Miller multimatic 200 - Jack of all trades or Master of None?

[sparc]

Looking for reviews of the Miller Mutlimatic 200

Can one machine do it all reasonably well?

I have a Lincoln PowerMig 180 so don't need another MIG machine.
But for some occasional TIG and stick work is this worth consideration.

Introducing the Multimatic

 

[Scooby074]

haven't researched it much, but it looks interesting.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've never seen one before the video. Which makes the machine look very interesting. Only question I have, will it be big enough for you? You can't use amps you didn't pay for!

I have the competition, (well sort of) with Lincoln's V350-Pro. Nicest machine I've ever run, I haven't used the Tig option yet, and have no desire to, because I also own a Dynasty. The V350-Pro just amazes me every time I use it with how much control it has over the puddle. I would think the Miller is the same way.

 

[ericher69]

Check out the specs...not very impressive!

A 30% duty cycle really!

I take it miller will come out with a multimatic 250 or 300 in a year or so to sell more machines.

Want to support North American products but very frustrating when it's all marketing based instead of giving loyal customers what they need first off

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00361

 

[FredH]

Other than the MVP plug ,pretty similar specs as the Everlast MTS 160 or 200 . Only spec that is different is price . Lowest price I came up with that had Tig attachment was just over $2000 . Without Tig but with spoolgun was a little over $ 1800 . MTS 160 = $999 . MTS 200 = $1250 . Don't own either but if I was Frugal with my money , Well I think I would be calling Mark .

Fred H.

 

[monckywrench]

Heed the words of Shield Arc, for he is wise:

Only question I have, will it be big enough for you? You can't use amps you didn't pay for!

The Lincoln 180 has MIG covered nicely, so I'd get the next machine with at least 250A output. The most common cause of "TIG regret" is buying too small a machine.

For stick I'd get a (used) stout transformer machine either Red or Blue, and I'd likely get the stick machine first then run a scratch-start TIG rig for steel.

That complements the MIG and leaves plenty of time to save for a big TIG if you decide you want that.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Other than the MVP plug ,pretty similar specs as the Everlast MTS 160 or 200 . Only spec that is different is price . Lowest price I came up with that had Tig attachment was just over $2000 . Without Tig but with spoolgun was a little over $ 1800 . MTS 160 = $999 . MTS 200 = $1250 . Don't own either but if I was Frugal with my money , Well I think I would be calling Mark .
9
Fred H.

I'll be posting about it shortly, but we have our new 210 that is foot pedal and spool gun capable now. (949.00...pedal and spool gun extra).

 

[rcowan]

Heed the words of Shield Arc, for he is wise:

The Lincoln 180 has MIG covered nicely, so I'd get the next machine with at least 250A output. The most common cause of "TIG regret" is buying too small a machine.

For stick I'd get a (used) stout transformer machine either Red or Blue, and I'd likely get the stick machine first then run a scratch-start TIG rig for steel.

That complements the MIG and leaves plenty of time to save for a big TIG if you decide you want that.

What he said

RC

 

[sparc]

I've been watching CL for any used welders that might pop up and spied a Lincoln Ranger 10K which
is a ~200A welder/10K generator. Its mounted on a trailer.

What do these go for new and is it a good choice for someone who only needs to weld occasionally?
It would be nice to have the generator capability also. Nor being tied to an AC outlet could be a plus
but when I want to weld here at house in my shop having to run this gas powered machine would not
be so nice, especially for the neighbors if it later in the evening when most people would not want to
listen to the noise of a machine like this.

Are these any other shortcoming to a engine driven machine like this?

 

[Shield Arc]

A very good friend of mine has the Lincoln 305G. That is one sweet welder!:thumbsup: Like you say, a little loud, but nothing like those high RPM diesels!
Rangerｮ 305 G Engine Driven Welder (Kohler)

Miller Mig Welders | Esab Mig Welders | Lincoln Mig Welders

 

[sparc]

This one is a k-1419-4, 210amp gas w/kohler 23 hp motor, looks like the current equivalent is the 225G (k-2857-1).

 

[Shield Arc]

Kind of depends what you want out of a machine. That machine is about as basic as it gets. No CV for Mig / wire feed welding, no chopper technology / arc force for stick welding.
Doesn't give me a warm and fussy feeling.:confused3:

Lincoln Ranger 225 Engine Welder Generator K2857-1 | eBay

 

[sparc]

I don't need mig capability, i have a mig welder and a plasma cutter. This seems to be the same as the 305g but amperage is lower. What's the problem. For 2k i also get a trailer and 150 feet of welding lead.

 

[Shield Arc]

What's the problem.

No problem here! As long as you know what you're getting, or not getting.
I know my buddy's 305-G runs 6010, and 7018 every bit as nice as my SA-200s. Really nice arc!:thumbsup:

 

[CJONE]

I don't need mig capability, i have a mig welder and a plasma cutter. This seems to be the same as the 305g but amperage is lower. What's the problem. For 2k i also get a trailer and 150 feet of welding lead.

I know my G8K/Ranger runs the crap out of 6010 and 7018 I run alot of it on pipe. I never realized that was a problem with the Import muti function units. That is why I did not purchse one. CJ

 

[sparc]

I've been doing some checking around when i had time today and i contacted a good friend who is in a position to know. He says the price is high and i can get new for about the same price with a trailer. I'd have to buy lead but a new machine with 3 year warranty is something to consider vice a 6 year old machine even if the hours are low.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have not looked into the multimatic at all, but from what you guys are saying it sounds like a scaled down version of the xmt machines. Only with those you had to buy everything separately- tig torch, wire feeder, stick leads... etc. One thing to check is whether it has ac tig function. The xmt did not (at least not most of them). I have never tried but it is my understanding that you cannot weld aluminum with dc tig.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have never tried but it is my understanding that you cannot weld aluminum with dc tig.

Sure you can, here is an aluminum Tig weld on DC.

 

[mikehaugen]

well I guess I stand corrected. I will have to try that one of these days- next time I have an aluminum project. I am not really even very good on AC so that may be interesting.

 

[IslandTractor]

well I guess I stand corrected. I will have to try that one of these days- next time I have an aluminum project. I am not really even very good on AC so that may be interesting.

Don't take his joke too seriously. DC TIG aluminum welding is technically possible but virtually no one does it. You need the AC for cleaning and perhaps other reasons. Same basic issue with oxyfuel and aluminum I think. It is certainly possible and was done routinely before AC TIG but no one in their right minds would do it routinely.