Which Stick Welder for a New Welder?

[IslandTractor]

What about the units that include the plasma cutter ... worth it?

Better to get separate welder and plasma cutters. Even the guys who sell the combo units would say that. There might be an unusual circumstance where the combo unit make sense but if you have any choice get separate units.

 

[blueriver]

Better to get separate welder and plasma cutters. Even the guys who sell the combo units would say that. There might be an unusual circumstance where the combo unit make sense but if you have any choice get separate units.

So the 3in1 units for Tig, stick and cutting just don't do as they claim?

 

[IslandTractor]

So the 3in1 units for Tig, stick and cutting just don't do as they claim?

Yes, they work but are not as reliable. Also, there is necessarily a lot of changing of hoses, tanks etc when switching from TIG to plasma etc. I think most people would recommend getting a separate stick/tig unit and standalone plasma cutter. Doing TIG and plasma cutting requires quite a bit of equipment besides the device so there is not really that much space savings. You need argon tank, regulator, hoses, foot pedal for TIG and compressor, hoses etc for plasma. If you want compact look at a combo like the Miller 150stl or sth and a hypertherm powermax 30. Total weight is about 30lbs and they each come in suitcases. Not cheap but they make a very capable high quality combo. For cheaper try separate stick/tig like the Everlast 140 and an Everlast or HF plasma cutter.

 

[blueriver]

understood ... I'm leaning towards the Everlast 140

 

[blueriver]

Does Dual Voltage mean the machine automaticly knows if it pluged into 110 or 220?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

On the Everlast yes. Some brands you have to rewire internally or change a switch. For our unit, you'll need to change the plug or make an adapter but nothing internally.