Separate Mig & Tig or Multiprocess

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I want a TIG welder, but I'm also wanting a better MIG machine. Do I buy an expensive multiprocess machine, just buy a decent TIG welder (in the range of a primeweld to an everlast) and then buy a better MIG (lincoln 210), or just live with the MIG I have and get a decent TIG machine? I'm space limited, so the esab rebel 205 is very tempting.  Even still needing two bottles it would be more compact, and i hear great things. 4k is steep, though.
Reply:Ok i will give you my opinion.  I bought the Lincoln 210mp.  I knew it was a mig welder that could do 2 other processes.  But I bought a mig welder. I can DC tig (lift arc) and stick weld (with restrictions DC and it doesn't like the 70 series).  I knew that going in.  I then purchased a tig welder from work (it was surplused and I got it for $20).  It is a real tig welder inverter class. But 220 amps at 220 volts, with 3 phase capabilities for $20 good purchase I think.Before you purchase look at the capabilities and restrictions of each.  ( I lucked into my 2nd machine, timing and purchase of another aircraft company worked into my favor.)  Weigh your options and follow your gut.  My bank account is different than yours.   If I had to have another machine tomorrow I could swing it, wouldn't like it but could get by.  Thanks be that I am just a hobbyist and not making my living via these machines.   Others on the forum do. Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkI haven't built anything I can't throw away.  Perfection is the journey.    Mac
Reply:which Mig machine do you have right now?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Which machine is making the money for you?Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunModified Lincoln 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc GougingEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand Type 30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:If space is at a premium as you say and if you can benefit from the AC tig capability then the Rebel  you mentioned might be the the best value in the long run. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk:
Reply:For what it is worth - I have an Everlast PowerArc 210STL (get in touch with lugweld, Mark, here on the forums - thats who I've bought my Everlast stuff through). It is a nice stick machine. I got it as a compact suitcase welder (maybe a bit bigger than a suitcase machine, but a ton of capability) and it has performed very well the times I've used it. The PowerArc 210STL is also a DC TIG machine. I have everything to TIG with it (2 series of torches, I forget which ones, + consumables for them). All I'm missing is gas. I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Mark gave me a good package deal so thats why I got everything - and my intent is to get in to TIG welding. Down the road all the TIG accessories cross over to other machines as well, so they aren't confined to the PowerArc 210STL. As to your overall point/question on the separate vs all-in-one machines - My thoughts are that if you want to TIG weld then you should get a dedicated TIG machine. There are features you will only find in a dedicated TIG machine that you will not find in multi-process machines. The only other process that a "dedicated" TIG machine will do is stick - I don't know of any TIG machine that doesn't have a stick mode. The power source and how the arc runs is identical. Stick just uses a consumable electrode and no shielding gas. Off topic - but for what it is worth there are some people that like to stick weld with foot pedal amperage control from a TIG machine. I have yet to try that, but I could. That would sort of be like a manual method of "hot start" that would give you more control over heat throughout the weld. Is it practical? Probably not. I would say the same thing for MIG - if you are going to get a MIG then get a nice MIG. That having been said, a lot of MIG machines will run DC stick also. The best thing about separate machines is redundancy. If one goes down you always have something to fire up and stick metal together with. I would even add to that point that an old transformer buzz box/tombstone would be a worthwhile machine to have around - a good old heavy one. The newer ones aren't made like a lot of the old stuff was. They don't have fancy electronics to fail. I realize you say space is tight. If that is the case and you primarily want TIG - then find a nice TIG. I will also say that the HTP Invertig 221 is an extremely popular TIG machine that is surprisingly affordable for what it is. There are several members on the forums here that run HTP's and love them. I've looked at them. I am not overly impressed with the duty cycle/amperage of the 221, but the 313 does add to the specs a ton. It is also a ton more expensive... If you want to look at Everlast - I highly recommend you look at the PowerTIG 255EXT. It has some impressive features. For its' price range I do not think you can beat it. There are some features it does - and does in one box simultaneously - you won't find on any other machine out there. It is on my watch list to possibly upgrade to, but I would prefer an HTP 313....
Reply:I only read the title

I feel that's all I need to read to answer the question though.If you buy a multiprocess machine and it breaks, you're stuck with no welder at all. The reason to buy a multi versus a dedicated machine is space. You save space by cramming everything into one box.
Reply:What kind of tig welding do you want to do? What makes you want a tig welder? the answers to those questions will answer the question of whether you will be satisfied with a multi-process machine.Be careful when they advertise multi-process machines as tig welder capable. Usually it means scratch start with a valve on the torch. So what matters is more the work you want to do.Last edited by William Payne; 04-06-2022 at 04:20 AM.Gear: Esab power compact 205 with tbi industries torch         BOC Smootharc 185dc tig         Miller Syncrowave 350LX
Reply:Hi there, I am new to this site and would just like to know if someone can guide me on how to find the diagram for a Hobart 400 S3  7 stage switch. My boss needs it urgently
Reply:I have always said two machines.If all in one and it dies you no way to weld. One mig and one tig you still If one dies. Note a tig machine can do stick welding too.Dave

Originally Posted by lees02ws6

I want a TIG welder, but I'm also wanting a better MIG machine. Do I buy an expensive multiprocess machine, just buy a decent TIG welder (in the range of a primeweld to an everlast) and then buy a better MIG (lincoln 210), or just live with the MIG I have and get a decent TIG machine? I'm space limited, so the esab rebel 205 is very tempting.  Even still needing two bottles it would be more compact, and i hear great things. 4k is steep, though.
Reply:I would start a new thread in the Miller section. Please post a wiring diagram too.Dave

Originally Posted by Erna

Hi there, I am new to this site and would just like to know if someone can guide me on how to find the diagram for a Hobart 400 S3  7 stage switch. My boss needs it urgently
Reply:Some good points here and hadn't thought enough about.  Having a machine down is something to consider.  With regards to space I could just make a bigger cart.   Since I'll need straight argon for tig any way, either I end up with two carts, or one big one with two bottles.  ac tig would be a benefit, but not necessarily a decisive one.  I don't have a lot of need for aluminum welding, it'd be nice, but I could also just ship that job out.  Tig would be most helpful in making suspension brackets/mounts and ss exhaust tubing.  I've done the latter with mig, and for the results all you could say is - well it can be done with mig.@FlyFishn, I will definitely check out HTP, all the suggestions are appreciated.
Reply:My advice is consolidate the budget you have for 2 machines and use that to purchase a good quality welder.  Whether mig or TIG  (based on what you think you need).  You will have a lot more options with a high quality machine then you would with 2 lower quality machines.  IMHO
Reply:

Originally Posted by Weld_

My advice is consolidate the budget you have for 2 machines and use that to purchase a good quality welder.  Whether mig or TIG  (based on what you think you need).  You will have a lot more options with a high quality machine then you would with 2 lower quality machines.  IMHO
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

https://usaweld.com/collections/htp-...-dc-tig-welderLike this.Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

https://usaweld.com/collections/htp-...-dc-tig-welderLike this.Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Reply:

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

https://usaweld.com/collections/htp-...-dc-tig-welderLike this.Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
Reply:The problem today with is low quality or just a good price. Without testing the welder. Then there is bells and wishes you pay for too.Dave

Originally Posted by Weld_

My advice is consolidate the budget you have for 2 machines and use that to purchase a good quality welder.  Whether mig or TIG  (based on what you think you need).  You will have a lot more options with a high quality machine then you would with 2 lower quality machines.  IMHO
Reply:3 years ago i decided to upgrade from my 30+ year ols miller ac/dc thunderbolt. i chose a Lincoln Precision Tig 225 and a Lincoln Powermig 256. Main reason for buying 2 units instead of a multiprocess was the desire to have ac capability and as others have stated to not be left empty handed if a multiprocess machine were to break down.
Reply:Having run the ESAB Rebel 205, Lincoln 210MP and Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC the only one I would buy is the Multimatic. It does all processes very well and it’s easy to use.