Question re multiprocess machines vs dedicated machines

[BrianTN]

Hi there, I have a question for welders here. I've been using a basic 110v Lincoln Mig for about 10 years now. It has worked well for me as I use it for hobbies and I am not a professional; I'll never lay a weld for $. Lately I've been considering getting something better for potential projects in the near future (like a bumper for my truck). At the top of my list is a Millermatic 211. The rub is I want to try Tig and stick, as well as purchase a plasma cutter. Since I only weld for a hobby and repairing random items of mine, would it make sense to buy better, dedicated machines at a higher end price or pickup one of the multiprocess machines?

I'm thinking maybe a real nice Mig (like the 211) as that will be what I use 90% of the time, and a 3 in 1 so that I can mess around with Tig and stick when I feel like it, but primarily use the plasma cutter in the machine. Any thoughts? Are the plasma cutters decent in these 3 in 1 machines, such as Everest MultiPro 205? I probably won't need to cut over 3/8". Or possibly a nice Mig and plasma cutter, then a decent Tig/stick that I find at a bargain used?

 

[Rock knocker]

In the past, multiprocess machines primarily meant CC/CV ( wire-feed - stick -TIG ). Machines that included plasma cutters were near the edge of their capabilities. As such, they were not built or marketed by the big domestic name brands. I still believe that the "Bigs" do not believe that plasma is capably packaged with a welding machine. As the process hard- and soft-ware becomes more capable, this may change.

Right now, I would not buy a machine that included plasma. But there are many that use and trust Everest, and they seem like a (fairly) reputable company with (fairly?) good products.

Another thing to think about is the effort to change from cutting to welding. After owning a Shopsmith, I've decided that a single function machine is generally the way to go, but I do own and am very happy with a TD 181i CC/CV welding machine and covet a big jointer planer.

 

[zkling]

Unless you spend BIG bucks, multiprocess machines almost always give up one important feature, usually AC tig; as is the case with the one you are looking at.

IMHO quality welding equiptment is an investment that holds fairly resonable value even used (if in good condition).

 

[Strouty]

I would buy the 211 (I own one), then look for an older tig/stick machine as they are usually very dependable and quite reasonably priced. I have no experience with the little tig machines, but I would definitely buy a dedicated plasma cutter. It would be awesome to have an all in one that worked flawlessly, currently I know of none.

 

[BrianTN]

Thanks, guys. I'm pretty set on a Millermatic 211 and a dedicated plasma cutter. Maybe a Hypertherm Powermax 30 or 45. I'll skip on a tig and stick for the time being.

 

[ibedayank]

you can design a machine to do one thing very well or do 4 things half ***.. you choose

 

[Rock knocker]

you can design a machine to do one thing very well or do 4 things half ***.. you choose

It's not that hard or expensive to make a CC/CV machine, that takes care of three processes