Mig & Multi-process machines

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I will be shopping soon for a small welder in the 200amp range; primary focus will be on mig, multi-process is a bonus, and a $1,500+/- budget.  I haven't done a lot of welding in the past 5-10 years, but do have mixed experience in stick (cast iron/steel/stainless), TiG (steel/stainless), mig (steel/stainless/aluminum), and torch cutting/heating/welding.  The machine will be used for hobby purposes, and the odd side job.  I have 240v in my garage, but the dual voltage capabilities are a plus.The machines I'm considering-Hobart 210mvpMiller 211 AutosetLincoln 210mpThermalArc/Tweco 211iEverlast 250mtsThe Hobart, Miller, TA, and Lincoln; as far as mig goes, all seem to have similar capacity and duty rating specs, with the Lincoln and TA having additional process capability.  The Miller would approach (but still under) my budget once I add the spool gun.  The Lincoln would be under with just the spool gun, but over with full TiG capability...same with the TA/Tweco.  The Everlast 250 has higher rated specs than anyone else; as their 200mts is actually a more comparable unit, but the 250 still falls in line with my budget, so I'd probably go for that model.I understand that the TiG setups on any dc inverter unit can't be used on aluminum, but the capability is still useful to me.My draw to a multi-process machine (vs. independent units) is the ability to get additional equipment "past the warden" in the future; that, and my realistic non-production use of the machine. I also understand the opinions and draw toward an American-based machine; I drive past the Lincoln plant quite often. However; I also recognize that the Everlast could offer me more than what I need for a good value...and for it's intended purpose, I don't envision any deal-killing issues.  What say you?
Reply:If you want a HOBART 210 and you have a FARM AND FLEET , it is on sale for $779.99. Lowest I have seen in a long time.  http://www.farmandfleet.com/products...w#.VHvAJzHF_T8
Reply:Originally Posted by icutmtl. I also understand the opinions and draw toward an American-based machine; I drive past the Lincoln plant quite often. However; I also recognize that the Everlast could offer me more than what I need for a good value...and for it's intended purpose, I don't envision any deal-killing issues.  What say you?
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedLow price does not equal good value. Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, and Thermal Arc are established companies that have made welders for decades. Miller and Lincoln have dealers and service centers all over North America and their machines have a high resale value.I can understand hobbyists and new users wanting the most for their $$, but as always, you get what you pay for.John
Reply:Lincoln is made in Mexico, TA are all made in China...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawLincoln is made in Mexico, TA are all made in China...
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeThis is why these machines cost less to buy. The made in USA multi process miller is the most expensive machine in its field.
Reply:Good design and good Quality control.If a company stays in the market long enough to get established, and make it past the stage where they are getting the product to market at the lowest possible price, and makes moves to improve QC, they can begin to sell a better product, albeit not at rock bottom prices any more.The Japanese cars did it, and more recently, Hyundai.The trick is, buying from them after they begin the upswing.If you buy Chinese, buy from someone who sells American and Chinese, so you can return the welder for an L, M, or H - if the Chinese machine proves to be unsatisfactory.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawLincoln is made in Mexico, TA are all made in China...
Reply:I noticed the mig capacities on aluminum for the TA and Lincoln are rated at 3/16"; do any of you guys know how that compares to a typical mig-only machine in the 200a range? I do have a reputable local supplier that offers Lincoln, Miller, and Thermal Arc.
Reply:This is a comparison sheet I put together, based on specs found on the manufacturers' websites, and prices found between retailers & manufacturers' sites.  120114 Welder Comparison.pdf
Reply:Very well done. The missing information for the Lincoln can be found on p.7 of the manual:TIG: 125A@40% on 115V; 175A@30% on 230VStick: 80A@40% on 115V; 175A@25% on 230VAlso, the maximum current for stick is 115A on 115V input.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by icutmtlThat's another thing I was curious about; if all that's American on those machines is the name on the case (which I agree counts for something), what sets them so far apart from a functional standpoint vs. other Chinese produced machines?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart have proven themselves for over at least 40 years that I know of. These are used in shops, trade school, and on the job for daily use year after year. Next truck you see on the road with a welding machine on it, look and see what kind .Bet  it will be a Miller or Lincoln.
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedVery well done. The missing information for the Lincoln can be found on p.7 of the manual:TIG: 125A@40% on 115V; 175A@30% on 230VStick: 80A@40% on 115V; 175A@25% on 230VAlso, the maximum current for stick is 115A on 115V input.John
Reply:In that price range you could probably swing Esab 161lts tig package and Caddy Mig C200i. Made in Poland if I remember right. I could not be happier with either unit. Well maybe if it had a built in Fifi.
Reply:I did the same thing when the 210MP was announced- well, except it was scrawls on a yellow note pad as opposed to a spreadsheet. I ended up with the Lincoln based on size and weight, price, service and support, and a few early reviews. Your own needs will dictate your choice.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:You should read the 210MP thread, I have made several posts in there. My absolute main complaint is that it will not run 6010. My buddy just bought a 211i. Ill see if his will run 6010.If his runs mig as smooth as my MP and runs 6010, I will sell my 210mp hands down and buy a fabricator. I weld red but the MP is not what I expected, but I also needed a new mig as I fried my 12 year old Hobart Handler 180. Its a great mig inverter thus far, but the stick capability is played out. I did not get a spool gun or tig kit, I have my PT225 (ac that does aluminum), you can scratch start tig with any DC machine for carbon and stainless, and my counterparts said don't even touch a spool gun, its a waste of money. Just my 2 cents.14' PowerMig 210 MP13'Burntables 5x10 CNC Table14' SAE300 HE on a 12' Ram 4500 60 CA 4x4. Custom bed/bottles/reels.87' SA250d, 78 SA200,11' Ranger 250 GXT AC/DCThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 8112' Lincoln Precision Tig 22508' LN25
Reply:I bought the Ta fab 211 6-8 months ago. In mig it operates as well as any entry level machine would be expected. 4"-8"-12" wire spool ready and a well built wire feeder system. The 200A mig gun seems well built and tips are available  everywhere. The only guys that have mixed feelings about the tweeco gun are the Bernard guys You also get several drive rolls 3 or 4 I can't recall.       Stick mode, I can't say much I've burnt some 7018 and some 308l-16. Both of which performed well, smooth easy starts and no sticking. The stinger is the basic tweeco 200A, cumbersome but well made. The ground clamp leaves something to be desired. It's not harbor freight bad, although I did put it on my HF 80A inverter.      Lift TIG, works well for a multi process unit. Downslope control functions properly, it ranges from 1sec to three hours (seems like it anyway). This machine does NOT have a gas solenoid for the tig side, it's not that big of a hassle, unless you forget to open the valve. The factory option Tig torch, works good, standard consumables, stiff as a baseball bat and really really big (buy a CK you'll save money). I don't have a foot pedal and don't really need one, the downslope works good to pulse with and if it hiccups I can't tell if it's me or the machine. As as far as everything else, I think it's a well made good running machine. It is portable if your young or have a dolly of some sort ( welders shouldn't be light anyway). It works just as good on 115V as 230V just less output. It runs fine on a 5000kw generator, the generator might not like it too much though.      Thats all I can think of for right now, if you have any questions about the TA FAB 211i, ask and I will try to answer them the best that I can.Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Thermal Arc's literature does not recommend 6010 on the 211i. I would also be curious as to how well they run.A few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:I can give it a try, if I can get by the lws this week. I do remember reading about 6010 running like crap. I'm pretty sure 6011 does ok but I haven't tried any.Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedThermal Arc's literature does not recommend 6010 on the 211i. I would also be curious as to how well they run.