What should I do?

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Hopefully this is an ok spot to post this question. I currently have a Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC stick machine and a Hobart 125 EZ flux core machine. I also have a Weld-Tec scratch start TIG torch for the Lincoln. I've never used it though; it came with the stick machine. I'm thinking of consolidating down to one machine. What should I do?1.  Sell everything and buy a decent MIG setup2.  Sell the Hobart and buy a tank to learn TIG3.  Sell the TIG attachment and Hobart and buy a gas shield machineI'm kind of stuck. I enjoy my stick machine.  I'd really like to have the ability to weld thin steel and thick steel both. I'd also like to be able to consolidate down to one machine. I really don't enjoy welding with the flux core machine. It very "spattery". What's your opinion?  I'm only a hobby welder, and not a great one at that. I'm learning though. I'd just like to be decent at one process.
Reply:If you want to "consolidate", I'd look at one of the newer multiprocess machines like the new Thermal arcs or the Miller Multimatic 200. They will do mig, stick and DC tig. They aren't "cheap" however, though they aren't bad when you look at what two similarly powered migs and tigs would set you back..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:What about this one?http://www.amazon.com/Thermadyne-W10...process+welderMauricio
Reply:For a little more money you can get the TA 211i with a better duty cycle and multivoltage capacity (115/230V single phase)  ($1135) The Miller 200 multimatic offert less duty cycle for more money and got multivoltage capacity too ($1795) Well she's "Assembled" in USAEsab Mutimaster 160, don't be affraid about the low numbers this one have the best duty cycle of all of them with 160A at 60%! The lower price I seen for one of those was a bit over $2000 but it's a industrial machineThen you got the rest....Well those with limited support...Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:Maybe consolidate was the wrong word. I'd just like to have a single machine that can weld relatively thin material to relatively thick material.  Honestly, while I love dreaming about those multi process machines, they are way overkill for what I'd ever do with them. I guess what I'm really wondering, should I sell everything and buy a decent gas shielded mig and be done, or sell the flux core and learn to TIG. Is it worth setting up the scratch start TIG?
Reply:Sell that flux core stuff.  Keep the Lincoln AC/DC.   You already own it and one day if you have some thick stuff or need to weld in the wind, you can use that box.   Remember, its always better to have and not need, than to need and no have.  In the mean time, go buy  a Miller 211.  That's my .02 cents worth of opinion.  Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:A Milermatic 211 is a pretty sweet machine. I think regardless of what I ultimately end up with, I'm going to sell the flux core machine. I just don't like welding with it. Is scratch start TIG worth learning, or should I sell the gun?
Reply:If you're a hobby guy with limited need to ever do thin Aluminum, you can't go wrong with a 250 amp class MIG.Stick welding is much more fun, but do you think you'll ever really need to weld thicker than 1/4" steel in a single pass?Mig can do very thin sheet metal, thick stuff and even braze.I'd look for a used MIG, major brand, and sell both machines you have.  IMHO.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Brian.EvansMaybe consolidate was the wrong word. I'd just like to have a single machine that can weld relatively thin material to relatively thick material.  Honestly, while I love dreaming about those multi process machines, they are way overkill for what I'd ever do with them. I guess what I'm really wondering, should I sell everything and buy a decent gas shielded mig and be done, or sell the flux core and learn to TIG. Is it worth setting up the scratch start TIG?
Reply:Definitely keep the stick.           You won't get much for the rest in my area.Like stated, go get the MILLER 211 or if you got a few more bucks the 212 !