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welders: MIG only or MIG/TIG multiprocess?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by smslavin, Apr 15, 2019.

  1. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:08 PM
    #1
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    so, working with @ColoradoTJ the other day has gotten me more motivated to have a welding machine here at the house. need a little input.

    start with a MIG only setup? jump headfirst into the shallow end and grab a multiprocess MIG/TIG? work with MIG for awhile, sell it, then get the multiprocess machine? do i even need a TIG setup for what might be done with our trucks?

    general air here in denver has 3 hour long 'hobbyist' classes for each process on saturdays. planning on taking both.
     
  2. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:13 PM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    ESAB has some pretty kick ass machines for around 1800.00 that will do whatever a hobbyist would do.
     
  3. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:15 PM
    #3
    Azblue

    Azblue Beer is Good Ban Moderator

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    The Dirty T
    I've been welding for 30 years, never as a job, mostly for fun. Anyways, my old machine finally died so I'm looking too.
    I don't do it often enough to justify the cost of a big name brand so I've been looking at the new multi Vucan units at Harbor Freight. I know they're not near the quality of say a Miller, but they are getting some pretty good reviews.
     
    Watt maker and smslavin[OP] like this.
  4. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:20 PM
    #4
    cmack

    cmack New Member

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    Depends on what you’re looking to use it for. If just looking for minor hobbyist welding, MIG will accomplish most unless you plan on doing a lot of aluminum.

    FWIW, you may also need to upgrade your electrical in your garage to accommodate which ever one you choose. Regardless of if you’re going with a 110v/115v/120v vs 220v/230v/240v you’ll ideally want a circuit that only handles the welder and can handle the load
     
    chugs, SoCal619, Watt maker and 3 others like this.
  5. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:22 PM
    #5
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    i'll have to look at those. the miller 141 (MIG only) is a pretty good deal. also looking at the miller 215 multiprocess but there's an $800 difference.

    i might have to look more at the vulcans. however, it appears they don't come with a spool gun. between that and adding a cart, the price is nearly the same as the miller 141...
     
    Azblue[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:23 PM
    #6
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    the millers are 120/240 but the dedicated circuit is a good idea.
     
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  7. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:24 PM
    #7
    ChrisTRDPro

    ChrisTRDPro New Member

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    They also just released the "titanium" line not too long ago which I have also seen good reviews on. $700 for multi-process and it comes with a TIG torch and a MIG gun. The $1000 vulcan multi-process only comes with a MIG gun
     
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  8. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:29 PM
    #8
    cmack

    cmack New Member

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    Buy the most quality welder you can in your budget, but just think of what it is you want to accomplish with it. I personally have a Hobart Handler 140, and comfortably weld 3/16 all day long. It can do 1/4” but I prefer borrowing a buddy’s Miller 240v when going thicker than 3/16.
     
    smslavin[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:29 PM
    #9
    bfd300

    bfd300 New Member

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    Forget tig, you probably won’t need or use it. I will say get a welder that handles a spool gun for Aluminum. I have a Hobart 190 came with a spool gun for $800 years back. I have used huge Miller machines like the Millermatic 250,251. Great machines but $$$$. They are more for a shop. Look into a smaller miller 180-210amp or a Hobart. Northern tool is where I got mine on sale. But I will say for sure go 220v not 110v. You def want to use gas 75%/25% argon/co2.
    If you want to do both steel and alum you will need 2 tank as the gases are different.
     
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  10. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:36 PM
    #10
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    yes, C25 was the plan. i'll have to look into getting 220 in the garage.
     
  11. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:37 PM
    #11
    bfd300

    bfd300 New Member

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  12. Apr 15, 2019 at 4:44 PM
    #12
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender Old Guys Rule

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    I'd go take the classes first and make your decision based on what you learn and how that tails into what you expect to do around the house.

    Having said that, a Hobart 140 would fit my needs just fine and I want one, bad.

    Disclaimer: I am FAR from being a professional in this field.
     
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  13. Apr 15, 2019 at 5:19 PM
    #13
    MI_ADV_SR5

    MI_ADV_SR5 New Member

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    I’ve been very happy with my Lincoln mp210. It’s a small machine for light materials but it does very well.
     
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  14. Apr 15, 2019 at 5:38 PM
    #14
    Azblue

    Azblue Beer is Good Ban Moderator

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    I was looking at that one too. Currently on sale for $649.
     
  15. Apr 15, 2019 at 5:51 PM
    #15
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    I guess as a journeyman welder I'm obligated to chime in here. LOL.

    Multi process all the way if you can afford it. TIG is the cat's ass for thin materials and stuff like aluminum. MIG is good for thinner steel like you'll find on bumpers and can also weld thicker stuff.

    The ESAB Rebel multi-process machine is one I've looked at for home jobber use. Miller and Lincoln both make good multi purpose macines but you'll pay a bit more for them. Pay attention to duty cycle and the current rating. Higher duty cycle and current rating is better.

    The higher the current rating, the thicker the material you can weld. The higher the duty cycle, the longer your can weld. For reference, my machine at work is a Lincoln Flextec 450. It has a rated current output of 450A at 60% duty cycle. I weld everything from 1/32" sheet up to 4" plate and can run flux core or metal core wire set to kill pretty well non stop. That's way more machine that you'll need, but it kinda illustrates the duty cycle and current thing.

    My opinion is to avoid Harbor Freight stuff. Stick with the name brands. Support, warranty, parts, accessories will be far easier to come by. Buy once, cry once.
     
  16. Apr 15, 2019 at 6:00 PM
    #16
    Racingjohndeere55

    Racingjohndeere55 New Member

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    This is what I have just not the photo of it. Interweb pic. But....... I love my Miller. Between trucking and welding both professionally and for fun, this expensive machine is the Cadillac of welders. I can weld copper, stainless, brass, aluminum and steel. Just like our trucks I did a lot of research on what I wanted. I will have a tig machine someday. So if you have $4-5k this is the premo machine! Love it love it love it!image_26702.jpg

    I forgot, one thing I wanted was the biggest 220 single phase I could get. Its 220v to 440v 3 phase rated
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2019
  17. Apr 15, 2019 at 6:07 PM
    #17
    Cuzican

    Cuzican New Member

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    Here's the one I have, does everything I've needed so far. Also with it being multi-voltage, it has come in handy a couple times when I've had to take it somewhere that doesn't have a 240v outlet. Remember, Hobart is owned by Miller, the tips that came with my Hobart all say Miller.
     
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  18. Apr 15, 2019 at 6:12 PM
    #18
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    that’s kinda what i’m thinking. thanks for the input.
     
  19. Apr 15, 2019 at 7:20 PM
    #19
    CrunchTimeHD

    CrunchTimeHD New Member

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    Multiprocess welders are nice I use one at work everyday, but personally I like having a dedicated mig and tig machine. Hobart and Lincoln have good hobbyists welders. 110v mig welders arent that bad. If you have to weld thicker metal just preheat the metal and run a multi pass weld plus you can use it wherever you go. Tig I would definitely get a dual voltage.
     
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  20. Apr 15, 2019 at 8:32 PM
    #20
    pickeledpigsfeet

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    All the cheaper multiprocess machines are DC tig which has some limitations. Do some research on weldingweb or some other forums. If you tig a lot you will end up with a standalone machine eventually.
     
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  21. Apr 16, 2019 at 4:03 AM
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    andy9743

    andy9743 New Member

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    I just went through this as well. My cheap longevity mig crapped out trying to replace some floor pans on a tj. Ended up with a 210mp. Awesome unit. More then I wanted to spend but lincoln and hopefully it lasts a long time.
     
  22. Apr 16, 2019 at 6:05 AM
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    CrunchTimeHD

    CrunchTimeHD New Member

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  23. Apr 16, 2019 at 1:23 PM
    #23
    smslavin

    smslavin [OP] Behind a lens...

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    appreciate everyone's input. i think i'm going to jump into a miller 215 multiprocess. i have some photo gigs coming up that will more than cover the cost. when i'm ready for TIG, i'll pick up the TIG kit.
     
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  24. Apr 19, 2019 at 8:16 PM
    #24
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    @smslavin , been welding for 35+ years. I have welded from 6010, 7018, 10718, 11018, inconel, monel, the list goes on. If you want quality first time welds, then GTAW process is what you need. I would like to suggest a XMT 350 Multi process from Miller. It will cover any and everything you want to do. If it were me , and i'm welding on my Tundra, Tig is the process, why not.... it's the cleanest process . You ever have any questions, please feel free to ask anytime my brother:welder:
     

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