Dynasty 200DX questions

[Rob-D]

I'm going for a new Dynasty 200DX, but just the power supply. I talked to the guys at Weldtec, as I'm going with their torch, and they told me that since I'm doing aluminum I should definitely go for the cooler package they sell. It looks pretty good and a lot less costly (read cheaper) than the Miller cooler which Weldtec told me is outsourced by Miller. I was wondering what the welders here thought of the Weldtec cooler and if I really need it. I do a reasonable amount of aluminum but not constantly, so do I really need a cooler? I think it adds about $450.00 over just a good Weldtec torch.

Thanks for the help,
Rob

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The Bernard Cooler is a good option. It is made by the same company that owns Miller, and you can find some used. It looks strangely similar to the weldtec. But the dynasty is a pretty light duty machine, and a water cooler, though nice to have, is not necessary. It's only a 20% duty cycle at 200 amps, and I believe that is on three phase. A 26 series or a good 17 series is all that you need for this unit. I'd also consider the CK torches instead of the weldtek, as they are more innovative in design and just can't be beat for duty cycle and flexibility. Just make sure you get a flex head.

 

[Shield Arc]

You do realize aluminum eats amps like candy? Why not wait until Miller comes out with the new Dynasty 280? Or really go for it and buy the Dynasty 350:thumbsup:. With the 200 you'll be limited to 1/4-inch aluminum fillet welds.

Miller - TIG Welding Calculator

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

You do realize aluminum eats amps like candy? Why not wait until Miller comes out with the new Dynasty 280? Or really go for it and buy the Dynasty 350:thumbsup:. With the 200 you'll be limited to 1/4-inch aluminum fillet welds.

Miller - TIG Welding Calculator

Yes. SA, is right but with the inverter of the Dynasty, theoretically if adjusted right, you might be able to squeeze out another 1/16th or so...but then you'd be only able to do it about two minutes of welding at a time, and then sit around for 8 minutes or so waiting for the unit to cool.

The 280 has been threatening to come out for some time...not sure when it will officially. Maybe someone has heard. But if you are going to spend the kind of money it takes to step up to a Miller inverter, then I too would hit up the 280DX.

 

[Shield Arc]

but then you'd be only able to do it about two minutes of welding at a time, and then sit around for 8 minutes or so waiting for the unit to cool.

Sounds like a good union welder to me.:laughing::laughing:

 

[Rob-D]

First, the Dynasty 200 will weld 1/2" aluminum to a piece of 1". How? Mixing in helium.

I like Miller, it's a big company but they treat me like I'm the only guy who has ever bought one of their welders and.... it's made in the USA ... and my Miller welders have been bullet proof.. and when it comes time to trade up to a bigger welder I get primo bucks for the Miller I'm selling, etc. etc. I talked to Miller and other welders, the Dynasty is for me, Miller bills it as industrial and I believe them ... they have the history.

Since the engineer at Weldtec (also made in the USA) told me to look into a cooler for aluminum that's what I' m doing. I have heard nothing but raves from people owning the 200DX and nothing but raves from people owning Weldtec torches. While I won't be welding a lot of thick aluminum I will be welding for long periods of time, this is my concern with the cooler.
So thank you for your input on more powerful welders and spending a lot for a 200DX but I have done my homework and while I'm relatively new to TIG I'm not new to welding.

If anyone has TIG welded long hours with the 200DX or a welder in that power class I'd like to hear your thoughts on heat and coolers.

Rob

 

[Shield Arc]

First, the Dynasty 200 will weld 1/2" aluminum to a piece of 1". How? Mixing in helium.

Here is a aluminum Tig weld I did with 100% helium, and my Dynasty 300. With 100% helium you can pretty much cut your amps in half. Down side is, there is a very very small window where the arc will start, and in the last few years helium cost have gone through the roof.
I like water cooled torches just because they are smaller.

 

[Rob-D]

Nice weld!
Yes, smaller torches is a plus for getting a cooler.
According to your Miller link the 200 should be able to do some butts to 1/2 and corners to 3/8", I do know guys pushing these machines on fillets but I wouldn't swear they are code.
I saved the link, good to know.

Rob

 

[Shield Arc]

Remember, aluminum is a huge heat sink! The larger the item being welded, the more heat you'll need. Good tool to have beside the welding table is a heat gun when welding large items so you can pre-heat.

 

[Rob-D]

Thanks, I'll remember that if I get in a jam. I still have the spool gun on the MIG but that's a pain, I hate ugly welds!