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I am currently developing a portable multi-process welder for one of the larger welding companies and want to get some real world feedback. This welder will be a suitcase style welder capable of MIG/Flux-cored, DC TIG, and Stick welding. This inverter machine will be a dual power input welder capable of 200amp output through all three processes. I hear a lot from distributors and sales reps but they tend to have a biased response. I wanna know what the guys in the field want to see. What would you guys use? You can respond here or I have written a short 6 question survey that should take less than 2 minutes to complete. I am going to keep the company I work for anonymous until the product is released but this is your chance to leave your mark on the welding world. This product will be developed over the next 4-6 months and be brought to market at the end of this year. Just think, your input here could influence a welder that revolutionizes the welding world. Ok, maybe that's a slight overstatement, but your responses will influence the overall design and capacity of this machine.Take the Survey
Reply:WeldDeveloper, your link is screwed up.Lincoln has a similar product to what you're about to develop - Speedtec 200C. It a multiprocess MIG/TIG/Stick.I have the little brother called Speedtec 180C, that does MIG & Stick. Both these machines are 200 Amp units. In Europe the Speedtec 180C is priced the same as the Lincoln's transformer mig, Powermig 180C.Thermal Arc Fabricator 181 and 211 are also in the same price bracket here and are also multiprocess.I think these multiprocess machines are mig machines foremost as they are bigger than needed if you remove the mig. Or put another way if you don't need MIG there is no point in getting them as you could get something a lot smaller with stick and dc tig.
Reply:Don't cheap out on the case like miller did on the multimatic. I had ordered one to replace my passport and canceled the order when I found out the case was cheapDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Thanx for the feedback, we have just completed an evaluation of the Speedtec 180C/200C, Fabricator 181/211, and the Multimatic 200 and are using these machines as the basis for our development. The goal is to drop what welders dont use, increase duty cycle and output, and add features welders will actually use. Still working on the link, can't seem to figure out how to edit the original post?Take the surveyLast edited by WeldDeveloper; 05-10-2013 at 09:18 AM.Reason: added new link
Reply:I will have Beta units available for testing but we are not there yet, we are still working on developing this new welder and want to make sure that our ideas are in line with the market. Once the first units are run, we will be sending test units out for some real world abuse.
Reply:Just FYI, plastic case is not bad if you don't have heat issues.Biggest plus with the Multimatic is the arc.  It is one smooth welding machine with C25.  When I bring it to shops with big red, blue, or gray machines everyone always remarks how smooth and spatter free the welds are.  Because most of what I do is smaller stuff, its my go-to machine 70% of the time.  Question No.1 "Can I do it with the Multimatic?"I also use 110V 80% of the time.For what I do (mostly automotive, light light farm etc.) the duty cycle is fine.  I'm not building a bucket for a big tractor, I'm repairing a utility trailer.Biggest peave with the Multimatic is the storage of cables.  Multimatic + spool + cables + gas line + regulator is pushing the idea of "portable".  Quick connect on gas lines could help but the off-the-shelf quick connects stick out and would probably break off etc.)  Multimatic has one big velcro strap on the side.I'm spoiled by the digital meters.Highfrequency start for TIG would be great (has to be powerful start).AC for TIG would be outrageous.  If you can't make it adjustable: 75% EN at 120 - 200Hz.Would have to be 200Amp capable on AC.I have to wonder, if just about everything is microprocessor controlled, how hard would it be to bring it all out to a front panel (LCD).  Pre flow, post flow, startup (run-in, etc.) and give it a reasonable default, but then let the customer tweak it.  Of course you need to add a memory feature and a reset to defaults feature.  But its all software, no hardware (presumably cheaper) with less knobs to break off.  And if you think its expensive... a gameboy is about $120 worth of hardware and software ($180 for touch screen, color, 3D, two screens, dual processors).  Compare that to knobs + resolvers + analog input + A/D etc etc. and the front panel design - and if you ever need to add another knob....    On/Off switch + touch screen (maybe two knobs for the most common settings).  Down the road, one of your clever software engineers could add features like pulse (or whatever the buzz is that year - no pun intended).Software upgradable (even if I have to drag it next to my PC to do it).  Charge a little more since it will be the last welder (hah!) I'll even own.  My wife would never believe it....Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9I have to wonder, if just about everything is microprocessor controlled, how hard would it be to bring it all out to a front panel (LCD).  Pre flow, post flow, startup (run-in, etc.) and give it a reasonable default, but then let the customer tweak it.  Of course you need to add a memory feature and a reset to defaults feature.  But its all software, no hardware (presumably cheaper) with less knobs to break off.
Reply:Great feedback! Storage and cable management is high on the list of priorities, it is hard to maintain portability and keep weight down while keeping everything bundled in one package. High frequency TIG starts have been a common trend in the feedback I am getting and I have been consulting with the our engineering team to see what this will do to the weight. AC TIG has also been actively discussed but from what I understand, it requires a switching stage which ultimately switches the DC waveform between two bus voltages. Not only does this add a lot of weight, but the secondary current is very high so the components become more expensive. We are certainly keeping it on the table, just need to figure out how to get the cost and weight down. An LCD display with an upgradable software program is being considered, just not sure how the market will react to it.
Reply:Have it made entirely in the USA.   Harbor Freight doesn't need any more competition from the Shandong Provence of China.  Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:HF and Lift arc start for Tig option for a pedal / amp control on torch digital read outs for mig and inductance arc force for stick and be able to run 6010to startMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:add AC TIG for Alum.would purchase yesterday.
Reply:Originally Posted by indawoodsadd AC TIG for Alum.would purchase yesterday.
Reply:I would want a high quality 2 or 3 in one machine that has plasma cutting ability, TIG, and possibly MIG, stick I would assume would just come with the bunch but is un-needed.One torch, just change out the tips for the different processes. Able to attach a spool gun to the back side of the same torch as well (should already be a threw hole for tungsten). Possibly the MIG part would be the spool gun attachment to the torch?Just the ability to cut and weld with the single machine is the big deal!
Reply:for me, i want simplicity, for the MIG and TIG include high quality hand pieces, also with the MIG, leave out anything that's not needed, no auto adjusting wire speed ect, and as mentioned above, knobs for each individual adjustment instead of an LCD display, i love the high end fronius welding machines, but the number of parameters to adjust using the LCD display is just annoying.AC TIG is a big one for me for my personal welder at home, having one welder that does everything is the way to go, i'd have bought one yesterday.Last edited by ttoks; 05-11-2013 at 11:36 AM.
Reply:If it is completely made in the USA I would buy oneDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Adding HF start and ac weld current to a 3in1 machine will make the price of the unit sky high. You will severely limit the sales of this unit if you do that.I like the dc only 3 in one machines from Thermal Arc. They are priced well (cheaper then the Miller Multimatic).The thing I dont like about the miller multimatic 200 is it is 200 amp in mig mode only. In stick and dc tig mode it is only a 150 amp machine. Might as well buy a maxstar 150 if you want to stick or tig.Multi voltage input power is nice but that usually means a reduction in output amps and duty cycle and that sucks.Economical 3 in one inverter welders are selling like hotcakes these days. Thermal Arc is selling a lot of their 3 in 1 welders right now. Having more than one unit with different power ratings is helping sell.I could careless if the unit is made in the USA. I live in Canada and I'm not sold on the idea that made in the USA means superior quality. Just my opinion.Last edited by snoeproe; 05-11-2013 at 08:11 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:It's not just about it being made better, but also keeping jobs in our nationDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Seems like HF start TIG and AC TIG are by far the most common feedback I am getting. Meeting with our engineering team later today to discuss their findings. I will let you know what their findings are...
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcHave it made entirely in the USA.   Harbor Freight doesn't need any more competition from the Shandong Provence of China.
Reply:Parts and service! If I can't get parts easily, I don't give a damn what it can do! Equipment of this type should not be considered 'disposable'!- Tim