Need advice on 3 in 1 machine

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I've been welding since I was 16, which would be about 40 years ago.  I started with the venerable Lincoln 220 breadbox, I have done a lot of welding as a mechanic with MIG and stick since then.  Played a little with TIG and understand enough to make a good weld.  Most all the cutting I've done is with chop saw or oxy/acetylene rig, so I've got some experience in the field.  Most of my work has been with steel up to 1" thick but I'm moving more into the aluminum field so having TIG capability would be a plus.I currently have a Lincoln 220 breadbox and a somewhat adequate Century Wirefeed that I acquired for free awhile back, I also have a capable air compressor that can handle the needs of a gouger.  I'm looking into buying a Plasma torch so as to be able to cut more than steel and cut bigger than the chop saw can do.  I was looking for something with a 40-60 duty cycle, I have a budget of about $1,000.  The Longevity Forcecut 80i Plasma Cutter looked to fit the bill but then I heard about the 3 in 1's which for a little more would give me the ability to do TIG and maybe a better MIG.  So I started looking at the Longevity Weldall 160pi for about $1,600.  I've read lots of different reviews on Longevity and the different brands of Plasma cutters in general and they swing both ways.  So my questions are:Is a 3 in 1 machine a good purchase? If so what machines out there would be a reliable cost effective purchase?The Longevity Weldall 160pi looks to fit the bill of what I'm looking for, can anyone give me any feedback on this machine or better alternatives?Thanks in advance
Reply:I've read numerous times where people say never buy a machine that has plasma, and high frequency for Tig welding. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I wish ya' luck Ace. Remember the old saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."? Your decision/your money.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:The short answer is NO on the weldall.  Tig and Plasma just do not go together well. Dedicated plasma only.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:I have always heard those machines do one thing decent and two things terribly.Using Tapatalk
Reply:Well, that's kind of why I'm asking the questions, to get the information to make a good decision.  So why don't you want to mix plasma and high frequency?  Maybe a dumb question but this area is new to me.  I read lots of reviews on the 3 in 1 and that's all I have to go by, I joined this forum to ask people who are in the industry and get some real opinions on this stuff.
Reply:They are supposedly getting better at making the multi machines but still they aren't the greatest. Plus if you work with up wards of 1" steel then any multi machine ain't gonna get that job done.Using Tapatalk
Reply:Take the time to check out the many threads on this subject and the numerous shanigans pulled by the many importers, especially the company you are insuring about.
Reply:Thanks for the replies so far, I'm a little confused now because the reviews I'm seeing on the 3 in 1 are really pretty good but they don't seem to be well received here.  Most of the work I'll be doing will be up to 1/2 inch steel and aluminum.  On the log splitter I have some 3/4 and 1" steel but they are smaller pieces.  I do a lot more than the average home handyman but I'm by no means a production welding shop.Checking posts...
Reply:I would look into multi process welders, and a dedicated plasma. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:You should also look into the reputation of Longevity on this web site.  No need to re-hash it all again as it has been covered in many other threads.  They are very good at controlling what you see in reviews.As far as the Weldall 160,  160A AC is not going to get you much past 1/8" aluminum.  40A or 50A (their website says both) is not going to cut 1" and the cut rate at 3/4" will be very slow. The stick side, which is what most of these machines end up working OK at, may be just fine.  160A stick will get you up to most 5/32 rods.  You can get a Thermal Dynamics 42 and a ESAB 161 for about the same price or less.   No AC for aluminum welding but it will all actually work for steel and stainless.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:So it sounds like the Longevity is out, I'm not a fan of the Chinese electrical products either but I can see them filling the niche nicely as far as performance/price for the home hobbyist, I have a few Harborr Freight tools myself and they do the job I bought them for.  I'm willing to spend a little for a product that is reliable and supported.  I want the ability to cut over the ability to TIG, I can always stick weld aluminum, not the best way probably but it works.  The Thermal Dynamics 42 looks pretty good, I hadn't looked at them before.
Reply:I've been very happy with this setup. Oh by the way, I'm just a hobbyist myself. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Or buy a used Hypertherm or Cutmaster.  That should help your budget out.  I came across a used Hypertherm that had a broken handle (see my sig).  Zero problems buying parts direct from Hypertherm.  Machine works 100% perfect (the LWS also carries Hypertherm consumables - so I can always get what I need).When it comes to plasma machines, keep in mind that some of the cut quality comes from how the plasma is shaped.  I can attest that Hypertherm has done their homework on this.  I know for a fact that my machine can cleanly cut (very straight kerf) 3/4" steel.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:If you want a multi process machine look at the lincolns..but its a bit more than your budget... quality is an investment not a cost...http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrT6...QSrxPg6oruBak-Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:The Tweeco 211i is on sale for $995 right now.  In terms of DC only multi process, that and the Lincoln 210MP seem to be tops in the market right now for the price.  Zoro is having 15% off right now so the cutmaster 42 would be well below your budget leaving room for a multiprocess welder.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:I have a line on a good used Hypertherm 380 for under $1,000, I also have a line on a good used Hypertherm 600 for under $1,000, both machines work.  any thoughts on which one is better and are they worth it?  I believe both are older model Hypertherm's, looks like both will handle 220v, which is what I have.UpdateLooks like I'm buying the Powermax 600 for $700.  It's currently wired for 440 so I'll need to rewire for 220 to test it out.Last edited by Acemcgyver; 03-26-2015 at 04:31 PM.
Reply:Maybe a dumb question but do I need to worry about the Powermax600 being set for only one input voltage?  I see in the forums it can be wired for 440 or 220 phase 1 or 3 but I don't see a whole lot in the service or operators manual except one pic about wiring it either way.  Additionally, the data plate on the unit is stamped for 400v ph 3, and it is wired that way.  Does that mean it can't be converted to run on 220?  I guess my question is are these units wired for one input voltage or the other and not convertible so you buy the machine for the input voltage that you need?  It would be nice to know that before purchasing it, tried to call Hypertherm but their offices are closed for the day.Last edited by Acemcgyver; 03-26-2015 at 05:12 PM.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/member.php?20159-jimcolt..here is a rep from hypertherm try messaging  him ..a wealth of knowledge...hes a member here...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:I sent him a message, don't know if he has time to respond before tomorrow noon, if anyone else knows please speak up, I'd hate to spend the money and not be able to use it, even if it is a good deal.  I'll try to call Hypertherm tomorrow.
Reply:Answered my own question, found the Hypertherm post and the answer is that it cannot be converted because it's a 3 phase.  I don't want to get into the rotary conversion thing, getting to complicated at that point.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...Section/page11
Reply:I have answered 3 different posters regarding this question....not sure if they are all people looking at the same used Powermax600!  The Powermax600 and all of the older technology Hypertherm inverter plasmas (Max41, Max42, Max43, Powermax600) were built for specific voltages. There were some 200-230 volt single phase units, there were 480 volt and 230 volt 3 phase units and some European versions at 400 volts 3 phase (for 380 to 440 volts 50HZ). None of these units can be relinked for other voltages....and the 3 phase units cannot be operated on single phase.Most, but not all, of the newer generation units can run on multiple single phase or 3 phase input voltages. If there are questions and I am not available....the best source (better than me for sure) is to call Hypertherm tech service with the part number from the data tag on the unit in question....they can look it up in seconds and provide the correct answer!Jim Colt   Hypertherm