Buzzbox vs. Inverter welder

Lightnsound · Apr 27, 2011

I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying myself a welder for use at home. I am on the fence between a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225/150 AC/DC and a Miller Maxstar 150.

I only have experience with mig welding at work, but think stick is a better choice for home as I will be welding outdoors.

My question is about the advantages/disadvantages/differences between the inverter and the transformer machines. Does one weld better than the other? Will I regret not having access to A/C welding if I get the inverter? Will I really use the ability of the inverter machine to tig weld even though I will only be able to weld steel and not aluminum?

Help me figure out where to spend my money, I really only want to buy this gear once and not have any remorse.

dex3361 · Apr 27, 2011

Lightnsound said:
I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying myself a welder for use at home. I am on the fence between a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225/150 AC/DC and a Miller Maxstar 150.

I only have experience with mig welding at work, but think stick is a better choice for home as I will be welding outdoors.

My question is about the advantages/disadvantages/differences between the inverter and the transformer machines. Does one weld better than the other? Will I regret not having access to A/C welding if I get the inverter? Will I really use the ability of the inverter machine to tig weld even though I will only be able to weld steel and not aluminum?

Help me figure out where to spend my money, I really only want to buy this gear once and not have any remorse.

What kind of welding do you plan on doing? I have used a buzz box for 30 years and they have met all my welding needs. Nothing exotic mind you. I started out with an AC buzz box then went to a industrial miller welder for 10 years that failed and I replaced it with a AC/DC Hobart (160A DC) and it meets my needs. After getting a DC welder I rarely if ever use the AC.

Lightnsound · Apr 27, 2011

I'm planning on general repairs, fabricating some implements, making a winch mount for the front of the tractor, dollies for storing implements and the backhoe, maybe some decorative railings in the garden, things like that. Nothing that would kill someone if it failed, no motorcycle frames or anything like that.

rhett · Apr 28, 2011

Buzzbox (transformer) machines do the job and are extremely dependable. Minimal electronics to fail, at a price though, they are bulky and heavy as all get out. If left out in the weather, let it dry and 99% sure there would be no problems. I would pull a panel and spray WD40 to help control corrosion if/when it happens.

Inverter machines are sensitive complex electronics and pretty much new to the scene. The plus I see is they are small and light weight. If these get weathered, all bets are off, way to many internal components to fail.

My next purchase is based for mobility and ease of doing so. If I had a barn/workspace built at this time, a transformer machine with long leads would be my choice.

Transformer machine = decades of service stored out of the weather.
Inverter machine = Crap Shoot, to new to have a track record.

AC does the job, people like DC better having a larger electrode selection. The DC arc is a less erratic than the AC arc, people say DC is smoother. AC or DC on the farm makes no difference to me, every rod burnt is a new lesson of learning anyway. 6013 rods might be the best to get started with.

Good Luck

Scooby074 · Apr 28, 2011

i have a thunderbolt acdc. the things a tank both in durability and weight

they been around forever and will take a ton of abuse,,,,

that said inverters are nice if a bit more delicate. the maxstar has portability going for it.

if it wasnt being moved, buy the thunderbolt and put the difference toward a large mig, plasma or torches

Chilly807 · Apr 28, 2011

I think I'd go for the AC/DC transformer as well. It'll do much the same job for general fabrication that the Maxstar will, except it's heavy. I built a cart for mine which helps moving it around the garage.

If I had the extra cash, I'd have both. I don't, so I've got a Miller 180 mig (with spoolgun for aluminum), and an old rebranded Century AC/DC stick.

Sean

dstig1 · Apr 28, 2011

New? I thought inverters have been around for 20-30 yrs???

yomax4 · Apr 28, 2011

Inverters have been around more than 20yrs. The early ones liked to blow up. Some companies have them figred out and they really run!! But you can't just say " Inverter ".. Quality is all over the board. If you buy one get a good one with a good warranty. Some quality inverters will have Hot Start for easy Arc Starts and make Great DC Tig Welders for Steel and Stainless with
Lift Start and many other options. A buzz box is a buzz box no matter the brand.. They are crude but durable. I have seen them so rusted out that you woudn't dare move them but they still work. Still, I vote High Quality Inverter.

rhett · Apr 28, 2011

The first lightweight inverter-based arc welder design was introduced in 1976.

Interestingly, Russian developers lead with the development of Arc Welding which began in 1802.

Two Centuries versus 30+ years, seems new too me.

Forge Welding goes back to the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Yup, I personally see Inverters as the new kid on the block. Many electric arc machines are still running with more than twice the life of the inverters initial development.

I would guess if birthed around 1976, one would think the idea was ancient. Though the infant still has many growing pains to overcome.

Any and all of life's journey's prove one thing, learning is always the next step.

Good Luck