Mig - stick - tig multi unit?

[yarg]

Hello,
Another question:
Looking at maybe a multi function mig- stick- tig and would like to know how fast to change between?
Is a multi voltage unit worth it with up to 3/8" ?
What of the extra functions like burn back, other, are these user friendly?
AC or DC tig best?
Spool gun for mig aluminum or tig for such?

Thanks for your sharing,
Gray

 

[yomax4]

Simple as switching the ground and hot lead on most units. Some are set up so you can have the spoolgun hooked up all the time and the lower cost ones you need to pull the mig gun and put in the spool gun. All in all none take more than a minute or 2. Extra features are easy to figure out too. All are DC Tig. If you want AC Tig for Aluminum, Buy an AC/DC unit. They are too getting very affordable. Good Luck !

 

[Shield Arc]

With my multi function machine it is a matter of how fast you can spin the dial. As yomax4 says I have to plug in cables for the spool gun or wire feeder. But this takes no time at all.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

AC is only going to be used for aluminum or magnesium welding. It's not a question which is best, but rather which is appropriate to do the job. I find customers are either going to be about 90% aluminum, or hardly ever aluminum...The hardly ever aluminum guys usually can get by with a spool gun on mig when they do run into it.

 

[yarg]

I plan on some medium aluminum projects,,,,maybe the spool gun but mostly steel.
How good do spool guns work? I have never used one but when I do my aluminum, I would like to do up to 3/16 to 3/8 structural for a small boat?

I have a Lincoln 251 and a stick welder now but was thinking of having a dual voltage option and spool gun ready for convenience. I could get a spool gun for my mig but I am not sure i want to do too much changing over.

 

[Shield Arc]

How good do spool guns work? I have never used one but when I do my aluminum, I would like to do up to 3/16 to 3/8 structural for a small boat?

When I first got my V350-Pro this is what I did on some 16-GA, and 3/8-inch aluminum.

 

[yarg]

What is a v350?

 

[Rock knocker]

Today I bought and hooked up a TIG outfit on my Fabricator 181i. Very quick and easy, the hardest part is switching out the flowmeter. Did my first TIG welds in twenty years, actually quite easy in comparison to scratch starting off a Miller SRH 333 eons ago.

If this is the machine you are thinking of, I have nothing but good to say about it for a non-professional. It wouldn't last in a fab shop, but that is no fault of the machine

 

[Shield Arc]

What is a v350?

Here you go.
Invertec Multi-Process Welders | Lincoln Electric

 

[yarg]

You. I feel like I brought a twig to the fight?

Really, most small shop welders do not have such a budget or need. Love to have such a machine but need input on low cost values but nothing HF level

 

[Rock knocker]

Well then, for a little more than $800, you can get a Thermal Arc 181i. It is an offshore machine built by/for a well known and respected American name brand, Thermal Dynamic Welding Machines - a member of the Victor family. You can get them cheaper on line, but the price I quoted is a normal LWS (Local Welding Supply) price. Out of the box, you'll have stick and wire capabilities. The machine comes with a flowmeter, so you can MIG as soon as you have a bottle.

A TIG torch will cost you about $100, and an optional foot pedal a little more.

I am very happy with my machine.

I know that Shield Arc has a Everlast machine or two, and he has been happy with that. I suppose those machines are cheaper than the 181i.

 

[yarg]

Yes, I have read some on that machine. I think they also make a 211i too? I liked the info but have no idea how well it works or what a spool gun would cost?
Would you share?
Thsnks

 

[Rock knocker]

I think a 211 costs upwards of $2000. Out of the normal price range and into the professional range of Blue and Red (Miller and Lincoln).

I've never used a spool gun, but I think you can get a DIY model for ~$200+/-. Sky's the limit on the upper end of what you want to spend

 

[medic0648]

Everlast and longevity are much better priced. I think longevity's mts200 is about $1,000 before discount. I'd recommend ever last for service. My experience with longevity wasn't that good and I'm having trouble getting some questions about the equipment answered.

 

[yarg]

Anyone comment on thermal arc? They have a nice looking multi function welder. Are they better than the everlasting? Longevity? Hobart?
The special little features of arc force and run out I do not understood.
Info?
Just trying to put a concept together on what will truly serve my needs.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have never heard / read a bad word about Thermal Arc. I know some very accomplished weldors who rave about the quality of there arc.

 

[Rock knocker]

Anyone comment on thermal arc?

Besides me? I am very happy with my 181.

How much do you want to spend?

 

[yarg]

Besides me? I am very happy with my 181.

How much do you want to spend?

Well, I am looking at a machine in the 1000 or less range. I like the idea of a spool gun and gun costs more than that for my Lincoln so I am thinking of a new unit that allows me the spool gun and stick and keep one unit ready for ARGON on a moments notice. I am all about convienance? The 181 has been written up well but more info is great?
Gray

 

[Rock knocker]

So far I love my 181. I've made some furniture, picture frames and repaired a number of things. You'll be a little over $1000 for a 181 with an optional price-point spool gun.