TA 185 or AM 200 - which one?

[Winnfield]

I am getting ready to buy one of these machines to replace my Tigmate that I used twice. Anybody see any reason to get the TA185 over the AM200 other than the 200.00 price difference (AM200 is on sale)? I do mostly stainless steel and chromoly welding, but will need to do some aluminum as well. I appreciate the input!

[Broccoli1]

Where is the 200 on sale?:)

[Winnfield]

IOC has it for under 2300.00 as a kit with everything but the bottle. I think the suggested retail for the power supply is about that?

[hankj]

No capice AM200. What it is?;)

Hank

[Winnfield]

Oh, sorry - the arcmaster 200. I think it was the line of welders that turned into the TA series. Both Thermal Arc welders, but the 200 is going to be replaced by something else, I presume, just as the arcmaster 185 was replaced with the TA185 (I think).

[Broccoli1]

No capice AM200. What it is?;)

Hank

Arc Master 200:)

[hankj]

Got it. AM = TA!:o

I'm fine, really...........

Hank

[Broccoli1]

Got it. AM = TA!:o

I'm fine, really...........

Hank

I only knew what it was since I've been lookin' at the TA185 on IOC:D

[knucklehead]

I only knew what it was since I've been lookin' at the TA185 on IOC:D

The 200ACDC is a multivoltage unit instead of the 185 which is just 208/230 volts single phase only. The 200 can operate on all voltages single or three phase, that is the only difference other than 200amps of output.

[SundownIII]

The ArcMaster200 is actually a later model than the TA 185. The TA 185 is designed to operate only on single phase. It will not operate on 120V whereas the Dynasty 200 will.

The ArcMaster 200 will operate on single or three phase power. The techs that I've talked to see little or no difference between the TA 185 and the ArcMaster 200 if both are operated on single phase. In other words, for most hobbiest welders (without three phase power) there is little advantage to the AM 200. My suggestion would be to save the $200 and put it towards a cooler and a water cooled torch.

[Winnfield]

Thats the answer I was looking for - I couldn't figure out if the range was 5-200Amps on 230V single-phase power. TA185 it is. Thanks!

[Brand X]

Thats the answer I was looking for - I couldn't figure out if the range was 5-200Amps on 230V single-phase power. TA185 it is. Thanks!

Yes it is. Having owned a Arcmaster 185 (very nice unit) I would take the extra 15 amps if possible.

[FusionKing]

Yes it is. Having owned a Arcmaster 185 (very nice unit) I would take the extra 15 amps if possible.

Exactly my feelings...if Miller offered a Dynasty 185 for 200 bucks less I wouldn't even remotely consider it for a second.

[JDMPalace]

How would you guys compare the TA200 to Dynaty 200DX??

I know 200DX has the 110V advantage but it also comes with $800 extra price ticket. but other than??

[FusionKing]

How would you guys compare the TA200 to Dynaty 200DX??

I know 200DX has the 110V advantage but it also comes with $800 extra price ticket. but other than??

Beats me....I bid a job $1400 last week and ended up almost getting done in 7 hrs. Had to stop and make a few parts back at the shop;) All they had was 115v. Gonna go back tommorrow and try to take at least a couple more hrs just so nobody gets upset. The TA would not have done this job:(
If my wife left me I'd marry my Dynasty....we've been slippin' around now at least 8 or 9 months:rolleyes:

[JDMPalace]

WoW, that's awesome!
The other thing I also notice is 200DX could be wired for 3 phase and it will perform its best then. Not that I would ever need it but you are correct it is the most versatile machine out there.

Other question, when I was putting together the parts list I was thinking to start with 26 air cooled torch. Should I just spend the money and get the water cooled? Or I’m better off getting used to the unit and then spend the money on new torch.

[FusionKing]

I'm using a 26 with mine rigged together with 50 ft of lead. It is a great setup when using mobile. It is rated high enuff it don't get too hot and you don't have to pack a cooler along.