Syncrowave 210 vs. Mutimatic 215...or...

[Lostone]

Is it safe to say that the 215 is primarily a MIG (and stick) machine that can do DC TIG, and the 210 is primarily a TIG machine that can do MIG - albeit with a spool gun?

in a nutshell

[backbeat]

Thanks, nfinch86, and Lostone. Lostone - I agree with your reasoning, regarding: what you're doing 90% of the time. It makes good sense.

[H80N]

I read the thread - it went off the rails about halfway through.
?

It does get back on track later

[Lostone]

I would Not want to weld with a spoolgun , unless I had to.

And why I believe the 210 is horrible choice for the home DIY if it's your only machine.

[Metjunkie]

Lostone hit the nail on the head. If the majority of your work will be mig, get the 215. If it's tigging with a little bit of mig, get the 210. I like separate machines for the different processes. If one goes down, you still have other machines to continue your work.

[backbeat]

"Horrible, " maybe, but I think that assumes it's for someone who isn't primarily interested in TIG, which in my case is true. I'll go with the 215 and use it primarily for MIG, learn to TIG on steel, and go from there. Thank you for all of your responses.

[H80N]

And why I believe the 210 is horrible choice for the home DIY if it's your only machine.

Think most TIG guys would disagree

Believe the OP might be best served taking a local CC course in welding before spending the money on an equip...

Might reveal an aptitude or aversion to one or more of the processes

[backbeat]

Think most TIG guys would disagree

Believe the OP might be best served taking a local CC course in welding before spending the money on an equip...

Might reveal an aptitude or aversion to one or more of the processes

Well..I've got a number of years in with OA, and a bit less with stick. I'm not unfamiliar with the different processes, although I don't have hands-on with TIG. As well - I'm not worried about spending the money. I was going to get a dedicated MIG machine, anyway, and the 215 gives me that plus the bonus of a better stick machine, and DC TIG. I think that solves the problem.

[Lostone]

Think most TIG guys would disagree

Believe the OP might be best served taking a local CC course in welding before spending the money on an equip...

Might reveal an aptitude or aversion to one or more of the processes

How may TIG guys only have one machine? And that machine is mostly set up for TIG work.

I will agree with your statement to wait to see where your needs will lie

[H80N]

How may TIG guys only have one machine?

I will agree with your statement to wait to see where your needs will lie

I have a few...... but I have been at it for a while....(since 1968.. )

[Lostone]

I have a few...... but I have been at it for a while....(since 1968.. )

I wasn't even thought of in '68. He'll, my parents were in middle school in '68.

[ryanjones2150]

I'd like to see you turn an AC buzz box into a TIG machine. Me thinks not likely.

[Lostone]

I'd like to see you turn an AC buzz box into a TIG machine. Me thinks not likely.

http://www.arcpig.com/index.html

[ryanjones2150]

That's made in my town. It will allow you to scratch start tig aluminum, but it won't win you any prizes. <br />
<br />
The guy that makes them is pretty funny. Go check out his YouTube videos. At the very least, read the owner's manual for the arc pig. It's a riot. <br />
<br />
But anyway, if you're trying to make that your first aluminum tig welder, you'd be money ahead to just buy a machine that allows you to control the amperage remotely. This exact topic has been beat to death on here. It just is not functional outside of random, minor repairs. <br />
<br />
Even so, the arc pig is cool. Been meaning to get one, just keep getting side tracked.

[Lostone]

That's made in my town. It will allow you to scratch start tig aluminum, but it won't win you any prizes. <br />
<br />
The guy that makes them is pretty funny. Go check out his YouTube videos. At the very least, read the owner's manual for the arc pig. It's a riot. <br />
<br />
But anyway, if you're trying to make that your first aluminum tig welder, you'd be money ahead to just buy a machine that allows you to control the amperage remotely. This exact topic has been beat to death on here. It just is not functional outside of random, minor repairs. <br />
<br />
Even so, the arc pig is cool. Been meaning to get one, just keep getting side tracked.

I have used one. The manual is funny. And your right it not the optimal way of doing it but it makes my point that it can be done. Especially for the once in a blue moon repairs