the difference in machine options.
03-20-2013, 07:46 PM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbmkr

I have owned both machines, upgraded to the 200DX for the extra options and pulse. The 2013 185 is priced on Ebay $1020 with free pedal , no stick holder . The 200DX 2012 model with pulse on Amazon $1026.00 pedal, torch , stick holder ground cable ect.

Your choice .

Mark might know the difference in machine options.

With Amazon you can't always go by the picture. They may be 2012 or 2013 models as they are really bad about changing the pictures.
03-20-2013, 08:58 PM
zoama

I'd go with the 200dx, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
03-20-2013, 09:12 PM
sportbike

Do you have 30 amp 240v accessible where you will be using the welder?

Welding 1/4" with the 185 will be really pushing it.

I have a 2 year old 200dx and use it for pretty much what you are intending to use it for.
I am also heavily looking at a 185 to put in my trailer to have on hand at the track for those "oh ####, if only I had a welder I wouldn;t have to load up and go home" times.
03-20-2013, 09:27 PM
SoFlaZ06

thanks for the input, yes I have access to 240v in my garage. The amperage part i'm not sure of, it's the plug for my dryer.
03-20-2013, 09:36 PM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoFlaZ06

thanks for the input, yes I have access to 240v in my garage. The amperage part i'm not sure of, it's the plug for my dryer.

Dryer plugs are typically 30 amps.
03-20-2013, 10:16 PM
sportbike

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoFlaZ06

thanks for the input, yes I have access to 240v in my garage. The amperage part i'm not sure of, it's the plug for my dryer.

You shoudl be good to go with a 200dx. I use mine with a 100+ ft 10awg extension cord from a 240V dryer outlet.
03-21-2013, 03:15 AM
Rivets

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoFlaZ06

I'm having a toss up between the 185 and the 200, yes I know, they have been threads about this, i read them :).
my toss up is, i'll be new to welding. my budget allows me to get a dual voltage 185 which is very convenient. I can sacrifice and get the 200DX by sacrificing the dual voltage feature and just get the 240v model. I'm probably never go over 1/4" since my goal is just auto fabrication, stainless and aluminum piping etc.
The 200DX has the pulse feature, which I don't know if i'll use or have to.
So to those who had this toss up, which would you choose. I guess this comes down to convenience of dual voltage vs Pulse feature that i may not use.
is there anything the 185 is possibly better at welding wise. I'll also have to get a pedal for the 185, so that more $$

You don't have to sacrifice the dual voltage. The Canadians sell the 200DX-D. CAD $1300.

http://www.everlastwelders.ca/tig-we...g-200-dx-d.php

rivets
03-21-2013, 03:30 AM
Rectified

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoama585

I'd go with the 200dx, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I agree with zoama. I had a Hobart mig welder, then a Hobart 165i, out grew them both in a few projects, went for the pp256. I haven't been above 150 on this machine yet, but I have a 1/4 aluminum project coming up and ill make some money on it, Im happy not to be turning it away.
03-21-2013, 12:24 PM
rake

Hey guys, I just bought a new 200DX and to me it's a clone of the Miller Dynasty performance-wise. I love this thing!
03-21-2013, 01:24 PM
performance

No, not a clone. I think the arc is actually better than the 200 Dynasty...and the duty cycle doesn't begin to compare.

The prices you are quoting sounds high I think. Give me a call, and I can work on a better price for you.
03-21-2013, 02:32 PM
Trip59

Pulse... one of those things you'll almost never use, until it makes a job so much easier. I was patching a Y pipe for a Peterbilt exhaust last night. Old one had rusted through in a number of spots, owner had to be back on the road today, new part was several hundred bucks and at least a day or two out. Cleaned for near 2 hours, and still wasn't happy with it, but it had to be done. Laid in some patches, got them fit up and tacked the hell out of them. Everything was going ok till I hit the thinnest area, rusted from 16ga probably down to half that. Holes liked to appear from what seemed like solid metal and I got weary of chasing them. Bring in the pulse. Set it to 3's, made it through the worst area with relative ease.

That's the second or third time I've used it since last summer when I got my 200DX and it was worth every minute of waiting for that model and every penny I spent on that feature. I know it saved me at least 2-3 dozen four letter words last night :)
03-21-2013, 04:07 PM
piopio

Quote:

Originally Posted by performance

No, not a clone. I think the arc is actually better than the 200 Dynasty...and the duty cycle doesn't begin to compare.

The prices you are quoting sounds high I think. Give me a call, and I can work on a better price for you.

why did you call it a 200DX?
03-21-2013, 04:59 PM
performance

We had the 250EX and a 200 lx before we had the 200 DX. Truth be known, we took a cue from the auto industry. DX is the base model with the lx the better and the EX the top of the line. The 200 DX was coincidental more than anything. I guess we're responsible for Longevity copying our nomenclature (but not understanding what it means). The "T" is added to any TIG product to denote digital. So if we were to bring out a digital 200dx, it would be a 200 dxt.
03-21-2013, 08:32 PM
rake

The only thing I'd change on mine is the plastic shield over the controls.
It would be much better IMHO if it opened down instead of up. Or, if you
could just remove it all together! ;)
03-21-2013, 09:04 PM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by rake

Or, if you
could just remove it all together! ;)

Anything installed can always be removed. ;)
03-21-2013, 11:34 PM
performance

The shield is designed to protect the front panel from spark damage, and from dirt and debris. It also helps to ward off any water. The shield in fact was a much requested item. It's NOT going anywhere anytime soon after we spent so much effort on it. It does snap off though.
03-21-2013, 11:41 PM
zoama

Quote:

Originally Posted by performance

The shield is designed to protect the front panel from spark damage, and from dirt and debris. It also helps to ward off any water. The shield in fact was a much requested item. It's NOT going anywhere anytime soon after we spent so much effort on it. It does snap off though.

How was longevity able to copy it so quickly ? I thought there were measures in place to stop this.
03-22-2013, 12:29 AM
Rambozo

Quote:

Originally Posted by performance

The shield is designed to protect the front panel from spark damage, and from dirt and debris. It also helps to ward off any water. The shield in fact was a much requested item. It's NOT going anywhere anytime soon after we spent so much effort on it. It does snap off though.

And of course it keeps the knobs from being bumped off setting, once you have it all dialed in.
03-22-2013, 02:10 AM
performance

They actually are buying off the shelf product from a factory that already had it. Same as TA.
03-22-2013, 05:10 PM
SoFlaZ06

Thanks for all the replies, 240v 200dx it is :thumbup:
03-23-2013, 08:57 PM
rake

Pulse, I just got done with a little buildup job on some aluminum for a local machinist.
So for ####s and grins I turned the pulse on and I was impressed with how easy it is
to do buildup with it on. Especially near the edges. Pulse is worth the few extra duckets.

The 200DX is a stud! ;):cool::D
03-25-2013, 09:39 PM
willida

Wise choice. You won't be disappointed. I went with the 200DX, initially was thinking the 185. I do believe the 200 is their most stable unit.
03-25-2013, 10:39 PM
Trip59

Quote:

Originally Posted by willida

Wise choice. You won't be disappointed. I went with the 200DX, initially was thinking the 185. I do believe the 200 is their most stable unit.

Indeed. I was originally worried I'd miss something for not going with the 250EX or 225LX, but I've yet to run it to max capacity, and I haven't found myself looking for any of the 'missing' features. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.
03-29-2013, 02:56 AM
Toby

I am pretty happy with my 200dx. I was finally able to get everything lined up and all the tools and materials i needed for it. It welds really smooth. The one thing I recommend is buying a better torch. I got a 9 series from ck worldwide. Night and day difference from the factory torch. Only thing is I wish I would have shopped around. I bought from everlast directly and paid like $1200 plush shipping, and I have found it on amazon for under $1000. Would have saved me a couple hundred bucks if I had looked around. Good luck with it!!
03-29-2013, 03:30 AM
performance

Not a current model likely...And as is shown, it is 1100.00. Did you receive a Dual voltage?
03-29-2013, 03:43 AM
Toby

No it just a single. I paid $1394.98 for welder and cart shipped to my door.
03-29-2013, 03:46 AM
Toby

Oh and when I ordered it, i was told that i would be receiving the lastest 2013 model, but seems I got the 2012 model. It does not have the control cover, and does not look like the one pictured on the website.

I am not complaining, it seems to be working great thus far. Your customer service seems to be great!
05-09-2013, 05:40 PM
eman5oh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby

Oh and when I ordered it, i was told that i would be receiving the lastest 2013 model, but seems I got the 2012 model. It does not have the control cover, and does not look like the one pictured on the website.

I am not complaining, it seems to be working great thus far. Your customer service seems to be great!

I purchased a 2013 200dx as well and when it arrived it looked like the 2012 as well. I called and asked about this and they said it had all the features of the 2013 just had a different front panel than the new one with the cover. I was a bit peeved about this when it happened, but now that I have been using the welder I have all but forgot about it and have been enjoying it. Just wanting to get a ck superflex torch for it now.
05-09-2013, 05:45 PM
Oleg

Quote:

Originally Posted by eman5oh

I purchased a 2013 200dx as well and when it arrived it looked like the 2012 as well. I called and asked about this and they said it had all the features of the 2013 just had a different front panel than the new one with the cover. I was a bit peeved about this when it happened, but now that I have been using the welder I have all but forgot about it and have been enjoying it. Just wanting to get a ck superflex torch for it now.

eman5oh

that is correct , You got 100% 2013 specs out unit (please don't worry). The ONLY different is the case. Mold was not ready for late November batch
05-13-2013, 12:20 PM
eman5oh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oleg

eman5oh

that is correct , You got 100% 2013 specs out unit (please don't worry). The ONLY different is the case. Mold was not ready for late November batch

No worries at all, loving the machine and would recommend it to anyone.

All times are GMT. The time now is 07:03 AM.