Syncrowave talk

[gimpyrobb]

So I've been thinking about getting rid of "lots O welders" and just having one. Originally I was zoning in on a syncrowave 250, but I am seeing 180s, 200s, and 300s.

Any worries other than current draw?

Is getting one with the pulser a big deal?

I have been learning aluminum and really enjoying it, so I'd like to keep that in mind for.my purchase.

[mccutter]

Syncs are good machines. 250s, 300s, 350? are BIG. You can probably run them on a 50a 240v circuit but they will pop the breaker at higher amps, say 175+. 100a 240v service is ideal for the bigger machines above. Smaller sizes are not as big but also not as powerful. A 180 might not be bad but I have no experience with them.

A 250 w/cooler and running gear went for about $2000 at an auction I was at a few weeks ago.

I'd avoid "rusty" units--means they may not have been cared for.

Torches, coolers, regulator, running gear, tank and pedals either add or subtract from the value. Look at hoses of water-cooled torches to make sure they haven't melted from lack of water. An old clunky pedal can be replaced with a new aftermarket for $160 or so.

I was going to get a pulser for my 250 then I got a good offer on it and away it went. I think the card/knobs were around $150ish a number of years ago. I have a pulser on my Thermal Arc 185 (inverter machine) and recommend it. Once you get it dialed in to your "rhythm", it is easy to count the dimes...

PS: I would still have a MIG machine around for quick repairs on steel.

PPS: and being able to see it work adds value. I've brought a torch & gas with me to test welders before. Just because it works on stick doesn't mean it will work on TIG...

[Whitetrash]

I was talking to a friend at a 4th of July party and he showed me his latest acquisition. He spotted an ad on CL a guy had died and his widow was selling off his machines. He got a smoking deal on the welder and a plasma cutter. He loves it says it is his go to machine for everything but really heavy high amp work. He said the autoset feature works really really well. https://store.cyberweld.com/miller-m...er-907757.html

[bunkclimber]

I purchased a Syncrowave 250 at an auction for $400, it came with a Bernard water cooler, a Weldcraft 250A torch and a host of other accs..got it back to the shop and found it didnt work, did some repair work and for another 400 had it up and running like new.So for $800 basically I have a good 250A tig machine. I use bigger Syncros where I work, have a 350 next to my bench and would recommend getting a 300 or 350A machine if you can land the deal. The 250A level machines have good power for most jobs..but sometimes you need that extra push in a corner,the 300A machine has that. You can land an old Syncro 500 from Fazzio in NJ for about $1800 or so,it comes with a torch; I think they were connected to city water for cooling so no water cooler..they were on eBay for some time,they had a few in the warehouse..and what a warehouse it is-easy to spend the day there FWIW

[gimpyrobb]

Whats everyone's opinion about a shopmaster 300? Its ac/dc and cc/cv.

[bunkclimber]

The Shopmaster is a good old school CC and CV machine,versatile can do many things Stick, Mig and Tig..The TIG functions are limited as it has no high frequency start or AC balance for AC TIG (the Syncrowave does have)..the older models are an old transformer/rectifier design with a big tap switch that will last many eternities if kept unplugged when not in use. I'm not sure if the newer smaller Shopmaster units have the same design as the old.

[gimpyrobb]

I've also found a syncrowave 210 with spool gun and helmet for 2200 local. After all the research I've done, I'm beginning to think maybe I should wait till my fear of a welder breaking happens. It costs me nothing to keep what I've got.

I was planning on selling my old units after the new purchase, but I wonder if I should just stay with what I've got.

I do not use my equipment for production. I do make things and fix things, but not for my job.

[bunkclimber]

the syncro 250 is all I need for now, but the 350amp level machine is where I'd buy in,to do it again. Ive done a few projects where it was borderline even with a 5/32 tungsten and foot to the floor.