advice needed about about 3 in one dc inverters

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I have a trailblazer 250 equiped with HF box,(did some warrenty repairs for tracker boats). Iam wanting to buy a small tig/stick for shop work. I like the miller maxstars but would like to find something more affordable. I have seen many off brand machines that are plasma, tig, and stick. DC inverters. Are these machines worth having or a waste of time? any info will be greatly appreciated...thanks
Reply:I have no experience with the low-cost machines you mention, but do keep in mind that the Miller Maxstars are DC-only therefore no AC for aluminum TIG. I have a Maxstar 150 and can verify that it is an excellent little machine.Before I'd buy one of the cheap HF-type machines, I'd search e-Bay and Craigslist for a used pro-class machine. I purchased my Maxstar off Craigslist and couldn't be more pleased with it. John
Reply:Look back thru the old posts.I think youll find out all you need to know about the 3 in 1 machines.
Reply:I'd buy a used Maxstar off eBay long before I bought something cheap when it comes to these kinds of machines.
Reply:Originally Posted by brh1969Look back thru the old posts.I think youll find out all you need to know about the 3 in 1 machines.
Reply:I've never used them either but Millers XMT304 is an excellent dc inverter power source for mig, tig and stick. It also has a lot of options available as add ons such as hf (your existing hf box may work) pulse for mig and tig and comes with lift arc tig as well which Miller claims eliminates the need for hf. If I get time tomorrow I will be able to tell you how well it works since I took the book away from the guy at my LWS today and showed him the collets and bodies it needed. Who woulda thunk they wouldn't know which parts fit a weld-craft 17 torch, lol. Spent a week waiting on them to get more of the wrong parts in and they had what I needed the whole time.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Here's a thread where I gave my input on my 3 in 1 machine.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=19153I love mine and is great for a hobbiest but for a buisness I would go for a brand name.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:Thanks for the input guys.... I really want a maxstar.....I read and hear about guys finding them used for 400 to 600. Everyone I run across is 1000 +++. If anyone hears about a deal please let me know...Again thanks.