Hi all, Trip59 here

[everlastsupport]

Trip,

My personal choice on a TIG and Plasma. A 225LX and PP50, or, if the extra cost is not a problem, 250EX and PP60/70. I like the 70 better but it is a pain to carry it around. PP50 is great for size and power. Can't go wrong with those combos. Long as you have room.

[Trip59]

Due to some unexpected expenses, cost has definitely become a factor, and it's looking to me like a separate plasma cutter will be in the plans. I'm seriously considering the 225LX at this point, though funding for it won't likely come through till the first week of November unless I get an unexpected contract. The primary uses will be small parts, stainless, brass, bronze, and mild steel, I don't forsee that much aluminum, though it's always a possibility. Would there be any great advantage to a 250EX over the 225LX? There seem to be a few more adjustments capable, but are they common enough to warrant it (I've never used a spot timer in my life, so I'm not worried about that one. I guess basically, does the 250EX hold any great capability for stainless and non-ferrous metals that would make it worth the difference?

[everlastsupport]

For me, the EX has 25 more amps. I have used the LX series units for years, went to the EX as I work for the company and was taken care of on it. The LX will do all the EX will for me, aluminum included. The LX is a great unit and sometime easier to get than the EX as there are so machine videos on the EX people this they have to have an EX.

Like I mentioned, I used the LX for many years. Not one complaint. I have a used one, can see what is left on the warranty. Well broke in too. Middleburg?

[Trip59]

As it's mostly the small stuff, I'm left wondering if that 25 amps would be too missed. I've got no problem laying a multi-pass (with only a Hobart 125 I've done some pretty damn thick material, just took longer). After pricing gas and bottles yesterday, saving a few bucks from my already thin budget would mean I'd be able to get a bottle big enough to not need filling weekly...

Middleburg is just south of Orange Park, up near the NAS Jax base, just off the St Johns river. What area are you in?

[everlastsupport]

On the tank, a 125 would be the smallest I would consider and it will work fine for you to get started. 250 is a good size, tough to carry, but lasts a good bit longer and the price is better on the re-fill. When you TIG you will swear gas goes a lot faster than MIG. Shop around like Craigslist for a owner bottle, and check the date/rental status, I have bought quite a few that way. I have even bought a welder and bottle, then sold the welder and kept the bottle.

West Palm Beach is the area I am in. The 225LX is a lot more power than a HH125. And you can run multi-pass but probably will never need to.

I just got a deal on the EX. Use the 250LX for a long time, we dis-continued the 250 amp version and it was dropped to a 225 (still plenty of power). I stayed with the 225LX for years too. EX came a long though the company.

I really do not use anything I did not have on the LX. So do not get to hung up on the 250EX, though it has a couple more features I would never use. I am sure you will be happy with either unit.

[Trip59]

LWS only leases 200+ I believe he said $120 for the year. Tractor Supply does exchanges, a 145 bottle runs $400 or a $20 for a conversion with a trade in. $70 for the gas. LWS looks to be where I'm going, but it's 30 miles instead of 5. I'll probably lease initially and keep an eye out for a good priced monster of 250+ for later purchase.

From everything I read and your comments, I'm most likely going to go with the 225LX. I found it serendipitous that my financial capability (first week in Nov) and the current contest almost lined up... so who knows Regardless, I'll have one on the way at the beginning of November and will plug along with the MIG I have now till then. Kinda makes me wish I hadn't closed out all my credit cards, lol.

Dad is down in Boynton and my sister and her family are in Coral Springs. I lived down there for a few years before the Navy, used to work near Yamato and 441. I miss it in comparison to here, anything I needed was a phone call and 20 minute drive away. Things are so spread out and scarce up here it makes it rough.

Really anxious to get back to it, loved doing it in the Navy and was set to make it a career, then the accident kinda wiped that out. I can still run whatever process, I'm just rusty as hell. I figure I'll burn through a bottle of argon in practice and be back up to speed, maybe less, only took a couple hours on the MIG to get back up to speed.

[everlastsupport]

Normally, under 200 is an owner bottle, but I still have a couple and when I fill the last one it came back tattoo's all over, welder service. Sorta ticks me off actually. And the ring on it has their name too. Prax said they will fill it. But sort of tacky and I really like WSI.

I would not give up the MIG, we do probably 80% MIG and 20% TIG I would say. Hang on to the Hobart. Maybe an IMIG200 down the road for you. The 225LX is in Boynton Beach. I have it for a spare but have not needed it. Sat probably 6 months and is maybe a couple years old, well tested. Ever down this way you can check it out. Just hate to ship, but I saw Florida and it got me thinking. I can get the warranty extended through my boss I'm sure. If you can not get the price you like or we sell out again. Even they go fast now.