New guy

[nick p.]

Hello all,

I fabricate roll cages and aluminum skid plates.

I am in the market for a tig machine. I am debating between a multi function or not. Most of the people I speek to say its never a bad idea to have a stand alone machine. Is there a compromise with a multi function machine?
Should I just buy a tig now and save for a plasma later?

I tink that your your 200 amp ac/dc machine would work fine.

What are your thoughts?

[performance]

Welcome Nick,


Glad to have you aboard.

Nick, usually when someone wants a new machine, they need to take into consideration several things.

1) Space...What kind of room do I have? Is my work area limited already, or do I have plenty of room to add units.

2) Convenience...This can be looked at from two sides of the coin. 1. Do I like to have everything right at my finger tips in one machine. 2) Do I want to have to reset my controls every time I switch from one function on the machine to another.

3. Price...The price gaps between the all in ones and the stand alones are very close together pratically speaking. But does the price alone attract you?

4.Portability...While all the stand alones and combination units are portable, there is a weight difference in favor of the stand alones. And a plasma cutter by itself in the amperage range you have on a combination unit is quite light in weight.

5. Personal taste. What is your gut feeling? What you have stated here is quite possibly the direction you will want to go.

The DX is a very economical machine, able to weld AC and DC. Its quite a step down from some of the other units, but it can really do quite well for non industrial use. It is only available in 200 amps. We sell quite a few to people in your line of work... But if you do need higher duty cycles and more functions, then the 200LX is the best all around choice.

[nick p.]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't want to be limited to only this type of light duty work. I would like to take on other work that comes way that is heavier material. Space for me is tight.

To be honest I am leaning toward a stand alone machine.

Thanks,
Nick

[performance]

The duty cycle of the 200 lx then @ 60 percent rated amperage would be your best bet then. It has more features and will hold up to heavier use. However, the duty cycle of the 200 DX is at 35 percent rated amperage...still not terribly bad.

The LX has better foot pedal controlability and more panel functions.