[BugHunter]

I did have my most recent machine (the 350EXT) in mind. I paid $2,800 for it as a complete kit (leads, torches, foot pedal, etc.) There's really no close amperage comparison to the 350EXT in Miller's line, but the Dynasty 280 and 400 are on both sides. The 280 is about $6,000 and the 400 is about $7,500 for only the machine. Add another grand for leads, torches, foot pedal, etc. Miller also nicely adds in an extra cost if you want the machine to simply have an output voltage for a water cooler (CPS) and that's about $500 or so extra if I recall. Note that is not for a cooler, just the ability to plug a cooler into the welder's power supply.

So I'd say the cost to strike an arc with a Miller is about 2.5-3 times as much as it is to strike an arc with an Everlast.

Did you get a water cooler with that?

I know it seems a little stupid to not have that power supply included on all the dynasty models. God knows they cost enough. That said, the controller does do a little more than just offer a plug for power. It does actively control the unit and it makes no sound when it is not needed. It's a variable speed arrangement. It makes more noise if you're up around two hundred amps, still very quiet but it is then audible. And everything simply works from the power button on the welder. I also bought mine with the convertible torch that I've got about 10 heads for, I can change to virtually any style head in a few seconds without changing the Torches. I got on eBay and found the additional heads that were available but not included and bought all those also. The specialty heads have come in super handy at times.

If they are indeed three times as much, then so be it I guess. I'm not trying to defend them, I think they make a top quality machine and they stand behind it so for me with downtime or lack of service being a deal breaker, I didn't really feel I had much choice.

If I were to make a comparison with other Us tool companies while looking for contrast, I would look to snap on. They are as different as night and day from Miller. Miller May charge a absolute perverse premium for their product, but I don't see online comparisons where and import brand for 1/10 the price outperforms them hands down. You can look on YouTube and find videos where a head-to-head comparison Snap-on and Harbor Freight ratchets, tested to destruction with a digital torque meter, shows the Harbor Freight ratchet takes 40% more torque to explode.

Here's one showing a harbor freight torque wrench beating the Snap-on in every Department. LOL at least Miller hasn't made me feel like I was robbed. Not that I wasn't, but I'm not convinced I was anyway.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenan ... ue-wrench/

[Spartan]

I did have my most recent machine (the 350EXT) in mind. I paid $2,800 for it as a complete kit (leads, torches, foot pedal, etc.) There's really no close amperage comparison to the 350EXT in Miller's line, but the Dynasty 280 and 400 are on both sides. The 280 is about $6,000 and the 400 is about $7,500 for only the machine. Add another grand for leads, torches, foot pedal, etc. Miller also nicely adds in an extra cost if you want the machine to simply have an output voltage for a water cooler (CPS) and that's about $500 or so extra if I recall. Note that is not for a cooler, just the ability to plug a cooler into the welder's power supply.

So I'd say the cost to strike an arc with a Miller is about 2.5-3 times as much as it is to strike an arc with an Everlast.

Did you get a water cooler with that?

I know it seems a little stupid to not have that power supply included on all the dynasty models. God knows they cost enough. That said, the controller does do a little more than just offer a plug for power. It does actively control the unit and it makes no sound when it is not needed. It's a variable speed arrangement. It makes more noise if you're up around two hundred amps, still very quiet but it is then audible. And everything simply works from the power button on the welder. I also bought mine with the convertible torch that I've got about 10 heads for, I can change to virtually any style head in a few seconds without changing the Torches. I got on eBay and found the additional heads that were available but not included and bought all those also. The specialty heads have come in super handy at times.

If they are indeed three times as much, then so be it I guess. I'm not trying to defend them, I think they make a top quality machine and they stand behind it so for me with downtime or lack of service being a deal breaker, I didn't really feel I had much choice.

If I were to make a comparison with other Us tool companies while looking for contrast, I would look to snap on. They are as different as night and day from Miller. Miller May charge a absolute perverse premium for their product, but I don't see online comparisons where and import brand for 1/10 the price outperforms them hands down. You can look on YouTube and find videos where a head-to-head comparison Snap-on and Harbor Freight ratchets, tested to destruction with a digital torque meter, shows the Harbor Freight ratchet takes 40% more torque to explode.

Here's one showing a harbor freight torque wrench beating the Snap-on in every Department. LOL at least Miller hasn't made me feel like I was robbed. Not that I wasn't, but I'm not convinced I was anyway.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenan ... ue-wrench/

No, it didn't come with a water cooler. Already had one to use for it. And downtime is certainly a concern for me as well, and one of the reasons I do keep an eye on Miller. However, I have backups/reserves for all of my business gear, so if any one thing breaks, I can get the reserve going right away without a service interruption...even down to the little things like torches, specialty cups and collets, etc. on the welding side. For the most part anyway... I guess I technically don't yet have a back up to fully cover the 350 amps that my 350EXT can churn out, but I will soon enough.

[BugHunter]

No, it didn't come with a water cooler. Already had one to use for it. And downtime is certainly a concern for me as well, and one of the reasons I do keep an eye on Miller. However, I have backups/reserves for all of my business gear, so if any one thing breaks, I can get the reserve going right away without a service interruption...even down to the little things like torches, specialty cups and collets, etc. on the welding side. For the most part anyway... I guess I technically don't yet have a back up to fully cover the 350 amps that my 350EXT can churn out, but I will soon enough.

I had a "backup" welder when I got the one I have, but I sold it to make space. It was a huge hulk of a thing, also water cooled but that ran water from a plumbed in line right to the drain, which I think is against code any more. Water coolers have to be self contained so we save the planet. I guess clean water down the drain at a trickle is bad.

I guess I just roll the dice, and if it ever came to a super-desperate situation where my welder broke and I had to have a replacement asap, I'd either buy or rent, or hire out the welding in the meantime. Everyone's situation is different I guess.