Portable 220/110 all in one unit w/ plasma. Why not ??

admin

I've lost touch a little with the newest and greatest of the welding industry over the last couple years.  I hear talk of the new Esab Rebel and it sounds cool.  This post isn't for the Rebel tho.  It did get me thinking, has anyone come out with a portable unit that covers Stick, AC/DC Tig, Mig, AND a plasma cutter?   It seems the technology to weld and cut with a small portable unit is here, why doesn't a manufacturer make a truly all- inclusive machine ??  Thanks.
Reply:I think Ralph Cramden from the honeymooners is working on that...lol...you would think its possible, but is it worth it? having some processes separate is more convenient than all together , and who but a hobbyist would buy it, noone that makes $$ will want to put all there eggs in one basket, so when it breaks your outa business till its fixed..I rather have separate units even as a hobbyist... and to put it all in 1 unit that will have large capacity would be quiet expensive...and quality...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Because they are never reliable. And if your machine goes down then you lost all welding and cutting abilities.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:All good points. To me, it would be another "tool in the toolbox."  Having multiple ways to cut and weld is a must.
Reply:Jim Colt here walked thru the reasons why combo machines with plasma regularly fail. The short form is the electronics just aren't compatible with each other. Combine that with the fact these machines are usually made as cheaply as possible to meet a bottom dollar price, and it's easy to understand why this just isn't a good idea..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:For example, I was thinking if you take a Maxstar 150 and Spectrum 375 and put them side by side.  You can separate the internals so the welding side is separate from the cutting side.  I can think of a few times it would've been nice to have one 220 plug and the ability, at the push of a button, to go from stick to plasma.  Heck, even if they had just the DC machine with plasma.  A rig truck needs oxy/acyl but you could justify the cost savings because many jobs are light material --idk, id buy one.
Reply:See post #17:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...arc-tig-plasma"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I think the cost factor probably has a large impact on this also. Most hobby welders will save up their toy money to buy, and would rather save up say $1000 buy a welder then start over to save another $1000 for the plasma. To save $2000 for one machine for $1800 that would do both they would lose interest in the hobby and move on. The professional is going to want separate machines so two people can be working at the same time instead of one worker waiting for the other to get done so he can work. Just my thoughts.Mike
Reply:I had no idea the electronics were completely different.  I read that #17 post, Oldendum -thanks.  I understand cost of equipment and markets.  If they could get the electronics right, it would be cool to see a plasma attachment.  They have stick, mig and tig units, if they could get a plasma to work, the maker would have a flood of sales.
Reply:That Post 17 was by Jim Colt, Applications Technology Manager at Hypertherm.  He's a frequent contributor here and has been in the plasma business a looong time.NASA could probably build a no-compromise all-in-one, but it would be the size of the space capsule and cost billions. "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumThat Post 17 was by Jim Colt, Applications Technology Manager at Hypertherm.  He's a frequent contributor here and has been in the plasma business a looong time.NASA could probably build a no-compromise all-in-one, but it would be the size of the space capsule and cost billions.