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Feedback on the new MIller 165 Diversion TIG

12K views 22 replies 9 participants last post by  itchy 
#1 ·
Thinkin about buying the new Miller Diversion 165 AC/DC TIG welder. I know its pretty new but, does anyone have any experience with this machine?
Just lookin for some feedback about it. Not real familiar with the TIG process, so this will be my first machine. Couple people I've talked to dont seem to like the fact that the voltage control is on the torch, vs. the pedal. Gotta be some welders out there to help out a drunk painter:beerbang:
 
#2 ·
i am not familiar with the machine but if you are not doing aluminum you dont need a voltage control on the torch or the pedal. it is a necesity for aluminum though. for aluminum i would prefer it on the torch because a foot pedal only works good if you are on the bench welding.
 
#6 ·
Depends on how you are going to use it, and what your budget is. I am not familiar with that machine. I personally have a Lincoln Precision Tig 185, which Lincoln has replaced with the precision Tig 225. Same machine basically but a higher top end voltage. I love my 185 for home use. I would not be afraid of miller equipment I work with allot of it every day at work. I just chose Lincoln equipment because of the specs and dealer support (and pricing) for myself here at home.

Let me give you a few of my thoughts
I looked at the manual for this machine on Millers site and there are a few things I would consider about this machine before purchase.

It's going to be more of a sheet metal machine than a Roll bar and suspension links machine due to it's max output of 150A. 150A will get you to 1/8"-3/16" but it will be maxed out. Anything above that will probably have to be done multi pass

The torch and the ground cable are not detachable- this is not good for serviceability. It will probably have a premium replacement cost. This will limit you also if you want to change to a different style or manufacturer of torch.

The torch is only 12' long- I run a 25' torch to minimize having to move the machine all the time. For this same reason I run a 15' whip on my MIG machine.

The control on the torch is really not an issue it is more a matter of preference and conditions you are welding around. If you are laying under something welding it is hard to work a foot pedal. There is a foot pedal optional for the miller machine. It also looks to have a proprietary plug on it so replacements and options will be limited.

The thing I personally would not like is the lack of manual control for, Post flow, AC balance, and Frequency Control. This stuff doesn't mean much for a beginner but can be helpful as you get more into Tig.

If this is all the machine you would ever need I would not be afraid to get one. I always tend to think of the future. I hate to buy something that I will out grow and end up spending more than if I would have upgraded from the start.

Welders are allot like Jeeps once you get started their's no end lol.

I started with a TSC Hobart 180 suitcase MIG machine Which I still have and use for light work up to 1/4" and a Oxy/Acet set but that started the ball rolling. Now my arsenal also includes a Lincoln Ranger EXT generator/welder with a LN-25 PRO wire feeder attachment 100' power cables, grounds, and gas hose the Precision Tig 185 and tons of miscellanies stuff. Now I'm looking for a Plasma Cutter

Check out the www.millerwelds.com and www.lincolnelectric.com Their is good info on both sites. Tips and tricks, manuals specs etc. They both also have a nice monthly e-news letter that has allot of good info.

But the most important thing I can say is BUY FROM A SHOP THAT WILL TALK
TO YOU AND HELP YOU AND WILL SELL WHAT YOU NEED AND NOT WHAT THEY NEED TO GET RID OF OR THEY HAVE BETTER MARK UPS ON. There is some excellent pricing on the net for welders but it's hard to get support from someone states away I have a local shop but prefer to drive 45 miles to someone I trust. These guys have been wonderful to me. /www.aaweldingsupply.com.
 
#7 ·
" If this is all the machine you would ever need I would not be afraid to get one. I always tend to think of the future. I hate to buy something that I will out grow and end up spending more than if I would have upgraded from the start. "




Thats exactly what I'm worried about. I currently have been doing everything with my Miller 135. Been a great machine, but have kinda out-grown it. And if I'm to purchase another welder, I would rather get one thats going to do the job without hvaing to upgrade in a few years. Ju7st figured instead of buying a bigger MIG, why not go with the TIG. But with prices in the 2-3 thousand $ range the 165 seemed ideal. But again dont really now what its capabillites are. I want something that I can weld thicker metals with out pre-heating and double passes. Thanks for the input Jasper.
 
#10 ·
Always go atleast one step up from what you think you will ever need. Check out Craigslist there are people all over the place selling slightly used welders at a fraction of the cost of new. If you are buying a name brand such as Miller any dealer is going to be able to service it if and when anything goes wrong, just make sure you are able to try the machine before purchasing. I just bought a Miller 251 mig from a guy off craigslist for 1/3 of the new price the welder still has a year and a half of factory warranty and works flawlessly. I noticed that he had many tig welders as well. PM me if you'd like his number.
 
#11 ·
no stupid ass he isnt asking what the machine can do but what do you want? jasper is correct about post flow ect which makes life easier.honestly i get something with a water cooler torch. again my preferance but it will help. syncrowave 250 is what you need ***** buy that shit up
 
#12 · (Edited)
ALL THE ABOVE STUPID ASS:finger:

I asked what people thought of the 165, not MIG welders or syncro what evers.
Just want to know if anyone has used this machine and what they think of it.
I know there are a sh!t ton of better and more pricey machines, but was wondering about this one since Kevin at Bakers was going to give me a hell of a deal on it, thats all. I dont have $3000 to buy a badass TIG.
 
#16 ·
Does the shop where you are looking at this machine have a demo unit? If so ask if you can play with it, or if you can't Tig yet take a buddy if you can. Try it out. Our local shop doesn't have a set up to try things out or I would stop and play with one myself to see how they are. ("Bakers was going to give me a hell of a deal on it") Not knowing what that is, the Miller list is $1617.00 (I found it on the net for $1275.00) for the base machine. And if you want a foot pedal it list for $150.00 (found for $135.00 on the net) Check these guys out
www.harrisweldingsupplies.com They have the Miller Econo Tig (Which is the next step up from the Diversion™ 165 ) For $1535.00, and the Lincoln Precision TIG 225 for $1775.00 Both of these have free shipping, and I don't think any sales tax but not sure. It might only be $200-$400 to upgrade to the next size machine. One other advantage to the next step up machines is that they will stick weld also. This may not matter to you but thought I would tell you. If you want to weld thicker metals one pass I would lean toward the Lincoln because of it's 225A max. Also remember the Tig will require a different type of gas than the MIG. For home use 100% Argon will suit your needs so take into account the cost of another bottle of gas. Here is another net source also www.cyberweld.com I hope I'm not confusing you. Good Luck.
 
#23 ·
Does the shop where you are looking at this machine have a demo unit? If so ask if you can play with it, or if you can't Tig yet take a buddy if you can. Try it out. Our local shop doesn't have a set up to try things out or I would stop and play with one myself to see how they are. ("Bakers was going to give me a hell of a deal on it") Not knowing what that is, the Miller list is $1617.00 (I found it on the net for $1275.00) for the base machine. And if you want a foot pedal it list for $150.00 (found for $135.00 on the net) Check these guys out
www.harrisweldingsupplies.com They have the Miller Econo Tig (Which is the next step up from the Diversion™ 165 ) For $1535.00, and the Lincoln Precision TIG 225 for $1775.00 .
Baker's price for the 165 was $1200 also, but I was told buy the saleman that he could get me a little better deal. I've purchased quite a bit of equipment from them latlely, so I think he's willing to work me a pretty good deal on stuff. Like I said in my first post; this is going to be my first TIG machine, so I was trying to keep it fairly simple, and this machine seemed like a pretty good starting point. But like a few others have noted, why not spend a few extra dollars and just get the bigger machine. Just didnt know what to expect from the 165 with it being somewhat new. But with the 20% duty cycle, and lower amperage, maybe its not the best choice. And no Bakers does not have a unit that you can try out, so I'm goin in blind with this. Oh well.:(
 
#18 ·
Yes that is the plan, to use this for the major fab work, like 1/4" plate for suspension brakets, and rollcage. I've got my 135 for all my sheetmetal work. This is what I've been using for everything, but gets to be a pain in the ass, and a lot of prep work to weld anything more than 3/16ths.
 
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