Multi Process Welders

[jrock]

I'm looking at a TIG/Stick/MIG machine. I've come across the millermatic 200. What are some thoughts? Other recommendations?

I want an TIG but also a wirefeed. I notice the millermatic 200 is not an AC welder, is that a big concern? I would think it would be.

[junya92toy]

No ac, means no tigging aluminum. So I wouldnt bother getting it.
Id stick with a tig welder, and a mig.

[jrock]

What about the Miller Dynasty 200dx? Or what TIG would be recommended?

[junya92toy]

I have that tig welder

[hansi530]

ive herd that the multi purpose ones aren't that great the people ive talked to said there great for little art stuff but for heavier duty stuff they dont work that well but correct me if im wrong thats just what i herd from people but i have never used one my self

[Dr Phat]

If your just welding mild steel and not trying to do anything fancy or make something where you need very precise heat control like making high end roll cage I would just stick with MIG welders and get a nice plasma cutter if you really want.

[jrock]

Actually, I guess it was this one:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/product.php?model=M00337
Thoughts on it? I see its not a stick welder.

The dynasty is what I and my buddy want but this is the price he can afford.

Me and my buddy are really interested in learning to TIG. Not just for the precision but for the versatility and strength. I want to make brackets and he's looking for the cleanliness for RC cars and aluminum.

[Rockdiver]

Jrock,   I have the millermatic 200 wire feed . I love it . I have had it for 20 plus years and no problems. I just use it for steel .   I bought a Syncrowave 200 at the tulare farm show. It works great on the alum and can do stick. you might go to the farm show and try one out . They will let you weld with all the welders during the show. You can buy a slide rule from fresno oxygen or similar stores that tells you the amperages for the different thicknesses and welds . I found out that alum took higher amperages than i would have thought .  and that when cutting you need special cut wheels and grinding stones and very clean alum.   Good luck

[TacoRunner]

No on multi process. No AC welding is sucky for that much money.

[junya92toy]

Jrock,   I have the millermatic 200 wire feed . I love it . I have had it for 20 plus years and no problems. I just use it for steel .   I bought a Syncrowave 200 at the tulare farm show. It works great on the alum and can do stick. you might go to the farm show and try one out . They will let you weld with all the welders during the show. You can buy a slide rule from fresno oxygen or similar stores that tells you the amperages for the different thicknesses and welds . I found out that alum took higher amperages than i would have thought .  and that when cutting you need special cut wheels and grinding stones and very clean alum.   Good luck

Amps and volts will always change, a ruler doesnt really help. Yes it gets you close but as you learn to weld, you just know what to set the welder at for certain metals, weld joints etc.

welders are like grinders, I have 3 grinders, I should get another one. I dont want to have to waste time switching back and forth.

[jrock]

Rockdiver, it would be bad a$$ to try each welder before purchase. Ill keep that show in mind.

Taco, do you mean, "it sucks without AC"? If so, then yes, yes it does

Junya, i am real close to buying a second grinder. I change from cutting to grinding every 30 seconds. It hasn't gotten to that annoyance point yet.


So, it looks like the Diversion 180 is in line with what we're talking about. Im just a bit concerned with the lack of adjustments available on the welder and the low duty cycle. Opinions?

[junya92toy]

Duty cycle doesnt matter. You wont ever be welding so much it will. You will have to stop, get more filler metal, re position, or just make short welds. I have never had any of my welders cut out from a duty cycle problem. 
As for the lack of adjustments, DC, only thing there is amps, no biggest, as for AC you will just be learning, so its fine. YOu can make great welds with a preset setting, you wont be welding anything crazy like air plane stuff or whatever.

[TacoRunner]

Rockdiver, it would be bad a$$ to try each welder before purchase. Ill keep that show in mind.

Taco, do you mean, "it sucks without AC"? If so, then yes, yes it does

Junya, i am real close to buying a second grinder. I change from cutting to grinding every 30 seconds. It hasn't gotten to that annoyance point yet.


So, it looks like the Diversion 180 is in line with what we're talking about. Im just a bit concerned with the lack of adjustments available on the welder and the low duty cycle. Opinions?

I just dont see the point in spending the money on a multi process. Without the AC welding its just not worth it. You may at that point get the biggest MIG Lincoln offers that has a TIG built into it. And no it has no AC. At that point its not a Multi because there is no Stick but then you have the two must important types of welders.(most important in offroad) Stick very valueable in structural welding.

[junya92toy]

Dual shield is better for structural, its used more now.

[TacoRunner]

Dual shield is better for structural, its used more now.

Is that in shop or in field?

[jrock]

Is that in shop or in field?

I believe thats both.