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I'm about to start saving for my first welder and am intrigued by the multiprocess welders I have seen.  Right now I'm limited to 110v but want a machine that can do 220 as well for when I can get 220 wiring ran.  My uses will be generally farm related, though I have a couple old vehicles I'm looking to restore that'll need body work.  There's the possibility of welding aluminum at some point. Anyway, I'm just curious as to your thoughts on these welders. I am impressed with the convenience and less space required by these multi units, since I could possibly do everything in 2 or 3 units as opposed to 4 or 5, including cutting.  However, have heard some concerns about their reliability and the companies that sell them.  So, here's the question.  Am I a fool for looking at these and should look at, say, Hobart equipment or are they worth it?Last edited by jte87; 02-11-2014 at 03:23 PM.Reason: typo
Reply:Re-read your post."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Which part?
Reply:You didn't mention any name brands besides Hobart- which is a good choice. I assume since you left out the brand names they are not TOP brands but one of the Chinese imports that are Mig/Tig/Plasma machines. Some people have good luck with the imports but most do not. The Hobart 210MVP would be an excellent dual voltage machine to start with. You can also look for a used Buzz box.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Yes, there's a reason why. The 2 main ones I've heard about are sponsors. Not to mention any names, but people know who I'm referencing I'm sure.  I'm trying to avoid this getting moved to their respective forums where it might be censored or deleted.I know Miller makes some multiprocess, but I could just about buy a mig, tig, and  plasma cutter from Hobart for the same price.
Reply:I've been very impressed with this multiprocess welder. But it's made by an up start company.  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:Avoid any unit that includes a plasma cutter. These seem to have the most issues.Almost all multifunction machines are DC only. ( Miller made an industrial AC/DC multi purpose machine years ago and that's the only one I'm aware of) That means your only option for alum is really mig using a spool gun ( DC tig with 100% helium isn't really a "learners" procedure and it usually works best with thicker sections) Don't even bother with alum stick.So what you are looking at is a machine that can do mig on steel, and mig alum if you get the spoolgun, DC stick for steel, and DC tig for steel and stainless. Note that not all multi process machines will allow you to use a pedal for tig, and many require you to use a torch with a gas valve to turn on and off the gas. If you want these options, you usually have to step up to the higher end units to do so. The ability to be dual voltage will also cut your options and increase price. Remember on 110v power most are severely limited. 90 amps is typically the most you get on 110v with stick and tig off a dedicated 20 amp line, and 140 amps is the max on mig. That limits you to roughly 1/8" material in mig, 3/32" with tig, and 3/16"-1/4" with stick at best. You really need to run these on 230v if you expect to get any kind of decent output and duty cycle despite what the literature might say.I'm not 100% sold yet on the lower end homeowner machines. To me the upper end ones are too much money vs what you can get for individual units if you shop smart used. The lower end ones are sort of limiting. Now I've used the industrial multiprocess machines like the XMT 304's and they are great. However we aren't comparing apple to apples any more.Now if you want to do AC tig, you will have to look at a dedicated AC/DC tig machine. Most have more options and abilities than the multi purpose units. That sort of kills the need for the stick and Dc tig part of the multi use machine. So you have spent a fair amount of money for a mig machine that is now way over priced. Best dual voltage 2 machine combo would be a Dynasty 200 for AC/DC tig/stick and a Passport plus or MM 211 for mig. However we are talking some very serious money, probably $5K+. Go 230v only and used and you could easily cut that cost to $2000-2500..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:One thing I noticed was that Miller has a 3 year warranty on their multiprocess machines.  The Everlast says 5.  The company that says they have a better warranty than Miller has 1 on their multiprocess machines.
Reply:@ jte87 - cheaper, stronger, better.  Pick 2 of 3.  AVOID any multi-unit that combines Plasma Cutting.  The "internals" to do welding/plasma in a single package are not optimized.  Think:  compromise --> problems --> retrograde.  Most humans think "multi" for welding (e.g. Miller XMT), and resolve to a separate unit for plasma cutting (e.g. Hypertherm PMs).  Choose your procurements wisely.....Last edited by ManoKai; 02-11-2014 at 06:37 PM.Reason: lexicon"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by jte87One thing I noticed was that Miller has a 3 year warranty on their multiprocess machines.  The Everlast says 5.  The company that says they have a better warranty than Miller has 1 on their multiprocess machines.
Reply:I prefer an extremely advanced multi purpose apparatus that covers it all with a relatively low learning curve.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Need 3 plazma , ac/dc stick n tig and a mig. no combo stuff.
Reply:Welding machines are like women . You can't expect one to give good results in all corners and if a multi purpose unit goes ill NOTHING gets done !When it comes to 'tools", polygamy is good.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Don't say that!  I've had such bad luck with women I'm thinking of moving to Belgium and becoming a Trappist Monk so I can brew(and consume) their beer.
Reply:I'm thinking a Tigweld 200 sx might fit the bill for the tig and stick welder.  After that, I'm looking at a Handler 210 mig and the AirForce 500I from Hobart.
Reply:Plasma I'd go Hypertherm hands down..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:Especially for farm work, I would forget the fancy inverters and find a used Lincoln Idealarc 250 or a used Miller Dialarc. Like others have said, I would stick with Lincoln or Miller. And if you do want to spend a bunch of money, that Lincoln V350 Pro CEP posted, is about the most awesome welder I have ever run!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:As stated, plasma, Hypertherm. Stick / tig , Miller 210 syncro, Mig, Miller 211. You could get by with the 211 and a AC/DC Thunderbolt stick welder.You could always check craigs list too depending on your location.
Reply:jte87,Everyone has an opinion and you asked so here is mine.  Growing up farming I have a good understanding of what the welder does on the farm and more importantly what it probably will not do.   What it will probably need to do most is make repairs on some dirty, greasy, painted, rusty piece of equipment five minutes before it needs to be in the field or repair something broke down in the field.   Check out craigslist, ebay or rental company sales list and find you a small engine driven unit you can use at the shed or set on the back of a pick-up with the skid steer and a set of forks and buy you 50# of fleetweld 5p+ 6010 electrodes and get good with them.  If you can find a clean enough place to get an arc started that rod will burn through most anything dirty and you will need that.   If you want to weld up some new steel buy some Excalibur 7018 electrodes and get good with them.   If you shop around you can be going for less than $1500 rods and gasoline included.   If you have your heart set on multi-process throw your 220 VAC breaker in the box before you even bring it home or you will be one sad cowboy.   If you still want that wire machine pick you up something like a Lincoln Pro Mig.   I have the 180 wired 220VAC and have welded for hours with .045 flux core and it never trip out.   You can also pick up a gas bottle, cart, and a good assortment of wire and tips and come out for less than $1100.00 and probably not even need that tig machine at all unless you are going thinner than 28 gauge.   Better buy you some flap disc however if you are planning on using it on equipment repairs because youll have to do some cleaning before you turn it on.   I guess what Im trying to say is its fun to ride in a flashy new sports car but its easier to farm in the old dependable truck.
Reply:I have been looking at a thermal arc 121i dual voltage unit.especially since there is a sale this weekend. the unit is $1199CDN. that and a free helmet offer makes this deal, that much sweeter.  I won't be buying the aluminum spoolgun right away since I've never done aluminum before.
Reply:Originally Posted by almacI have been looking at a thermal arc 121i dual voltage unit.especially since there is a sale this weekend. the unit is $1199CDN. that and a free helmet offer makes this deal, that much sweeter.  I won't be buying the aluminum spoolgun right away since I've never done aluminum before.
Reply:My 3 year warranty Thunderbolt has been running since '89 and my 3 year warranty Lincoln 140 has been running for 5 or 6 years now...Don't get so caught up in the warranty unless you buy a machine that is likely to give you problems. Some good advice in this thread from guys who know...GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by ExcaliburIf you are referring to the 211i let me know how that machine works for you.   Better check to see what all is included in the sale price.   Tig torch, foot pedal, regulator and hoses, mig gun, gas solenoid valve for both tig and mig?
Reply:Don't forget, Miller owns Hobart. I am a Miller man through and through but have used some Hobarts and can honestly say they are good machines at a much lower than Miller price. I bought my XMT 304 used and have put 8 good years of welding on it. For TIG AC/DC Dynasty is hard to beat, but this is an expensive line. You can get a good buzz box and a little TIG from Hobart for the price of a new XMT or Dynasty. Enjoy, you won't regret joining the club. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkUsing Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by arcmattDon't forget, Miller owns Hobart.If you know how to weld, any machine will do. The experience you pick up lets you know whats wrong, and how to overcome it.  If you are learning, or have welded less than a year continuously (welding once or twice a month doesn't cut it) then stick to the known name brands. Otherwise, you may try to weld through a machine problem that you do not recognize, and get frustrated/give up because it's too difficult, never knowing the problem was the machine (or the settings), not you.For this reason, voc tech or CC welding courses are ideal. You can use their materials and their welders, try out a wider variety of equipment and learn more than 1 process under esperienced guides. You will have a clearer idea of what you want.  When i started class, I fell in love with the Dynasty 200, and insisted that was what I was going to buy.  It took a while before i realized that the welding I will do, cannot be done by a dynasty. Now I am ordering a MM 252.  Self taught can be done, but so much easier to have an experienced guide. For what you want on the farm, stick will do. Tig maybe in the winter when you have more time, and mig/flux might work, but will take some cleaning - may not be ideal with farm equipment. Mig is, however, the easiest to learn.Last edited by Daeyel; 02-21-2014 at 02:02 AM.
Reply:See if you can make it out to Wes and Zap's Weld-o-Rama 3 in March. You'll see stuff there you won't see anywhere else and be taught by people you'll be lucky to know. And you'll learn more there in one day than in another arena.
Reply:One day, just not today. California is a bit of a haul.If I were only doing farm equipment, I would stick with a stick. I'm also looking at doing a couple automotive restorations and would need the tig.  From what I hear, they're better with the foot pedal. I've heard the pedals don't come with conversion kits for stick welders.
Reply:Late to the discussion, but I am a fan of multiple machines. Not because I believe there is anything inherently wrong with the multi process machines, but a more practical reason.I have a dryer plug - 40 amp, I use for my Lincoln mig and my little black H.F. tig/stick (gorgeous, smooth arc, by the way) and a 60 amp circuit for my miller 250.I enjoy the ability to be able to use more than one machine at a time when one of my son's comes over.I am, however considering the hybrid multi process machine from N.T. just for the cool factor and the spool gun.
Reply:I would not get an all in one machine. They are big, expensive, rarely 110v and when they break you are totally screwed.The burpee's non electronic welding+cutting and heating rig is the only kind of all in one I would buy. Originally Posted by GravelMy 3 year warranty Thunderbolt has been running since '89 and my 3 year warranty Lincoln 140 has been running for 5 or 6 years now...Don't get so caught up in the warranty unless you buy a machine that is likely to give you problems. Some good advice in this thread from guys who know...