multiprocess?

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Hi. I am looking at buying this multiprocess welder:http://store.cyberweld.com/mixmt350mi.htmlI will be using it mostly for fabrication. Is there any cons about getting a multiprocess welder instead of buying the GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, FCAW and CAC-A separte? I think this is a good price for the setup, what do you think? Any help or comments would be great! Thanks, Steve.
Reply:Howdy Howdy!!  That price is a good price, on a good setup.  There are some features that differ between the manufacturers.  Lincoln has a competing machine and pretty much the differences are in programming, like pulse on pulse, and pulse features for mig.  The miller neads an external pulse controller for those features.  costs about another 900$.  If that's something you feel you nead.  I have Lincolns competing model.  the Invertec V-350 Pro with advanced process module.  It rocks.  I'm sure you would be very pleased with your purchase.  In tig mode, it will be pretty basic, except with lift arc start or similar.  Still, it will provide a very nice arc, being an inverter machine.  DC only, so not all that practical for alot of alluminum, unless you went with a push pull cabinet setup for mig mode.  Mig should be fantastic, arc characteristics on both of these machines are sweet, from everything I have heard.  my machine has a hot start feature and arc control feature too, lets me adjust arc shape for the Smaw mode.  Both machines COULD do carbon arc gouging, but everyone I have talked too would recomend avoiding this process as much as possible.  It is very harsh on machines, ALL machines, and supposably should be reserved for 3 phase units rates at 100% duty cycle and the such.  This part is all here say on CAC.  I paid 2,000 for my machine used, with 1 yr left on warrunty.  i am exstaticly pleased with my inverter multi process machine.  I'm sure you will be too.  The second generation inverters are much much better then the 1st generation machines.   My question for you, what is your primary use? or principle welding projects?  Me, I am a weekend warrior or sorts.  setting up my shop right now.  This was the biggest-best-highest tech machine I could get for 1 phase 240 volt power.  Both the miller XMT 350, and Lincoln Invertec V-350 are great machines.  If you were to get a single process machine, you would probably get more features for that process at a lower cost per weld.  Tig in particular.  when miller or lincoln get an inverter multi-process machine that also has AC with HF for the tig part, THAT will be amazing!  Take care, feel free to msg about my setup, if you curious.  I'd like to here about your shop sometime   Brian Lee  Sparkeee24   welcome to the forum!