Buzzbox vs. Inverter welder

[Lightnsound]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying myself a welder for use at home. I am on the fence between a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225/150 AC/DC and a Miller Maxstar 150.

I only have experience with mig welding at work, but think stick is a better choice for home as I will be welding outdoors.

My question is about the advantages/disadvantages/differences between the inverter and the transformer machines. Does one weld better than the other? Will I regret not having access to A/C welding if I get the inverter? Will I really use the ability of the inverter machine to tig weld even though I will only be able to weld steel and not aluminum?

Help me figure out where to spend my money, I really only want to buy this gear once and not have any remorse.

 

[dex3361]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying myself a welder for use at home. I am on the fence between a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225/150 AC/DC and a Miller Maxstar 150.

I only have experience with mig welding at work, but think stick is a better choice for home as I will be welding outdoors.

My question is about the advantages/disadvantages/differences between the inverter and the transformer machines. Does one weld better than the other? Will I regret not having access to A/C welding if I get the inverter? Will I really use the ability of the inverter machine to tig weld even though I will only be able to weld steel and not aluminum?

Help me figure out where to spend my money, I really only want to buy this gear once and not have any remorse.

What kind of welding do you plan on doing? I have used a buzz box for 30 years and they have met all my welding needs. Nothing exotic mind you. I started out with an AC buzz box then went to a industrial miller welder for 10 years that failed and I replaced it with a AC/DC Hobart (160A DC) and it meets my needs. After getting a DC welder I rarely if ever use the AC.

 

[Lightnsound]

I'm planning on general repairs, fabricating some implements, making a winch mount for the front of the tractor, dollies for storing implements and the backhoe, maybe some decorative railings in the garden, things like that. Nothing that would kill someone if it failed, no motorcycle frames or anything like that.

 

[rhett]

Buzzbox (transformer) machines do the job and are extremely dependable. Minimal electronics to fail, at a price though, they are bulky and heavy as all get out. If left out in the weather, let it dry and 99% sure there would be no problems. I would pull a panel and spray WD40 to help control corrosion if/when it happens.

Inverter machines are sensitive complex electronics and pretty much new to the scene. The plus I see is they are small and light weight. If these get weathered, all bets are off, way to many internal components to fail.

My next purchase is based for mobility and ease of doing so. If I had a barn/workspace built at this time, a transformer machine with long leads would be my choice.

Transformer machine = decades of service stored out of the weather.
Inverter machine = Crap Shoot, to new to have a track record.

AC does the job, people like DC better having a larger electrode selection. The DC arc is a less erratic than the AC arc, people say DC is smoother. AC or DC on the farm makes no difference to me, every rod burnt is a new lesson of learning anyway. 6013 rods might be the best to get started with.

Good Luck

 

[Scooby074]

i have a thunderbolt acdc. the things a tank both in durability and weight they been around forever and will take a ton of abuse,,,,

that said inverters are nice if a bit more delicate. the maxstar has portability going for it.

if it wasnt being moved, buy the thunderbolt and put the difference toward a large mig, plasma or torches

 

[Chilly807]

I think I'd go for the AC/DC transformer as well. It'll do much the same job for general fabrication that the Maxstar will, except it's heavy. I built a cart for mine which helps moving it around the garage.

If I had the extra cash, I'd have both. I don't, so I've got a Miller 180 mig (with spoolgun for aluminum), and an old rebranded Century AC/DC stick.

Sean

 

[dstig1]

New? I thought inverters have been around for 20-30 yrs???

 

[yomax4]

Inverters have been around more than 20yrs. The early ones liked to blow up. Some companies have them figred out and they really run!! But you can't just say " Inverter ".. Quality is all over the board. If you buy one get a good one with a good warranty. Some quality inverters will have Hot Start for easy Arc Starts and make Great DC Tig Welders for Steel and Stainless with
Lift Start and many other options. A buzz box is a buzz box no matter the brand.. They are crude but durable. I have seen them so rusted out that you woudn't dare move them but they still work. Still, I vote High Quality Inverter.

 

[rhett]

The first lightweight inverter-based arc welder design was introduced in 1976.

Interestingly, Russian developers lead with the development of Arc Welding which began in 1802.

Two Centuries versus 30+ years, seems new too me.

Forge Welding goes back to the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Yup, I personally see Inverters as the new kid on the block. Many electric arc machines are still running with more than twice the life of the inverters initial development.

I would guess if birthed around 1976, one would think the idea was ancient. Though the infant still has many growing pains to overcome.

Any and all of life's journey's prove one thing, learning is always the next step.

Good Luck

 

[Scooby074]

For your typical "Stored in a damp barn" type situation its hard to beat the durability and simplicity of a traditional transformer machine.

 

[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