Buzzbox vs. Inverter welder

[powerstroke444e]

I have been looking at the inverter also to replace my transformer even though no problems with old tombstone. But have a inverter plasma from miller for 3 yrs and real like how it works and how easy to move to the work around the shop. I made real heavy extension cords and have a generator also so it would get used all over the tombstone has never moved.

I vote buy the inverter you will never regret it as long as you take care of it

 

[dstig1]

No - 30 yrs is not forever, but it sure is plenty of time to get the bugs worked out, quite nicely. The Miller XMT304s we use in my class are inverters and they are serious industrial tools. Old technology doesn't mean it's better, just like new technology doesn't mean it's better, but odds are that it has improved with time and science. The good old days weren't always so nice either... That thar penicillin is "new" too, you know...

 

[rhett]

No - 30 yrs is not forever, but it sure is plenty of time to get the bugs worked out, quite nicely. The Miller XMT304s we use in my class are inverters and they are serious industrial tools. Old technology doesn't mean it's better, just like new technology doesn't mean it's better, but odds are that it has improved with time and science. The good old days weren't always so nice either... That thar penicillin is "new" too, you know...

LOL, CLAP CLAP CLAP !!!
Saved me !!!
More than Once !!!

Not trying to take down development's, but tried and true is just that !!!
With no Barn, actually acreage only, at a age and time of life, choosing new TECH... is a No Brain-er. Carry me, not carry the unneeded.

Let the Original Poster make the decision, only expressing an opinion from a viewpoint.

Ha, Need a stick box here and already decided to go Inverter. To Feeble too lug the in laws everywhere I go. All they have to say is buy more Life Insurance.

Good Luck

 

[Lightnsound]

My gear will live an an attached garage, not heated, but good enough that my Fluke 87 III and Simpson 260 meters don't seem to mind.

What about AC? The inverters are DC only. Will I miss the ability to weld with AC?

 

[rhett]

What about AC? The inverters are DC only. Will I miss the ability to weld with AC?

I doubt you will miss the AC. Most everyone likes DC stick over AC stick.

Advantage with AC on the AC/DC buzzbox is, AC gives you more amperage allowing the use of larger electrodes with them.

AC for Tig welding aluminum is preferred, a whole new concept for making a decision, with a higher cost and learning curve.

Good Luck

 

[Scooby074]

Wont miss AC. I never flip mine over honestly.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The reason AC is still around is its cheap(er) to make. It will melt the rod, and the base metal, but its not the quality of DC, that's for sure. AC is good for managing arc blow, but then again the quality of the weld isn't as good. Better off fixing the problem that created the blow in the first place, if possible.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I've got experience/access to both.. My dad has an old Airco transformer and I bought a Maxstar 150S a couple years back.
The ol Airco works, flick the switch and she's always there, but thats where the similarities end. Without a doubt the Maxstar beats it in every aspect I can think of...Without a doubt I'd reccomend an Inverter based one.

 

[Transit]

One point in favor of inverters is that they are much more tolerant of voltage drops caused by long input power lines and some are 120/220.

 

[cowski]

buzzbox +1