I have a 140 handler Hobart which has been a great little welder for me working on my car. Thickest I have to deal with is 1/8 mild steel. I'd like to have TIG capability, no use for stick, and am debating between a dedicated TIG or a multi process. I've looked at Hobart Multi process 200, and ESAB online and would like to stay under $1500 for a multi process then stumbled on the Primeweld Brand. My thoughts were sell the Hobart and get a multi process welder that would cover TIG. AC Tig isn't really needed for me, but sure if it's in there ok. Ability to run on 110 is important, I don't have a 220 outlet right now but guess I could share the circuit my heater is on which is 50amp 220, just a pain to wire it up. Primeweld 225 and their the Primeweld 200 3in1 multi process machines that look nice. I talked with Primeweld and they thought best to run either machine on 30amp circuit unless I keep the amps lower than make. I have 20 amp which runs the Hobart fine on the highest setting. Both the Primeweld machines are what I would call feature rich MIG although the multi process is lift start for TIG. So what are your thoughts on pro's and con's of the alternatives. They also have a less expensive TIG only.
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Multi Process or Dedicated TIG?
- Thread starter srode
- Start date
goblue1998
Well-known member
Lift arc isn’t great. Hf start is much better. I would suggest dedicated tig and keep the Hobart handler.
Narrowed choice to Primeweld 225x or Alpha 203Xi now. I can't find anything online comparing these two that's much of a review. Guessing either would be fine. AHP improved their warranty support to match Primeweld free shipping both ways. For being less experienced with TIG seems the Alpha canned settings may be the better choice, not to mention less expensive. I might give them a call with a few questions to see what customer support feels like. Primeweld answered immediately and was helpful when I called.
finn
Well-known member
I kept my HTP 120v machine when I bought my HTP Invertig 201. I just bought a Miller Multimatic 220, which is a multiprocess machine with ac dc tig. I was originally planning on selling the HTP mig, but I think I will p
keep it as a spare, since it works well and I’m comfortable with it. Too bad that, being a transformer machine, it’s pretty heavy and thus not all that portable.
I also have the Primeweld 225x tig machine at another location, and it seems like a good machine for the price, although it lacks the auto set features of the Miller. Can’t beat it for the price, though.
keep it as a spare, since it works well and I’m comfortable with it. Too bad that, being a transformer machine, it’s pretty heavy and thus not all that portable.
I also have the Primeweld 225x tig machine at another location, and it seems like a good machine for the price, although it lacks the auto set features of the Miller. Can’t beat it for the price, though.
I would be looking at a Just Tig unit. Make sure the unit has HF start (saves money over time in tungsten annd just easier to use) and the ability to use a pedal. Both of those will make a huge difference in your welds and ease of use.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Not a fan of multiprocess as most are only DC TIG and the only thing I ever TIG is aluminum which requires AC. Until the new HTP Revolution came out there really was no multiprocess machines as this is the only one that I know of that has AC/DC TIG along with all the other stuff. For the dedicated TIG I'd go with Primeweld as their customer service is unbeatable.
Not a fan of multiprocess as most are only DC TIG and the only thing I ever TIG is aluminum which requires AC. Until the new HTP Revolution came out there really was no multiprocess machines as this is the only one that I know of that has AC/DC TIG along with all the other stuff. For the dedicated TIG I'd go with Primeweld as their customer service is unbeatable.
The Multimatic 220 does AC TIG (along with all the other processes) but you pay a pretty penny for it. I'm fairly certain ESAB has a model that does the lot of em' too.
finn
Well-known member
Miller Multimatic 220 I just bought is ac dc capable, and Lincoln has one too.Not a fan of multiprocess as most are only DC TIG and the only thing I ever TIG is aluminum which requires AC. Until the new HTP Revolution came out there really was no multiprocess machines as this is the only one that I know of that has AC/DC TIG along with all the other stuff. For the dedicated TIG I'd go with Primeweld as their customer service is unbeatable.
I think ESAB is on board also.
Big price jump from a lift arc capable machine, but these have HF start included
Edit. Nemo types faster than I do, but he has the same info!
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
Since you already have the Hobart, I'd keep that and get a dedicated TIG. Preferably one with high frequency start, but not necessary.
I don't like multi-use tools because if one thing is down, you've lost everything. If you only use tools occasionally, that might not be a big consideration.
I don't like multi-use tools because if one thing is down, you've lost everything. If you only use tools occasionally, that might not be a big consideration.
ESAB Rogue 180iPro is a great set up. Dual voltage, stick and TIG DC only. Lift TIG is just fine but scratch TIG. Is worth avoiding. The pedal control is worth the extra investment and it really makes that unit come alive. Multiple YouTube’s on. 18 pounds and really powerful. It would stay under your $1500 ceiling.
joe_padavano
Well-known member
The saying "jack of all trades, master of none" comes to mind. I've had an AlphaTIG for about 4 years now. Zero issues. I did upgrade to a real foot pedal from the POS they were shipping at the time I got mine. New ones come with the better pedal now.