Welders in need of portable TIG welders that pack a lot of power will want to check out Miller’s latest machines: the Dynasty 280 and Maxstar 280. Need to weld metal that is up to 3/8” thick? Both of these machines can handle it.
However, whether you need to weld at home in your garage or on the go, these light and portable machines won’t break your back while still offering a solid punch. The AC/DC TIG/Stick-capable Dynasty 280 is intended for industrial manufacturing applications and heavy fabrication, while the DC TIG/Stick-capable Maxstar 280 is intended for industrial applications, construction, and heavy fabrication.
“The introduction of the Dynasty 280 and Maxstar 280 represents a significant benefit to end users and rounds out our well-established TIG product lineup,” said Andrew Pfaller, TIG product manager for Miller Electric Mfg. Co. “Operators now have more power and portability than ever before in machines that feature multiple options for comfortable transport around the jobsite and weigh 300 pounds less than our popular Syncrowave 250.”
Miller’s TIG Welder Stand Out Features
Weighing in at just 52 and 47 pounds, the Dynasty 280 and Maxstar 280 deliver up to 280 amps of output power along with a smooth, stable arc to handle any job from small to large. Advanced technologies are incorporated to improve weld results, such as a pulse feature, which can reduce heat input, increase travel speeds and improve arc directional control.
Auto-Line™ technology provides added convenience in any job setting by allowing the machine to be hooked up to any input voltage within the specified range.
Miller’s TIG Welder Interface and Operation
Both base models provide an operator-friendly interface for intuitive operation, while DX models include quick access to advanced features for expert users. The Maxstar 280 DX model addresses demands for precision fabrication, adding extended ranges for maximum DC capability. The Dynasty 280 DX model also includes additional adjustments for AC balance, waveforms and frequency for precise arc tailoring on aluminum welds.
Miller’s TIG Welder Special Features
On all models, exclusive Pro-Set™ technology eliminates guesswork by providing pre-set welding parameters. In addition, welding operators will experience ease-of-use through the control panel’s LED illuminated standby/power switch which clearly indicates whether the machine is unplugged or turned off at its main switch, turned on but in standby mode, or energized and ready to weld.
“Designed by Miller, the operator-friendly interface and pre-set weld parameters provided by Pro-Set, make the machine faster to set up and easier to use. By reducing the guesswork with a machine built for speed, convenience and results, the operators can focus more on welding,” said Pfaller.
Designed for upgrade flexibility, a memory card port is included on all models, allowing additional software to be downloaded and product features. The memory card port allows for quick upgrades when software is released and helps owners maximize their budgets, purchasing only the features they need.
Miller’s TIG Welder Torch Features
The Dynasty 280 and Maxstar 280 — both designed for air-cooled and water-cooled TIG torches — can be coupled with a torch specifically designed and rated for the output of the machine. With a new Weldcraft® W-280 (WP-280) water-cooled torch and the Coolmate™ 1.3 coolant reservoir options, a welding operator can purchase a complete water-cooled system solution.
The advanced W-280 torch uses Super Cool™ technology for increased cooling efficiency, while the Coolmate reservoir uses an efficient fin-and-tube heat exchanger to provide a maximum cooling capacity of 13,000 Btu/hr.
Air-cooled torches are common among TIG welders and are useful for lighter duty or shorter term projects that won’t expose your hands to a lot of heat. However, a water-cooled torch will be ideal for welders who are fabricating all day, especially if that work could heat up a torch in the process.