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

[IslandTractor]

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.

I'm not sure I would say that is really the correct comparison machine. Lincoln doesn't really have a mobile easily transported MIG/TIG/Stick suitcase machine that I am aware of. The V350 is way more machine but much less portable.

One of the most interesting specs on the new Multimatic is that it weighs 29 pounds!!! That gives a pretty good indication of what market this machine is aimed at. The Miller video on the new machine clearly shows it being used as an all purpose maintenance welder rather than for production work.

I compared the specs on the Multimatic to those of my Passport and Maxstar 150 STH combined. Each is a 110/220 portable suitcase welder so the comparison is I think valid. Bottom line is that amps output and duty cycle for the Multimatic is exactly the same as for the Passport in MIG mode and identical to the Maxstar 150 in stick and TIG mode. The Multimatic essentially does everything the other two machines do combined. Only real exceptions are that 1)Tig is lift start only so the real comparison is Multimatic 200 = Passport Plus and Maxstar STL combined. And 2), the Passport can do portable gas MIG with a built in paintball C02 tank while the Multimatic needs an external tank.

Comparing the list or discounted prices (Cyberweld), you basically get one machine that weighs 29lbs (plus tig kit for a little extra weight) for about $1000 less than the cost of the Passport and Maxstar combo. Bonus is that the total weight of the Multimatic 200 is about 40lbs less than the combo of Passport/Maxstar too.

So long as you don't do production work (who would use a Passport or Maxstar 150 for that anyway), the Multimatic seems like a pretty sweet all in one package for $2000 or so. If you really want all three processes in an extremely portable package it looks like a pretty darn versatile setup IMO especially with Miller's 3 year warranty and solid service network.

 

[Shield Arc]

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.

Bill here welds quite often on DC with 100% lab grade helium. Also uses a lot of helium mix with AC.
DC Tig welding with 100% helium on aluminum really comes in handy when your Tig machine doesn't have enough amps for the task at hand. You can pretty much cut your amps in half with DC, and 100% helium.
Aluminumm welds are so nice..... - WeldingWeb - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[IslandTractor]

Bill here welds quite often on DC with 100% lab grade helium. Also uses a lot of helium mix with AC.
DC Tig welding with 100% helium on aluminum really comes in handy when your Tig machine doesn't have enough amps for the task at hand. You can pretty much cut your amps in half with DC, and 100% helium.
Aluminumm welds are so nice..... - WeldingWeb - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

I totally believe you. The point of my post was that DC tig is rarely necessary and uncommonly done. A specialist welder might well keep it in their "toolkit" just as a specialist mechanic might keep a special tool that is unique to tuning a Ferrari. Anyone who needs to ask about DC tig should not be doing it!

 

[Shield Arc]

It is actually not that hard, if I can do it anyone can! Only problem is, there is a really really small window where the arc will start. What I mean is the tungsten has to be the correct distance off the material to start. Other wise it is pretty cool to do it old school. :thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

It is actually not that hard, if I can do it anyone can! Only problem is, there is a really really small window where the arc will start. What I mean is the tungsten has to be the correct distance off the material to start. Other wise it is pretty cool to do it old school. :thumbsup:

You can probably tune a 12 cylinder Ferrari by ear too!