Multiprocess Welders

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Does anyone have suggestions regarding multiprocess welders? Recently had my MM211 returned/refunded, but instead of doing a straight rebuy I am considering looking for something that will do MIG, TIG and stick. I have a budget of <$2,000. I saw the Thermal Arc Fabricators which looked okay. Only thing I'm really looking for is reliability and ability for both AC and DC TIG.
Reply:Nothing built now will do AC tig in a multiprocess. So forget that part..Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by Brand XNothing built now will do AC tig in a multiprocess. So forget that part..
Reply:I have the tweco 141i and longevity promts 200. I like both a lot. However longevity is coming out with a 252i dual voltage so that would be my first choice when it comes out. Otherwise the thermal arc 211i has gotten good reviews.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:Originally Posted by GambleI have the tweco 141i and longevity promts 200. I like both a lot. However longevity is coming out with a 252i dual voltage so that would be my first choice when it comes out. Otherwise the thermal arc 211i has gotten good reviews.
Reply:Last I heard they are both made in the same factory.From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:I like them. You can come try them both out. I am not far from you. Maybe 10-15 minTorchmate 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:The Thermal Arc 252i is a very nice unit but DC only and a bit more than you want to spend. Their 211i lacks some of the 252i's features but is much less $$$ and is dual-voltage. I will refrain from comment on the other brands.  Originally Posted by Brand XNothing built now will do AC tig in a multiprocess. So forget that part..
Reply:Consider two machines - HH 210 MVP and a used Thermal Arc 185 AC/dc. Good reviews on the TA and I really like the dual voltage on the Hobart, plus you can get a spool gun for it.  You'd have two machines and a backup in case one goes kaput and needs repair.  Should be able to come in under 2k without much searching.
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedThe Thermal Arc 252i is a very nice unit but DC only and a bit more than you want to spend. Their 211i lacks some of the 252i's features but is much less $$$ and is dual-voltage. I will refrain from comment on the other brands. AC mig too. They expanded the features on this module.. Must be quite the unit..http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...12-1/e5191.pdfWell, not quite...http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...olnElectric%29The bad news: about 12 grand with power source and feeder. John
Reply:Have you figured out whether you have a power quality issue with your generator or cord yet? Might want to  look into that before purchasing something new considering that Miller said your last machine was working fine when tested in their shop but it failed with your setup.If your still going to look at a MP machine, I was checking out the 252i. Its in your pricerange and is a pretty decent unit from most accounts.
Reply:How old is ur geny? I cant run my HH140 on older geny. Think it cant supply stable enough power.HH140---------------------------https://www.facebook.com/brandon.pike.9
Reply:Buy a Lincoln TM-300 Tig & a LN -25 , will do it all . cheep.
Reply:i bought a TA211i a few days ago, on sale for $1149CDN. i haven't had a chance to fire it up yet(its' REALLY cold outside @ -21c with 3 feet of snow), however the build quality is quite fine. all the knobs and switches seem sturdy, and the interior drive rollers look sturdy enough.i got the kit without the tig setup. the tweco mig, ground clamp, and stinger look pretty durable.i can't really do a proper review of it until i use it. i can't wait till it warms up and the snow melts a bit, so i can finally fire her up.
Reply:8 total thermal arc  units I have or purchased for myself or dairys I work for.  Oldest welder is 28 months old newest is 1 month old  3 252 I, 5 181 I . I wouldn't even think about getting a dual voltage unit l have a mm211 its gathering dust the weld quality of the thermal arc  welders is a 100% better than the miller.We run the welders on a 5500 watt gen,or 7500 watt generators the 252 I is a little to much for the 7500 but we get the repair done . These are not the top end generators but the $1000 home depot generators .As for both welders being made in the same factory so be it I think the engineers at tewoc have a different set of standards then that other company.All the welders we purchased from a lws or from welder supply of Wisconsin.The only problem with any of the welders was a bent knob on my 252 I, and on the first fusion gun the liner was cut too short  causing feed issue if you don't believe me ask dyna Steve as he was cursing the welder out.My recommendation would be buy the tewoc welders only and from your lws..
Reply:Why do you guys suggest the LWS? I would never buy from my LWS. Why pay 9% tax when shipping is already included on most welders.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:Gamble I believe if you check your state tax laws you must pay your sales tax when you file your taxes a lot of states are going after congress to change the law that any out of state business  must collect the sales tax for the state you live iWhen I buy a welder from my lws  they check out of the box I insure everything is there and  no damage.
Reply:I will avoid tax by purchasing online. Also prices are cheaper than your LWS in most cases.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:Originally Posted by kevinacaronLast I heard they are both made in the same factory.
Reply:I have a Miller 304 and I love it.  Have had it for a few years now trouble free.
Reply:So I'm getting the impression that if one wants a fully capable suite of all three processes, they should get an AC/DC Tig+Stick machine and a straight up MIG machine. I'm looking at TIG machines like the Diversion 180, Thermal Arc 186 and Longevity 200EX, but they all have a max thickness rating of 3/16" or 1/4". Is this an absolute max or just a single pass max?
Reply:What are you welding?Everything depends on prep. Bevel, material, amount of passes, gas etc.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:Has anyone seen this machine Miller sells overseas?    No A/C output, but it looks like a nifty little 200 amp unit along the lines of the Thermal Arc 3-in-1's...  I'm not much of a wire welding guy, but if a good name brand put an AC side on a machine like this I would definitely put it near the top of my shopping list!
Reply:Hello kestrel452, there is one other option that hasn't been mentioned here yet. If you are willing to go with a used machine Miller built a machine called a "Shopmaster 300 AC/DC" this machine in conjunction with the Miller HF251D-1 High Frequency Arc Starter would allow you full multi-welding capability. These power sources will do GTAW, SMAW, FCAW w & w/o gas, and GMAW. They can also do pedal controlled GTAW of AC/DC current with HF with the addition of the high frequency control add-on. You might have to hunt a bit, but you'll have a truly multi-function machine in one basic package. So keep your eyes open and you never know. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:1+ for the miller shopmaster i have one and love it!_______________________OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY... I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIMEOriginally Posted by AdvanHas anyone seen this machine Miller sells overseas?    Attachment 633791No A/C output, but it looks like a nifty little 200 amp unit along the lines of the Thermal Arc 3-in-1's...  I'm not much of a wire welding guy, but if a good name brand put an AC side on a machine like this I would definitely put it near the top of my shopping list!
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleWhat are you welding?Everything depends on prep. Bevel, material, amount of passes, gas etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by aevaldHello kestrel452, there is one other option that hasn't been mentioned here yet. If you are willing to go with a used machine Miller built a machine called a "Shopmaster 300 AC/DC" this machine in conjunction with the Miller HF251D-1 High Frequency Arc Starter would allow you full multi-welding capability. These power sources will do GTAW, SMAW, FCAW w & w/o gas, and GMAW. They can also do pedal controlled GTAW of AC/DC current with HF with the addition of the high frequency control add-on. You might have to hunt a bit, but you'll have a truly multi-function machine in one basic package. So keep your eyes open and you never know. Good luck and best regards, Allan
Reply:Originally Posted by kestrel452Well see that's basically my question. Can I get past the 1/4" max thickness rating by doing multiple passes and/or beveling if necessary? I don't know much about TIG.