One or many... multiprocess vs Mig with separate Tig/Stick down the road

[Tractor Seabee]

I never learned MIG and TIG even though I was around it a lot in the piping trade. I learned doing SMAW and was ASME pressure vessel /pressure piping certified on old Lincoln 5P rod. Later moved up to other 6010 and 7015 and 7018 with good results. For repairs and fabrication I still favor SMAW as that is what I know best. Go with what you are comfortable with. I have used the small 120-180A machines on 120 volt input but was disappointed in results as I tend to run a little hotter than most being production oriented and the duty factor sucks. I just sold an old 225A AC/DC Montgomery Ward unit made in 1946. It still was working perfect and would run up to 1/4" rod. Used 5/32 rod a lot when repairing heavy sections. Turn down was good enough to do 1/16 & 3/32 6014 rod on light material.

I was always a better OX/A welder than arc welder. Tells my age.

Ron