It's not doing doing twice as much though. It's adding AC output and HF start to a $1250 Multimatic 215. I can assure you from a hardware perspective, it does not cost $1750 in components to add AC output to a DC inverter welder.
The current Multimatic 215 (which the 220 is far similar to design wise) is far cheaper. You can be all-in with the TIG package for around $1700, with a base price of $1250.
I don't like to lock into specific brands, as you get into situations like this where competitors offer a more compelling product for the same money. The Miller's TIG adjustment settings are very limited compared to the ESAB, and the duty cycle is shorter. I'm not going to pretend I don't have preferred brands, but if another brand has a product that offers performance/price that my preferred brand doesn't have, I'd jump ship.
So in this thread it has been claimed that the Multimatic 220 is a:
- Professional machine, targeted at professional users with a price to match
- Entry level machine, targeted at the home shop
- Niche machine with specific use cases, demanding a premium price
It can't be all three.
I'm sure it will be a good machine with excellent performance, but IMO it's just too expensive.
No one is forcing you to buy it. Your perspective is very valid. Lots of guys won't want to spend 3 large on a welder.
They are filling a demand on the market. People have been asking for one of these from Miller and Lincoln for a very long time.
It has the capacity of two separate machines. I don't understand why you don't think this. Yes, it is simply a small mig welder with AC and HF. An AC/DC TIG machine, and a DC CV wire welder. There aren't many of these out there. I would ordinarily have to buy TWO welders to do what this ONE machine can do.
I don't give a **** if it cost them a nickel more to make. Cost of manufacturing has very little to do with what something sells for. They charge this much because now you only buy one machine instead of two.
It is expensive. No two ways about it, but its not THAT expensive. Within a few dollars of the two Lincoln machines that have been DOMINATING the hobby shop market.
The Rebel 205ic, which isn't out yet, is expected to cost $2900. Everlast PowerMTS 221Sti is on Amazon for $2300, and it is a brand that is designed around CHEAP. We're talking a difference of only a few hundred dollars. As far as I know, these are the only machines on the market that have AC/DC CC and CV output. The Miller is at the top of the price point, but since when has Miller not been?
I'll say it. I don't like ESAB or Everlast. I own 5 Miller machines, and one Lincoln machine. Every time I've used an ESAB or an Everlast, I've been let down. That is my experience. I just don't like them. I depend on my welders to make my living, and I'm going with that works for me. Brand loyalty is very much a personal thing, no more than Chevy, Ford or Dodge. I buy Miller machines because they just work. They make me money. You may have a different perspective and that's OK. Lots of great welds have been made with ESAB and Everlast. But in my shop, I buy Miller, and occasionally Lincoln.
I plan to use a niche, hobby grade welder in a professional environment because it is cheap. The Dynasty 280 with a suitcase would do the same thing, but for 10 grand, and not near as portable. I want a cheap welder that can do AC tig and mig welding and I can put in my jobsite box and roll up to a job and start welding. This could be that machine.
It could be a total *************, I don't know. I'm just going on my past experience with Miller welders.
