Machine Choices

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I'm in the market for a welder which I intend to use for DIY projects around the house and some fabrication for some vehicle restorations and some modifications here and there. I'm not completely new to welding. I have limited experience on a stick welder but I intend to develop and hone my skills in MIG and TIG welding.I have been looking into the multi Process units and I have narrowed down my choices to the Lincoln Power MIG 210MP and the Thermal Arc Fabricator 211i but i'm having a hard time deciding which unit to go for. Price wise, the TA 211i package is cheaper and includes everything I could possibly think of (machine, cart, mig and tig torch, gas regulator,, electrode holder, Ground clamp) I'd need minus gas bottle and foot pedal (should I ever need one). The 210MP on the other hand only includes the Machine, mig torch, gas regulator, electrode holder, Ground clamp.I have done some reading on both units and I know the 211i (despite being cheaper) comes with some features which the 210 MP does not have. (back burn control, Bigger capacity spool, 2T/4T setting). The Lincoln on the other hand has a slightly higher duty cycle.I'd like to hear opinions of the resident experienced welders as to which is a better choice and why.TIA
Reply:Wow, I'm looking in the mirror!  First, I have researched and talked to sales reps for both. Really like both and thought after reading reviews, company, etc., figured the TWECO 211i was my first choice, then I tried to see it in person. Not so much! The dealer network here anyway is really weak "could order/get 1 for me" but didn't not very helpful and always had to get back to me with pricing. Also, they told me they do not have consumables in stock. Which to me means, order it and wait. On the other hand Lincoln PM 210MP, the dealers have them and are selling them as I found out. My dealer was stocking 2 more units when I called. Guess what, parts in stock.  We've decided on the Lincoln 210MP, option Part # K4195-2 (tig) with K3269-1 (spool gun).
Reply:Hmm, so availability was your deciding factor ...In my case, both machines are right there in the store next to each other. That definitely does not help my decision coz one minute I'm drooling over one and the next minute I'm drooling over the other Can anyone help?
Reply:I'm in the same boat too. but if I get the tweco I will be changing the gun out. I hate the fusion one.The way I see it, the tweco is $1200 (ish) and the lincoln is $999. Basic packages.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'm in a similar spot. I just sold my Miller Maxstar 140 to pick up a Tweco 141i and i'm debating to hold out for 220v unit.
Reply:Originally Posted by AekonThat definitely does not help my decision coz one minute I'm drooling over one and the next minute I'm drooling over the other Can anyone help?
Reply:Gamble, care to explain your position on the fusion gun?  I have owned the 211i for about a year now and have experiences no difficulties with this gun.  I do not weld for a living.  Aekon, either machine I think you will be happy with.  Best regards Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by rhuntGamble, care to explain your position on the fusion gun?  I have owned the 211i for about a year now and have experiences no difficulties with this gun.  I do not weld for a living.  Aekon, either machine I think you will be happy with.  Best regards Bob
Reply:Gamble, cost of consumables?  Pack of contact tips cost me $15.75 for pack of 25 (ws11-36) @ IOC.   You got to be kidding!!!  Best regards BobLast edited by rhunt; 01-07-2015 at 09:09 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI'm in the same boat too. but if I get the tweco I will be changing the gun out. I hate the fusion one.The way I see it, the tweco is $1200 (ish) and the lincoln is $999. Basic packages.
Reply:I have over the last three years bought a total of 8 thermal arc/tweco welders[6 181I 3 252I] and convinced a friend to buy one. In oct the dairy equipment dealer installing the rotary milking parlor bought a 252i six of the welders have fusion guns.The first two fusion guns the liners were cut to short causing problems replaced the liners and have had no problems since.  I pay $14.63 for a bag of ten fusion tips which is about 3 dollars more than the benard centerfire tips which are on the are on the other four welders.The liners on the fusion and benard guns have to be cut just a little longer as the tip has to compress the liner.  Most of our welding is done with flux core wire and we go thru a lot of tips. Changing over to solid wire using same liner is no problem we just start with a new tip.I have no use for a dual voltage unit [ I had a Miller 130] the 181i are real portable so are the 252I with the cylinder cart two people can load the 252i into my pickup or the back of a gator with the bottle removed.  I only run ten pound spools of wire.Also the connector for the mig gun and tig  is the same one on the front of the welder not a afterthought  like the other two.
Reply:Originally Posted by rhuntGamble, cost of consumables?  Pack of contact tips cost me $15.75 for pack of 25 (ws11-36) @ IOC.   You got to be kidding!!!  Best regards Bob
Reply:Gamble, you are correct on the confused-hell that's not new!  Ha ha.  Those tips are for the spool gun.  I did purchase packs of ten each in vts-30 & vts-35 from Bakers but can't find that invoice but I don't remember it being expensive.  Just saying.  Best regards Bob
Reply:Hey, to make it easier , skip them both and buy a MILLER 211
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Hey, to make it easier , skip them both and buy a MILLER 211
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Hey, to make it easier , skip them both and buy a MILLER 211
Reply:You also have made in China vs assembled in Mexico.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by AekonMiller 211 actually made it to the podium till Lincoln took a knock out swing at it and knocked it  off the podium
Reply:Originally Posted by AekonHmm, so availability was your deciding factor ...In my case, both machines are right there in the store next to each other. That definitely does not help my decision coz one minute I'm drooling over one and the next minute I'm drooling over the other Can anyone help?
Reply:My buddy has an everlast tig/stick plasma. It is boner inspireing. My next welder purchase will be a weldall180
Reply:That is a tough choice, i love both of those machines, but i found that it was easier to get service on the Lincoln Power MIG 210MP over the Thermal Arc Fabricator 211i and the Lincoln had a better warranty and availability for parts at almost every welding store. Good luckSteve Hot Rod HooliganMiller Maxstar 200 STRCampbell Housfeld Flux Core 80
Reply:I have a Tweco 211i, I have done SMAW and MIG with it, I love it.  I do not have any experience with the others in the class, but I would try to weld with them and pick what welds the best for you.  I know that that is not always the easiest to find available to try machines, but it is the best way.  I held out for Lincoln for a LONG time and finally had to get a machine so I purchased the Tweco.  I was actually pissed when the Lincoln came out, but I still feel that after reading the reviews the Tweco was a better choice for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by nomoreusmcMy buddy has an everlast tig/stick plasma. It is boner inspireing. My next welder purchase will be a weldall180