Multiprocess VS Dedicated ?

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Hello… Would like an opinion from you guys with more experience. What would be a preferred setup to cover all the welding materials?Jack of all trade multiprocessor three in one machine such as the following. miller multimatic 200 mig, dc tig, stick  110/220Tweco 211I mig, tig, stick   110/220LONGEVITY PROMTS 252i  mig, tig, stick   110/220Or splitting task with the following machines or similar? Hobart Handler 210mvp  Mig Everlast Powertig 185  AC/DC Tig Stick welder 11//220
Reply:3 in 1 machines generally only weld in DC, limiting their use on aluminum. If you never need to weld on AC, then maybe.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I have the ProMTS 252i and like it. Not crazy about the lift start on the TIG but it works fine.I really like the finger control for the amps.I think the MIG is awesome!The stick works..    Can't say much more about that function.From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:I had an Everlast multi-process machine crap the bed in the middle of a doing a solid axle swap on my truck. It would just pop the breaker upon power on.So I had to box it up, send it off and wait. Pretty much the worst project for it to fail on. Truck on jack stands with no front suspension.Luckily for me a neighbor had a welder I could borrow which got me unstuck. It was an old cranky gas powered AC only beast. Less than ideal.But it opened my eyes to a) the fact that inverters can suddenly die for no discernible reason, b) having all your eggs in one basket can leave you up the creek without a paddle, c) you get what you pay for.So now I have a name brand transformer based MIG. I doubt I could kill it.And a name brand inverter based TIG/Stick.I kept the Everlast as a dedicated plasma machine. If it dies again I can probably make do with a grinder and cutting wheels.
Reply:My feelings on any multipurpose machine or device is typically do numerous things but they never do anything one really well.And for the most part I believe you get what you pay for. So if you pay $19.99 for a Harbor Freight combination couch/stomp shear and microwave you will probably be disappointed.If money is an object, look for used equipment deals can be found.
Reply:The 3-in-1 machines generally work quite well, but stick to major brands and especially avoid ones that have a plasma cutting function. The TIG will be lift-start and DC only so you'll have to look elsewhere if you want to TIG aluminum.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:I prefer two welding machines: one only MIG, the other a TIG/Stick high frequency start.But if you can buy a Lincoln 350MP, do not hesitate. Mauricio
Reply:I think the multi process machines get too cluttered. I prefer dedicated stuff.
Reply:I've got a miller ac/dc thunderbolt built in the 70's for stick and scratch start tig plus a millermatic 175 mig.  I keep looking at the multi-process machines for the space saving aspect and lower power consumption.  I haven't taken the plunge yet but probably will at some point.  As more of these machines hit the market prices are likely to come down over time.  If some one puts out model with ac/dc tig things will really get interesting.
Reply:Hobart 210 and  esab 161
Reply:Trailblazer 302does everything x)Miller Spoolmate 200 w/t S-52 WirefeederMM 211'09 Miller Trailblazer 302
Reply:Since I've had stuff break, I like separate machines.When I make money part-time with welding, I usually only have a small window of time to work with - so when something breaks, or I run out of wire, rod, or gas - I can just turn something else on to finish.The extra stuff past the required back ups are just me goofing off Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I have an Thermal Arc 211i and have not had any problems with it, have owned it for about a year. I do not weld for a living, just use it for repairs and fab work for myself.  I purchased the spool gun for this welder and it welds aluminum just fine, so you can weld aluminum with a multi-process machine.  I also have an Arc Master 200 ac/dc welder that I tig with.  Just wanted to let you know that you can weld aluminum with an multi-process machine, you will need a spool gun and argon gas.  Best regards Bob
Reply:I have the thermal arc 252i love great machine lots of features it dc handicaps you but not limites you ... You can tig aluminum but you need helium to break the oxides good on thicker aluminum and a chunck of ss or copper to lite up on .helliarc machines were dc from what i was told and were used to weld aluminum.