Which model for dedicated aluminum?

[bcnucs]

Yeah I just looked him up. So what would be the best machine for my application? I am a noob to tig, but I would like to buy a machine that I will not outgrow. I see some bought lower amp machines and said they should have bought bigger. I am just going to be doing aluminum anodized as well. Any input would be great. Was looking at a synchro wave 250 but I think I can get a stronger machine with more bells and whistles for a tin cheaper here.

[Rambozo]

There is no one perfect machine for everyone. 200 amps will do .250" aluminum without too much trouble, and with tricks you can go a little more. 250 amps gives you that little bit extra that helps on thicker pieces, or larger parts that suck the heat out. Extra power is always nice, but the trade offs are it costs more, weighs more, and you give up dual voltage operation. One real nice thing about these inverters over a transformer like a Syncrowave is they draw a lot less power. I could trip a 100 amp breaker with my Syncrowave 250 even though it was labeled at 98 amps max. These inverters draw less than half that for the same output power.

The 200DX is a full featured lower cost model that is also available in a dual voltage model, so you can do light welding on 120V and then use 240V for more power. That can be a deal making feature for some.
The 210EXT is an all digital multi waveform that I bet would be great for the unusual jobs where the extra features can make a big difference.
The 250EX is the all around champ and can do everything a Syncrowave can and more. 250 amps at 60% duty cycle makes it a real workhorse. You can't go wrong with this. It seems that quite a few people here end up with a 250EX, even if they started with another model, first.
There will be a new top dog coming out soon, the 255EXT. That one will give you the best of the 210EXT and the 250EX, a digital multiwave with 250 amps. But it is still in testing so if you are looking to buy right away, you will have to leave that one out.

I'm not sure if any of the extra features of the digital multiwave models can help with anodized material. I've never had a chance to use anything but pulse to do that, and very little of it. Maybe someone else can tell you more about that.

[bcnucs]

Ok that's perfect, I think I will wait for the 255ext then. Sounds like the one to get. Any suggestions on torch and pedal set up I should go ahead and get? Would a water cooler be good to get as well for aluminum? I could probably get this stuff now.

[everlastsupport]

Ok that's perfect, I think I will wait for the 255ext then. Sounds like the one to get. Any suggestions on torch and pedal set up I should go ahead and get? Would a water cooler be good to get as well for aluminum? I could probably get this stuff now.

Water cooler is a very good idea if you are only doing aluminum. I use both a 210EXT and 250EX. I love the 210EXT, but have hung on to the 250EX for the little extra power (250EX is 3 years old), or I myself might wait on the 255EXT and keep the 210EXT for portability.

But the 250EX is a very safe bet for only aluminum work, it will not let you down.

If it where me based on what you are doing all aluminum. I would get a 250EX OR 255EXT and water cooler. Aluminum is not like steel, bigger is better. Also, maybe search the forum for helium or post my JakeRu. The mix will give you a little extra boost.

[piopio]

Was looking at a synchro wave 250 but I think I can get a stronger machine with more bells and whistles for a tin cheaper here.

it will be in no way a stronger machine than a 250.you cant really compare it to an inverter of any brand

[performance]

About the 255 ext. Most if not all of the first production run is spoken for. Production will be ramped up slowly. Demand is high.
The 250ex has all the features that you could want and more than most people can reasonably use or master.