If you’re unsure of the type of welding you’ll need in the future projects, you should consider getting a multi process welder. These welding machines are made to perform various tasks like TIG, MIG, stick, flux core, and others. Because of this, users can finish more projects successfully.
The good news is that the market is full of welders like these. They come at different prices and from various brands. Therefore, you should observe which features they offer and choose yours accordingly.
Here we’ll assist you with this. Read on to discover details, features, specifications, and frequently asked questions about the best multi process welder.
Reviews Of The 9 Best Multi Process Welder
A couple of popular combinations for welding are present on particular multi-process welders. That’s why some buyers like to look for those in a model. For some, the machine needs to be compact and light so that it can be taken anywhere. Other features like the dual voltage, warranty periods, clean-cut thickness and similar are often highlighted when it comes to these models, as well. So what follows are the specific and detailed reviews of some of the best cheap multi-purpose welders in the game.
1. Everlast Power MTS 211Si – Best Choice
Many welders on the market are made for performing a single task. But Everlast Power MTS 211Si isn’t one of those. Everlast produced it to handle many welding chores. This is thanks to the entirely digital DC CC/CV inverter design. While it has the capability of the previous versions, this model’s MIG component is enriched with a synergic capability. This enables users to pick between an operator-controlled setup and a standard one.
To accompany this, there is a user-friendly panel, which features all options users can choose. Despite all of this, the welder is considered to be lightweight and easy to carry around.
As a possible downside, users mention that it can’t TIG weld aluminum. Only DC is supported. Here are some additional features and specifications:
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Material: stainless steel
- Warranty: 5 years
- Equipped with synergic spool gun
- MIG maximum: 1/4 inches single pass and 5/8 inches multi pass
- Maximum diameter of electrode: 1/8 inches
2. Forney 324
This is a three in one welder. With it, users can perform TIG, MIG, and stick welding tasks. However, the setup for TIG welding should be purchased separately.
Among the top features are the switch with three positions and the flow meter. The switch is responsible for an easy start, allowing users to switch the process fast. As for the flow meter, it regulates the gas. This helps welders control their welding.
To be able to sustain the voltage of both 15 amps and 50 amps, it has a metal case. For some more specifications and features, read these:
- Dimensions: 20.2 x 10.2 x 16 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Stick electrodes used: 5/32 inches
- Range of the plate thickness: 3/16 inches maximum
- Synergic controls
3. AHP AlphaTIG 200X
While many people consider this one to be a TIG welder, the truth is that ahp AlphaTIG 200X is a stick welder, as well. And it’s a good one. Thanks to its dual voltage option, it can operate on both 110 volts and 220 volts. Therefore, users can perform high and low power jobs.
As for the materials, you can weld thinner gauge and the common ones like stainless steel and aluminum. This welder offers precision on all of them. Not to mention that it has an advanced inverter technology with pulse width modulation.
The main downside users reported is that it’s not really portable. As a bulky model, it can’t be moved around easily. More precisely, here are some other specifications and features to keep an eye on:
- Weight: 69 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Pulse frequency: 5-200
- Color: yellow
- Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 12 inches
4. Lincoln Electric POWER MIG 210 MP – Best Multi Process Welder For Beginner
What stands out about this welder is its simple setup. Even beginners can quickly find their way around and start welding at once. Mainly, it’s meant for MIG welding, but it can be adapted for Stick, TIG, and flux welding.
Speaking of this, a con for many users is the fact that you should purchase the attachments for other functions. Moreover, it only comes with a MIG gun. This makes it a bit more expensive than the listed price.
Other than this, it should be noted that this model works on a dual voltage of 120 or 230 volts. Also, it’s lightweight and portable multi process welder. Here are more precise details about lincoln electric power mig 210 mp:
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Length of the MIG cable: 10 feet
- Includes spool gun
- Digital push and turn controls
5. ESAB Rebel EMP Multi-Process Welder
ESAB Rebel emp 215ic is a special model. It has the sMIG technology incorporated in it. What this means is that the machine is capable of adapting to the users’ welding style and techniques. Therefore, it enables them to increase consistency and do repetitive welding tasks quickly. Usually, professionals that want to maintain their productivity find this very helpful. Beginners aren’t excluded, as well.
Another feature worth mentioning is the dual voltage. It operates on 120 volts and 230 volts without any troubles. Also, it performs TIG, MIG, and stick welding professionally.
As possible downsides that users share are the inability to do plasma cuts and the fact that the machine supports DC only.
Here are more details and specifications:
- Weight: 79.4 pounds
- Color: yellow
- Material: aluminum
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 7.8 x 13.7 inches
6. Lotos CT520D 3 in 1 – Best Multi-Purpose Welder Under $500
Even though it may seem smaller, Lotos CT520D welder is capable of TIG, Stick welding, and plasma cutting.
Additionally, the plasma cutter goes through half-an-inch materials with great precision and ease. It may even work well with thicker ones. Some of the materials it welds include steel, copper, and others.It’s more than clear that it doesn’t weld aluminum. But that doesn’t stop it from providing quality performance to both professional and DIY users.
Like other Lotus models, it has a high-frequency start hand torch control. When combined with the foot pedal, users get great adjustable capabilities.
A small portion of buyers pointed out that the amperage gauge was apparently trickier. It doesn’t have some other wave functions. The specifications are as follows:
- Color: brown
- Dual voltage: 110 and 220 V
- Weight: 38.5 pounds
- Material: steel
- Max rated clean-cut thickness: ½ inches
7. Amico TIG Torch/Arc/Stick DC Inverter Multi Process Welder
Its main function is TIG welding. But Amico tig 200 amp multi process welder easily switches over to Stick welding for some specific tasks. That’s why like other similar models, aluminum isn’t welded best with it.
On the other hand, it sets itself apart from the rest in its price range thanks to the ability to weld a bit denser materials. It works well with multiple outlets.
Whether you work at home or plan to use it as a mighty machine for less-complex welding tasks at work, it will serve you well. Not to mention that it’s super compact and it resembles a regular-sized toolbox.
A slight con mentioned by a couple of customers is the adjustment knob. With that being said, here are some of the additional features and specifications:
- Dual voltage: 115 and 230 V
- Amperage capacity: 200 amps
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.6 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches
8. Lotos Aluminum TIG/Stick Square Wave Inverter Multi-Process Welder
Lotos’s model is a powerful machine capable of TIG and Stick or arc welding. Its might goes as far as to enable accurate aluminum welding for heavy-duty users. The same goes for stainless steel and thinner-gauge materials.
Having said that, users can easily control it. That’s possible due to the foot pedal for temperature and the argon regulator. It has a high-frequency start hand torch control, too. The model features an advanced system for cooling. In return, it makes sure that the plasma cutter is working top-notch.
Something that should be improved in the words of a minority of buyers is the control system, which may be confusing to new users, and the mask. These are the model’s specifications:
- Power source: AC/DC
- Voltage: 240 V
- Weight: 58 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
- Length: 123.6 inches
- Dual frequency: 50/60Hz
9. Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi Process Welder
This model truly encompasses multiple functions in one body. Moreover, it’s capable of Stick welding, lift TIG, as well as MIG/flux core. And it comes at a pretty affordable price. It’s very compact and light, too, so that you can easily move it.
Adjustability is also another of its strong features. The dual digital display is user-friendly and modifiable. There’s an option for keeping the same amperage for other repeat welding tasks. It has protection against high temperatures and overloading.
According to some reviewers, the multi-process welder isn’t energy efficient. They suggest leaving the heavy-duty jobs to other machines. That’s why some even buy it as a back-up option.
Anyway, let’s take a look at its highlight specifications:
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Amperage capacity: 200 amps
- Color: yellow
- Duty cycle: 30%
- Dual voltage: 110 and 220 V
Buying Guide
Performance
For users that want complex things done in a relatively quicker period, high performance is a must in multi-process welders. This influences the overall productivity and efficiency of the process, too. To make sure that your machine delivers, you should carefully go over reviews, and customers’ ratings. Don’t make the mistake of blindly buying a model just because it looks nice or because it’s from a popular brand. You’d be surprised to see that some lesser-known companies produce A-list welders.
Durability
You certainly don’t want to spend plenty of your money on a welder only to see it breaking down after using it a few times. That’s why your chosen model needs to last long.
Don’t be afraid to pay even a little bit more than usual for a durable machine. Because it’ll pay off in the long run. Also, look for welders with a warranty. The better warranty conditions you get, the longer you’ll use it.
Power
Welders differ among themselves by their power capabilities as well. Users may have issues when working in certain welding surroundings that only support either AC or DC power. That may limit your welding possibilities.
Because of that, reliable models on the market usually come with dual voltage capabilities. That means that they work on both AC and DC power. So, when you think about it, it’s useful to buy such a model. You’ll get all the needed flexibility and work seamlessly without worrying about the available power source in the place.
User-Friendliness
With so many functions, it may be challenging for some users to find their way around the multi-process welder. No matter if you’re a professional or just getting into welding, consider a model with an intuitive readout display as well as easy-to-use controls. With that being said, users can read the output on the display without an issue and even manage all the different functions.
Another factor to talk about here is the sound. Great picks won’t make plenty of noise. The only thing you’ll hear is a low hum similar to that of a fan. With them, your mind will be concentrated on the welding task.
Weight
The desired weight of the machine is closely tied to the type of welding you’ll be doing. By that we mean, either heavy-duty or smaller and lighter welding projects.
If you’re more inclined toward the former, then a heavier machine may be the more suitable option. Further, the same goes if you don’t plan on traveling much or moving from one place to another to weld. It’s worth mentioning that in these instances you may need a welding cart to help you with moving the welder.
Lightweight welders are for users that have smaller and easier welding tasks. That even includes DIYs and projects at home or freelancing. What’s more, if you’re portable and don’t have a permanent welding job, then a more compact model is the one to go for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is multi-process welding?
The name says it all. It’s the activity when a welder executes many different welding activities. But a multi-process welder performs all of these activities all on its own, without the help of other machines. Also, these machines perform well in numerous types of surroundings – whether it be a home, professional site, workshop area, and more. They save time the user would waste getting all these different machines one after the other. They’re much cheaper, too, when you compare the price of purchasing all sorts of other machines for particular welding jobs.
What are the most popular types of welding I can do with a multi-process welder?
Mainly, when we think of welding, we mention the three most frequently used welding processes. They are Stick or arc welding, MIG (Metal Inert Gas), and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Out of the three, MIG is the easiest option. That’s why it’s practiced by a lot of beginners as well as hobbyists who like to weld sporadically. What’s more, users can use MIG on both thin and denser plate metals. One of the basic characteristics that separate MIG from TIG welding is the continuously feeding wire which is used by the former.
What is the best price range for multi-process welders?
There isn’t a simple answer to this question as it isn’t just the model in question. It’s the features you need and why you need a welder for. If you have already a budget in mind, follow that. But you should be aware of the functions you need. Less expensive models are very suitable for easier and less complex welding tasks. On the other hand, premium models with more power and features will snatch a few more dollars from your pocket. For new welders who are just starting to swim in the waters of welding, something from 250 to 300 USD will do just fine. DIY welders and those who like to weld at home will be satisfied with a machine with a price tag from around five hundred to eight hundred dollars. Professional machines for industrial purposes go for prices north of $1500.
Do I need the plasma cutting option?
If you have the money and you think you’ll benefit from it, why not! If the machine you chose has a combination of Stick, MIG, and TIG, you can look for a plasma cutting option, too. Sometimes, it comes in pretty hand as a replacement for Stick welding.
How can I be safe when working with a multi-process welder?
Welding can be a dangerous profession. So staying protected is a must when working. Some of the most common incidents that occur to welders are burning. Fumes can do some significant damage, too. What’s important to stress out here is that these may lead to long-term problems with your health afterward. Because of that, make sure you have protective equipment on you all the time. That includes safety goggles, special shoes or boots for welding, a helmet, welding gloves, and a welding coat or jacket.
A Final Word
All things considered, multi process welders come in handy in various situations. Starting from those that are unsure which welding processes they’ll be involved in up to professionals that perform more things at once, many users need them. They may indeed cost more. But considering their versatility, it’s worth it. To give you an overview of the top models and their value we compiled this guide for you. We hope we helped you make your purchasing decision. So, happy shopping! Share with us which welder you ended up getting.