Is there a good MIG/Plasma 120/240V combo machine?

[newbury]

I've got my inexpensive PowerARC 300ST (thanks again ShieldArc!). I'm wanting a MIG and a Plasma cutter for hobbyist use. I can't see doing any TIG in my future.

I see Everlast and others have TIG/Plasma but are there any quality MIG/Plasma machines?

 

[MatHaas]

I don't think there are any MIG/Plasma combos out there currently.

I personally don't really see any benefit to have an all in one unit unless you work "out in the field" at various locations, and have limited space for transport. But I think most of us have a shop or dedicated work area where you'll do all of your work and keep your equipment.

I personally wouldn't want both tied in to each other. If something malfunctions with the unit, then you're down both your MIG and your plasma. Plus they're two different things to me; it'd be like a fridge and microwave built in to one unit. Haha.

Are you on a budget and hoping a package deal would save you costs over all?
What do you define as hobbyist use?

Plasma selection depends on how thick you're looking to ever cut.

And if you see another thread on here, we discussed the versatility of the newer inverter Millermatic 211 MIG setup and how affordable it is (currently $950 after rebate and includes a new Miller welding helmet). And in my opinion, one of the best MIG setups for the bulk of people out there unless you're doing production work or constantly working with material > 0.75"-1" +

How old are you and what are type of future fabrication hobbies could you see yourself possibly getting in to? Do you think you'll ever want to tinker with aluminum in the future? Maybe a TIG/Plasma setup would be one option, and then a separate MIG setup. Have everything you'll ever need. Haha.

 

[yomax4]

The Millermatic 211 is only 150 amps @40% duty cycle. It's no different than the old Lincoln SP130 or old miller 210 or 175. I just don't see how 150 amps at 40% would be all anyone would need Unless you have a stick welder for everything over 3/8". just sayin. On 1/4" you'll get every other minute of weld time at best. Ok hobby unit though especially with the free $20 hood ( Millers Cost ). Plus it's only Assembled in USA. Miller is like ESAB. They don't "make" anything anymore. Sad but true..

 

[MatHaas]

The Millermatic 211 is only 150 amps @40% duty cycle. It's no different than the old Lincoln SP130 or old miller 210 or 175. I just don't see how 150 amps at 40% would be all anyone would need Unless you have a stick welder for everything over 3/8". just sayin. On 1/4" you'll get every other minute of weld time at best. Ok hobby unit though especially with the free $20 hood ( Millers Cost ). Plus it's only Assembled in USA. Miller is like ESAB. They don't "make" anything anymore. Sad but true..

that's it's duty cycle; that's how long you can weld at that amperage in a 10min time frame. So yea, it puts out 150amps for 4 minutes straight, then needs to rest for 6 minutes for proper system cooling before it can resume that work load. Do you think a hobbyist or normal fabricator is burning beads for a minute plus straight? I build some serious stuff and can tell you I don't weld for more than 20 seconds straight at a clip before repositioning, etc. And that quite a substantial distance covered. This isn't production welding, which i make clear in the other discussion.

So i'll stand by my statement.

The 211 puts out up to 230 amps.

 

[MatHaas]

weld joint prep, beveling, pre-heat, smaller wire with better puddle control and slower travel speeds all allow better heat build up and penetration.

Here's 0.5" tabs, welded to 0.75" plate, with 0.75" plate bolted as backing and warp prevention, with no pre-heat.


0.625" brackets welded to 0.625" plate; no preheat


Neither at full output (7/10)

 

[MatHaas]

here's the PDF to the 211: https://www.millerwelds.com/files/owners-manuals/O265809B_MIL.pdf
page 11 shows the duty cycle chart, you can weld for a minute straight and get full output. and up to 2 minutes straight before it drops under 200 amps.
again, who welds for a minute straight? heck, i'd have to pack a snack or two if i was holding the trigger for that long.

 

[Shield Arc]

who welds for a minute straight?

I've run 70-pounds of wire a day for months, at 450-amps.

 

[MatHaas]

I've run 70-pounds of wire a day for months, at 450-amps.

LOL, yes, as a production welder. The OP and 99% of the people here aren't doing that. :laughing:

Do you weld like that at home or on a farm/ranch?

 

[Shield Arc]

Do you weld like that at home or on a farm/ranch?

No. That was building the Alaska ferry terminal in Bellingham Washington. They were 6 on 12 welds.

 

[MatHaas]

No. That was building the Alaska ferry terminal in Bellingham Washington. They were 6 on 12 welds.

Better you than me! :laughing: