Buy a Miller Dialarc?

Jeepnford · Apr 13, 2018

I found a newer Miller Dialarc 250 I'm considering buying on CL. I'm not really familiar with the dialarc model. I haven't seen it yet other than photos but it looks clean. My question is, in your opinions, are the big transformer machines still worth buying, this one in particular? Something else that might be better? I guess they can last longer than I will, but it will likely use some juice. I'm thinking the price will be about $700.00. Thoughts?

Teachu2 · Apr 13, 2018

I bought one with the High Frequency Tig addon attachment for $400 about five years ago. It's a 250P. SWEET arc on it. Also has the wheel kit.

MinnesotaDaveChalmers · Apr 13, 2018

I really like Dialarc machines, I've used a bunch of them.
My 70's model was about $200, but fairly new machines would be considerably more.

They live pretty happy on a 60 amp circuit, but more is better if you're going to run big rods. I've run 3/16" 7024 rods at 225+ amps on mine.

If you'll never run rods bigger than 1/8" then a machine that large is over kill - but I like over kill

I also have small Inverters though. My Lincoln invertec v250-s has the same duty cycle as the Dialarc but only weighs 35 pounds.