Buying a 3in1 Plasma/Tig/Stick welding machine

[kheri]

Hello, has anybody bought the 3in1 Plasma/Tig/Stick welding machine from Parker Metal Working Products ?
I would like to know the duarability and versatility of this machine or if there is any problem with this machine.
I perceive as a general rule that the more the machine is complicated (combined with several uses), the less durable it becomes.
Thanks for any comments on this inquiry.

[MisterB]

I know they look remarkably similar to the cheap chinese ones sold on ebay. I'm not sure if thats where they are made, but I doubt they are much different.
I thought about getting one too, I mean the price isnt much, and it says it'll do most everything I want to do, except of course, that minor issue with welding aluminum, which is very important to me. The ones I'v seen are dc tig only, which means they cant do that.

So I'v decided to save my pennies and buy namebrand stuff, I recently bought a used Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 50 plasma cutter, and when I can afford it a miller econotig is on the shopping list, they cost about $1300 new. I got the plasma cutter for about $1000.
I just think I would have been disappointed with the Parker machine and I'd just rather wait until I can afford the good stuff even if it takes longer.

[joebiplane]

Hi all,
I just want to introduce myself and explain why I’m here and this thread just about hits the nail in the head so I'll do my intro and respond to this thread at the same time
After lusting for a plasma cutter for a long time...But not really needing it, and having a lifetime desire to learn Tig welding, I just, , placed an order for a Longevity LS160P a/c- d/c tig/ plasma combination from a local longevity dealer (The Dirt Farmer in Williamstown, NJ ) for about $ 1,000.00
I am as new as a Sunrise to welding. with a tad of stick welding attempts, in my checkerd past, with a Lincoln idealarc AC/DC 225. and the same with a small Miller mig-rig. That I share with my neighbour plus a O/A Harris gas & hose set up that generally scares me. ( i fear for my house every time i light it)
I am just retired from 40 years in Home construction and recently started a new Career at 66 (I now sell Commercial Real Estate) and want to dabble more with hobby type welding in my spare time (Restoring a tractor and small projects) and progress to finally learning how to weld properly as a lifetime achievement ( Bucket list item) . I'll continuously monitor this forum and look forward to finding help when needed. I'm expecting my dealer to be a boon for me and I'm lucky to have him so close ( 20 Minutes away). I have noticed that there is a lot of discussion on the Chinese import welders like I ordered and the majority of “Bad press” seems to be from Professionals that are involved with day in-day-out welding and I can certainly understand and appreciate that. My welding needs are driven by economics and , as stated, this is a hobby for me so if it quits.... it quits... i will live without it. It’s not an artificial heart. I have a limited income in my Semi-retired state and unless and until my new career explodes into profitability... or I hit the lottery... i must be very mindful of my “hobby” expenses
I Look forward to joining your group and , who knows, I may be able to contribute something some day
Bye for now, Joe

[mactro215]

beware the econotig. I've heard tale of miller reps badmouthing them. I personally like lincoln. remember that you really do get what you pay for. the lincoln precision tig 225 is awesome. I use millers at work and they are nice but more expensive. I had a lincoln mig that was 17 years old and never had a problem. had a brand new miller mig and it was horrible. no help from miller and their true blue warranty that came in the box but my model was manufactured before the warranty date? how does that happen?

[millman52]

“Bad press” seems to be from Professionals that are involved with day in-day-out welding and I can certainly understand and appreciate that.

I'm not knocking your decision to purchase what you did. I started with a AC only Lincoln 225 stick machine at about age 11. & did learn to weld things together & make them hold. At some point in time though I was able to use some industrial welding gear. Dang I could weld much better than I thought I could. All this was with stick rod.

At some point I purchased a NO NAME small mig machine & was able to do ok work with that too. But the same rule applied there too. A better machine with better wire & heat control automatically made me a better welder with that also.

The really bright side is. If you can learn to use & do decent work with a John Doe machine, you'll be able to weld with just about anything out there.

After you use your new machine for a while & get a feel for what's going on. Watch for your local welding supply to hold a demo day. Go in & test drive a similar size Lincoln Miller, ESAB, or Thermal Arc. You'll probably come away thinking "I'VE GOT TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE"

I had the chance recently to use a Lincoln SP 180 T mig machine that was set up with shielding gas. For it's size I was amazed. It will run wire every bit as good as my 250A or 400A industrial machines.

Of course it isn't a combo machine either. MIG only.

Good luck with your new purchase. Just be careful sometimes this kind of hobby can be addictive. LOL I started with 1 welding machine. At this point in time I run (2) machines daily but own (8)