First welder: MIG or multi-process?

[PhantomEB]

A decent one step up above anything you ever will do MIG will do anything you need.

I brought a brand new Miller 175 over a decade ago. Only now I want to upgrade it to a 211 auto set but it will be a OA set up just cause it’s pennies to buy and once it’s away in the corner, it’s always there. Next will be some AC/DC TIG/stick machine from amazon. Won’t bother with anything that can’t do square wave or doesn’t come with a foot pedal.

THEN i will go to a bigger MIG machine. Doesn’t have to be Autoset either.

 

[c39er]

I bought a Miller XMT 304 DC Inverter with a 4 roll 64 series feeder..
I use it a lot for DC Tig and Mig. Sometimes 6011 stick. No aluminun unless I was to get a spool gun.
It's been a great machine for doing my Tig and Mig work. Costly though.

 

[xman_charl]

everlast powerarc 200sti

Been burning metal for several days with this.

My observations:

very smooth...
low cost
1/8 6013 , 80 amps, 1/8 bed frame junk


my welders

aph not very good for stick
everlast 251sli
everlast 200sti

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Charl

 

[ggerickson]

I want to thank everybody for chiming in and sharing their experience.

I really am surprised at how close the poll came out; I was honestly expecting a larger swing one way or the other.

Decision isn't 100%, but I think some of the comments have swayed me towards the multi-process since I was already considering it. (Or at least they didn't scare me away from it!)

Didn't have a chance to get to the one welding shop nearby over the weekend, but will now start researching in-depth on my options and see if one stands out above the others or if I get to run another poll!

 

[Steveodle]

Taught welding in the local h.s. until 2 yrs. Ago.
Buy a big 3 brand, mig welder,225 amps or more.
You'll spend some hrs. Perfecting your gun technique and speed.
Use the settings provided on the WELDERS AND SAVE YOUSELF MANY HOURS OF LEARNING!
There are plenty of variables without running around like the proverbial chicken with the head off.
I purchased all blue WELDERS 6 Miller 240v 225 amp min WELDERS, they held up better and were easier for them to use.
Also several great websites that can help you learn and fine tune.
Master one of the types, the others will come easier.
Tip--find Jodie on the tube.

If you do nothing right,you'll do nothing wrong!

 

[Farmallgray]

Miller is coming out with a new machine that they debuted at SEMA. It is aimed at the hobbyist and will do AC/DC TIG, stick and MIG. I haven't seen the price but I'm guessing it will be in the $2000-$3000 range. If you can afford it, it would cover all the bases. I forget what brand it is, but one of the import companies also makes one that will do it all. Many of the other hobby grade multi process machines won't do AC TIG which you would only need for aluminum.

I personally just bought an Alpha TIG because I wanted to get better at TIG for aluminum and stainless. If it works out OK, I'll probably sell my old Lincoln 225 buzz box. I have the use of a Miller 130 MIG that belongs to my Dad. I'm planning to eventually get 240V MIG that will do up to 1/2" steel.

 

[Joe69]

My personal opinion is to learn to stick weld first. It's too easy to make a "decent" looking Mig weld, without it actually penetrating. If you can stick weld, Mig is easy.
I've been welding for 30+ years, both professionally and at home. Stick welding teaches you what to watch and look for. If you don't stick weld correctly, it's obvious with the finished product.