4-in-1 Multi-Process Rumours?

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I'm wondering if anyone heard rumours about 4-in-1 process machines?  I was planning to buy a 3-in-1 (MIG/TIG/Stick) machine soon and a plasma cutter, but I might wait if there is a reputable company coming out with a multi-process machine with plasma cutting included.
Reply:Yeah, no. Adding plasma to a power supply is like adding a beer dispenser to a computer keyboard.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:hmmm, to me, that sounds like a good idea too.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYeah, no. Adding plasma to a power supply is like adding a beer dispenser to a computer keyboard.
Reply:I would venture to say its doubtful for a couple of reasons. One, the importers have already been doing it for some time, and many of their designs have been plagued with all kinds of problems, dependability being one of the biggest issues with them. Now, that's not to say such a machine couldn't be manufactured by a reputable company using quality parts and proven engineering. The concept itself, however creates a circumstance where it's difficult to get excellent quality, repeatable and dependable results in a size and price point attractive to prospective buyers.In most cases with multi process machines, you always end up losing performance somewhere along the line when compared with their dedicated use counterparts. In the case of the DC CC/CV inverters, not so much, but with AC/DC CC/CV machines, there's usually some loss of features and or limitations that will be inevitable. Again, speaking from a position of a company being able to manufacture and sell such a machine at an affordable cost and in a reasonably sized package. Adding plasma cutting capabilities to a welder never seems to produce good results. Far from a repeatable, dependable platform that could support industrial use.If there was an edge to gain market share by doing so, the bigger companies would likely have already done it.Anything is possible. Remember, Lockheed designed and built an airplane in the 1950s that can outfly bullets and missiles, and take a very high quality picture of an enemy target literally from the edge of outer space. The technology is certainly there, but not at a price most would be willing to pay for it.Secondly, a manufacturer has a much greater market viability and is far more profitable by selling specific use products, than an all in one wonder machine that takes the place of an XMT, a Dynasty and an inverter based plasma cutting system. Companies like Miller are interested in making money, and do so by selling you a new DC only Trailblazer 325 and a Dynasty 200 for AC TIG, instead of selling you an AC/DC engine drive and a HF starter box. They not only make more money, but in reality, offer the consumer a better all around product as individual process units than earlier  multi process machines with accessories as alternatives.Manufacturers make a lot more money when you buy several of their machines instead of just one. IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:My question has always been if you lose one function, do you also lose the other two??                                                MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Usually when one function goes, they all go.
Reply:Originally Posted by mla2ofusMy question has always been if you lose one function, do you also lose the other two??                                                Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by BlueweldersUsually when one function goes, they all go.
Reply:I haven't really heard of hardly any experiences where they held up well over much use and long periods of time. I'm sure some must, but there's a line of threads a mile long here alone detailing the woes of plasma/welder combo units.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:I have two multifunction machines and have gotten good service from them. I disagree with  process changeover all of takes is switching one output line and flipping a switch but adding mig, to the process would likely make learning for a hobbyist unmanageably complicated. Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
Reply:There is a big design difference between the different processes that involves voltage control, current control, up ramps, down ramps, power on /off timing etc. that are necessary to make them all work with their best performance. Many don't realize it, but inverters do have transformers...they are just smaller than the older technology transformer type machines. So...the Plasma, the Tig and the Mig would each likely need their own transformers and output inductors in order to function. I suppose you also could control all the different processes with one micro processor board. The front panel would certainly be rather complex....a lot of settings and knobs and switches. Then you would either have leads for each process or you may have to un-connect and reconnect...making sure you had polarity correct for each process. Then...for the manufacturers there would be concerns about volume.....as manufacturing volume is what drives down component cost and ultimately the selling price.I don't see multi process machines as being a good choice for a beginner (too many controls, setup procedures), I don't see the demand being high enough to bring the cost down, and with more internal components...that means a higher probability for reliability issues. Now.....we are all metal fabricators.....just buy the best of each process and put it in a big metal enclosure!Jim Colt  Hypertherm
Reply:Just wait for the 11 in 1 machine Bosco99 is working on designing right now.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...rocess-machineIt should prove to be a doozy.
Reply:You use to be able to get some of the finest/ Stick/MIG/Pulse/and DC Tig when you would add a extra box to a quality inverter. Like high voltage start/ pre-flow-post-flow This is one I had.. .. It's is over half price of what they cost new, without a ft pedal. So it has been done already to add missing features to the multiprocess machines, but it ends up costing more then another machine.. Makes the multiprocess machine less versatile in all the extra things hanging off of it when you want to move it.. Really did not affect the other processes, if the machine has multiple amptrol inputs. With a twin feeder, and push-pull on one side it was quite capable of welding many things. Still makes sense to by a separate AC/DC machine to handle what you can't do.. 3-1 are great for having a simple dc tig if needed, but think of them as a Stick-mig portable machine mostly. It's where they really shine.. Not saying people do not make good use of the tig feature either.. I just think the light weight of the DC or AC-DC tig-stick machine and separate 3-1-etc makes the most sense overall.. Keep the plasma separate, just for many other reasons..  ( they have enough going inside them) http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESAB-EAS-IV-...item19fea001deLast edited by Brand X; 04-15-2015 at 10:29 AM.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauJust wait for the 11 in 1 machine Bosco99 is working on designing right now.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...rocess-machineIt should prove to be a doozy.
Reply:Thanks to everyone for the insightful thoughts.  If I decide to buy two separate machines I can start welding tomorrow.  I also think that switching between welding and cutting will be more frequent for us than switching between welding processes.  Two machines would be more practical for that.  There would have to be a considerable financial saving to go with an all-in machine.  Sounds like the components required to add Plasma would make cost savings slim to nil.
Reply:The one benefit to having dedicated process machines is if one breaks down, you still have the others to use.I've seen guys in the past buy those Miller Shopmasters and hang every conceivable attachment and accessory off of them. Like Scott said, you end up with a huge pile of equipment that's hard to store and move around, and also proves to be very expensive after you purchase all the necessary attachments to take full advantage of all the processes.Like I said earlier, if it was a viable idea with an attractive market share, the big three (Miller, Lincoln & Esab) would have already done it by now. Buy a separate plasma. Brands like Thermal Dynamics, Hypertherm and Esab are all industry leaders and manufacture excellent products. As Scott (Brand X) often says, it's about what suits your needs. Take a good look at what they have to offer. Any of those three would be a good choice.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:In addition to all mentioned above, separate machines allow you to select best power and duty cycles for the different processes you need. Guys who need heavy capacity stick, usually ain't got no business buying same capacity in TIG. Other guys might need light/heavy plasma compared to the other processes.It's a challenge for the manufacturers to produce an affordable 4in1 machine that can satisfy those requirements, where the customer has to buy one machine with capacity of all rated much higher than needed. The TIG/Stick makers tend to offer the best opportunity for multi process machines that satisfy more folks needs...In this type machine, a guy can use money saved over separate machines to buy one where it offers both ac/dc, has more features like HF start and full arc conditioning like pulse, balance, pre-post, balance and so on.
Reply:Originally Posted by BlueweldersUsually when one function goes, they all go.