Thread: Multi Process Welders

Originally Posted by jennydavies77

Hi all,
I've just completed a TAFE welding course and am keen to get a welder for home use. I'm interested in a mulitpurpose option as I really liked both MIG and TIG.
Main purposes would be MIG for larger metal work (fixing gates etc) and TIG for more delicate work (such as experimenting with outdoor art work).

Having said that, if a multipurpose is going to be rubbish, I don't want to waste my money
I've seen the following welders for around the $1000 AUD mark which do MIG, ARC and TIG (although the TIG torch is extra):
Lincoln PowerCraft 180i
Cigweld Transmig 175i

Does anyone have any experience with either of these machines for home / light industrial use? I'd be very interested in hearing how you've found it and how it compares to single process machines around the $600 mark.

I recently purchased a BOC Smootharc 175 Multiprocess welder. It has a retail price of around $750 I believe. It comes with a torch/holder for all three processes and a gas regulator. The Mig torch supplied with this unit is a Binzel. I have found it to work well although I have not used an inverter welder before. The manual leaves a bit to be desired as the welder face pictures used inside is of a welder that is laid out differently which changes the process description somewhat. The cover picture is correct. I don't think this would be a major problem to someone who has operated inverters before. I had to do a search on the net because of my lack of knowledge here.

All told I am happy with this welder.

Dean

Originally Posted by jennydavies77

Main purposes would be MIG for larger metal work (fixing gates etc) and TIG for more delicate work (such as experimenting with outdoor art work).

One thing you could consider is whether you want to have MIG at all?
A stick/TIG combo will allow you to do just about anything, albeit maybe not as efficiently as a MIG in some situations.
In that unit that you are considering - does it have high frequency TIG start? that makes life so much better with TIG.
Do you think you might want to TIG aluminium? You'll need AC/DC for that.
Also think about what gas cylinders you will need. Argon for TIG and an Argon/CO2 mix for MIG (unless going gasless - in which case why not just stick weld?)
Just some thoughts for you.
- Mick

Originally Posted by WelderMick

One thing you could consider is whether you want to have MIG at all?
A stick/TIG combo will allow you to do just about anything, albeit maybe not as efficiently as a MIG in some situations.
In that unit that you are considering - does it have high frequency TIG start? that makes life so much better with TIG.
Do you think you might want to TIG aluminium? You'll need AC/DC for that.
Also think about what gas cylinders you will need. Argon for TIG and an Argon/CO2 mix for MIG (unless going gasless - in which case why not just stick weld?)
Just some thoughts for you.
- Mick

Thanks so much for your advice Mick. It was just a few days after my original post that I realised I would need AC if I ever wanted to TIG aluminium. I'm still thinking about that one and haven't decided yet.
What you say makes a lot of sense and I will look to see what sort of stick/TIG combo I can find that has HF TIG start. I suspect that for around the $900 - $1000 mark i'm unlikely to get AC/DC TIG so that may make up my mind for me with regards to the capability to weld aluminium