Welders- Lincoln 210MP

[grant_71]

http://lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/Pages/product.aspx?product=K3963-1(LincolnElectric)

Anyone have any experience with this welder? I am seriously considering it for my shop, but I am a little leery of it. I will be mainly using the MIG portion for mild steel, (body work, bumpers, cages, etc.) but I like the option of TIG later on, since I do some stainless fabrication for local farms/ fruit processors

Pros:
Cheap, under $1000, and less then the Miller Multimatic by $800
TIG ability
Its a Lincoln- a good brand I know
Can run on 110v if I have to -take to a job

Cons:
I have never used an inverter machine- longevity?
TIG kit is an extra $600
Made in Mexico I believe (but so is my fiance's Ford)
The LCD screen scares me a bit

Would I be better off looking for a used dedicated MIG? that would put a TIG out of the budget and a long ways off (not a deal breaker, I have other TIG access)

Thoughts?

 

[grant_71]

Just to throw a wrench in the mix, Tweco has a similar machine, and with a TIG kit for under $1200, but i know NOTHING about Tweco welders...

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.c...g-tig-stick-welder-pkg-w1004201-with-w4014603

 

[treihesse]

I run a thermal arc and it's a fantastic machine

 

[Yeller]

We have LOTS of equipment with LCD and or touch screens in terrible condtions. They live a lot longer than the old PLC switch boards and lights of years gone by.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The inverter equipment I have and have used works. If given the option, I would prefer an inverter machine.

I have been shopping for a TIG for a few years. My requirement is a little different, need AC for aluminum. If I were only running steel or stainless with DC I would have a cheap TIG by now. I am spoiled with a water cooled torch as well. I use the one at work.

 

[briancave]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Really like the Mig functions. LCD screen is nice and auto setting are a no brainer. Also got the TIG kit which I'm less happy with. Still trying to figure it out. Can only scratch start an arc with the Tig which is supposed to have a lift start capability. I need to spend more time on the phone with support to find out if it is me or the machine. I have never done tig but thought it would be fun to learn. The guys at the local welding shop thought this machine was the one to have by far even though they also sell tweeco and miller.

 

[BigBlueBronco71]

I have the Miller Multimatic, it is pretty expensive but its high quality, I plan to have this thing for a long time, I've only used mig and stick on 110 so far but it runs smooth with both and the auto set is pretty awesome, duty cycle is low if your doing alot of quantity, but its perfect for my garage, some sheet metal and body work, and definitely bumper and thick plate capable with the 230 option

 

[grant_71]

Thanks for the input everyone. I am leaning toward the Lincoln over the Tweco, since I am not sure the Tweco comes with/has a foot pedal capability with the TIG kit. By the time that is added/purchased seperately, the price is almost the same as the 210MP.

I am still a ways off purchasing, I am busy with wedding prep the next month or so, but after that I need to head in to my local Airgas and put my hands on one of these things to really get a feel for it in person.

 

[grant_71]

Well I pulled the trigger on this finally.

Picked up a 210 MP in the "Garage Pack" deal Lincoln is running, my dad has been wanting a Tig, so it worked out well. I haven't had time to even really unbox it, but the machine looks pretty sharp, quite a bit smaller than I anticipated. The machine looks well built, the cables and cords are all made in China and feel very...cheap, but they should last a while. I will try and give few more thoughts on it this weekend.

I also noticed Forney released a line of welders that includes a multi-process machine. https://www.forneyind.com/store/det...welding_processes_-_mig_stick_tig_-_230v120v/