If you are looking for a combo welding machine that can support you to cut and weld different types of metal or deal with your excessive workload each day. The Multi-Process Welder might be the best choice. To get more details, let’s your eyes on our Best Multi-Process Welder Reviews & Top Picks
Read More: Best Sellers in Plasma Cutting Equipment
Contents
Why Choose Multi-Process Welder?
In order to be able to weld various types of metals together and also perform plasma cutting, people have created the best types of Multi-Process welder. There are 3 famous welding combination types nowadays: TIG, MIG, and stick. This type of rig combines these diverse and complex processes allowing users to weld different metals together more easily than any other dedicated welding machine.
Besides plasma cutting, TIG welding enables you to process as much material as possible. A special feature is that most multi-process welding machines only allow DC current, which means they cannot weld MIG aluminum; the multi-process welding machine will be able to improve that.
To help buyers get the best Multi-Process Welder, we would like to recommend the 3 best ones these days:
- Top Pick >>> Everlast Powerultra 206PI >>> Check Price
- Best Overall >>> Lotos LTPDC2000D >>>>>> CheckPrice
- Best Value >>> PrimeWeld CT-520D >>>>>> Check Price
In term of similarity, these products have the same outstanding advantages of price, space, and convenience:
Instead of paying for a cutter, MIG, and Plasma, now you can completely save 3 times when buying this combined product at a price equivalent to buying a specialized machine. This is obviously a great point to consider when buying because with the same expected tasks you can save a lot of money.
Moreover, you don’t want to spend a lot of space for many machines. Especially, if your house or your workplace is not big so that space is a big deal. In this case, this machine is really a major benefit. Furthermore, you’re not a professional welder and you don’t want to spend a lot of time learning how to use so many machines which can probably make you tired. Now with this multi-process welder, you can do your work fast with high efficiency and saving time.
Best Multi-Process Welder Comparison
On the other hand, they have some differences. Let’s have a quick view of 3 brands in 4 aspects: amps, thickness, dimensions, and weight.
| Model | Amps | Thickness | Process Type | Price |
Everlast Powerultra 206PI  5 / 5
|
200A Welder 50A Plasma Cutter |
Welder: 3/8" 120v 1/2" 240V Plasma: 3/8" 12 ipm 1/2" 3-5 ipm |
TIG, STICK, PLASMA | See More |
Lotos LTPDC2000D  3.9 / 5
|
50 A Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter. -200 A TIG Welder. -200 A Stick Welder. |
Plasma: 1/2" 3-5 ipm |
Plasma Cutter Tig Stick Welder 3 in 1 Combo | See More |
PrimeWeld CT-520D 3 In 1 Welder Plasma Cutter Combo  4.7 / 5
|
50 A plasma cutter, 200 A TIG welder, 200 A STICK welder, |
1 / 2" Maximum Severance Cut Thickness* 3/4” |
TIG, STICK, PLASMA | See More |
Best Multi-Process Welder Review
Let’s continue to see some of the attributes that stand the best 3 in 1 welder out with our analysis below. Here are the details of each brand.
1. Everlast Powerultra 206PI Multi-Process Welder(Top pick)
Top pick
5 / 5
Pros
- Simple operation: turn on the pulse setting in normal mode, set the frequency, and perform welding.
- Various power supplies: 120V and 240V
- Effective welding and cutting up to 3/8 “-1/2” thickness
- Portable: Light and easy to move
- budget saving
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- No use of magnesium and aluminum.
- Only use with DC output.
- Slippery foot pedals
- cord torch is Short
The basic function of Everlast Powerultra 206PI
PowerUltra 206Pi is the best multi-purpose welder and Everlast multi-process welder.
Instead of the senior PowerUltra 205P plasma cutter, Everlast PowerUltra 206Pi is much more modern and portable. On the new side of this product, the PowerUltra 206Pi has a welding capacity of up to 200 amps, enough power to handle any minor steel.
PowerUltra 206Pi is actually a better Multi-Process Welder with outstanding features such as good flow control and DC output in STICK and TIG mode useful for welding and cutting all kinds of metal having thickness up to 3/8 “-1/2” inch maximum smoothly and cleanly except aluminum and magnesium.
Moreover, PowerUltra 206Pi has two preset pulses of 0.5 and 25 hertz which have been optimized for all-around use. As a result, everything you must do is turn the pulse on, select the frequency you want to weld, and then start welding. It’s so simple to set up, process, and maintenance.
Why should you choose PowerUltra 206Pi as a simple solution to deal with your steel and stainless welding and cutting needs? PowerUltra 206Pi can adapt what you want with an economical alternative to buy separate units such as Air-Cooled Everlast TIG Torch with DINSE Style connector, Air Regulator for Plasma TIG Ar/Gas, or Regulator Consumable Starter Kit for TIG and Plasma… Especially, thanks to the inverter technology, Dual voltage – 120V and 240V might consume less power.
2. Lotos LTPDC2000D Multi-Process Welder – Best Overall
Best Overall
3.9 / 5
Pros
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Highly durable thanks to the welding parts made from the ‘Infineon IGBT’ power drive matrix.
- budget saving
- Fast operations and high quality.
- easy maintenance and set up
- Pilot Arc Feature
Cons
- The heads of this welding unit are quite small
- not cut deep up to ½ inc
Basic Function
Considered as one of the first multi-function welding machines to be marketed, the Lotos LTPDC2000D plasma cutter was rated as the most excellent and innovative product for its large number of users. This multi-process welder has the ability to cut metal and then weld together so that you don’t have to buy two separate machines for the purpose of cutting and welding.
The special point of the Lotos LTPDC2000D plasma cutter is that it is compact, lightweight, easy to install, and allows users to cut plasma and weld DC / Tig plasma via a mobile device, a great combination between a TIG welder 200amp, a 200 Amp stick welder and 50amp pilot arc plasma cut. By flipping one switch only, you can use a stick to TIG welding, then back to plasma cutting which enables you to save much effort, time, and money.
Lotos LTPDC2000D which uses a dual voltage of 110 or 220V can cut a variety of metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and any more with a massive ideal Thickness 1/2″ and Max 3/4″. Moreover, this machine also uses compressed air so as to cut stainless steel, which might bring safety to users.
Pilot Arc Feature is also an outstanding effective feature. Thanks to this welding unit, you can get the advantage of cutting on rusty surfaces without the necessity to clean up them before starting while any ordinary plasma cutters would require a thorough cleaning before cutting. For this reason, it’s designed suitable for DIY users. However, even in professional operators, it’s still able to meet your needs.
The machine is well guaranteed by the manufacturer for up to three and a thirty-day money-back guarantee also. With such a long warranty, users can completely trust the quality of the product.
3. PrimeWeld CT-520D 3 In 1 Welder Plasma Cutter Combo (TIG, STICK, PLASMA)
Best Value
4.7 / 5
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Easy to carry around (carrying handle + lightweight between 20 and 25-pounds)
- Efficient over a variety of metal materials in terms of applicability.
- Safe to use with inbuilt fire-prevention features
Cons
- a bit difficult to figure out and operate for the first time.
Basic Function
The PrimeWeld CT-520D is rated as the best light in medium-duty 50A plasma cutters and the excellent value plasma cutter for your DIY metalworking projects. It is a three-in-one system that offers multiple cutting and welding functions.
PrimeWeld CT-520D air Inverter plasma cutter has a maximum cutting thickness from ½ Ideal cutting to ¾ Maximum cutting levels. The PrimeWeld CT-520D air Inverter plasma cutter allows using a variety of metals such as steel, copper, and aluminum which are under this thickness. Also, the system can switch between a DC Stick welder and a DC welder easily and quickly.
Moreover, you will not need to use much money to adapt your use in different places because dual voltage compatibility can allow the use of 120 or 240 voltage sources.
This model has DC inverter technology that converts direct current and alternating current helping it lighter and less noisy.
The 50A Plasma Cutter can also adjust the current flow rate and speed for smoother, clearer, and more consistent cutting. Here are some noticeable pros and cons characteristic:
Conclude
In general, each person has his/her own perspectives on this Multi-Process Welder. However, Everlast Powerultra 206PI, Lotos LTPDC2000D, and PrimeWeld CT-520D are innovative and portable products. They are the best TIG welder machines available on the market today with multipurpose machines, and they also make DC TIG/Stick, plasma cut possible.
Moreover, If you specialize in welding and cutting, this machine may keep up with your high workload. In case, you are a hobbyist or have many chores to do at home, this Multi-Process Welder can help you complete your work quickly and fast with a good price and simplicity.
Read More: 10 Best Plasma Cutters: Complete Buying Guide and Review 2021
Buyer’s Guide
What To Consider When Choosing A Multi-Process Welder?
Weight and Portability
If you are seeking the best choice of multi-process welders, it’s safe to assume you’ll be working on a variety of welding jobs. This frequently implies that portability is a factor that you are likely to consider.
Some multi-process welders are lightweight and easy to carry. You should choose such models if you move around your workshop frequently.
Main Function
Which welding operations are included is not determined by a single standard. A few welders solely have MIG and stick processes, while others have multiple processes such as TIG, MIG, and flux core as well as a plasma cutter.
TIG is, without a doubt, the best method for sheet metal. Many sheet metal workers prefer TIG welders operating at less than 5 amps.
Other processes like MIG and flux core can also work well on sheet metal. However, the condition is that you can easily control the arc and the min output is less than 20 amps.
Stick arc and MIG processes provide the best penetration when you weld thick steel plate. On the other hand, fabricators can benefit greatly from plasma cutters.
Main Welding Processes
The welding technology nature allows whatever welding power source to be used to run almost any process. It’s easy to see how high-end machines with many processes and settings differ from cheaper models with 2 processes and basic settings.
You must decide the processes of welding are of the most importance. To keep prices down, each manufacturer will prioritize a primary welding operation. Make sure that a machine’s primary purpose corresponds to your priorities.
If you have to do a lot of heavy-duty welding, cut swiftly, and be on the move, then a MIG welder or an arc welder featured a plasma cutter is required.
If you don’t cut frequently, it can be more cost-effective to obtain a multi-process machine having MIG, TIG, and stick instead of a plasma cutter.
Material You Are Working With
The most optimal multi-purpose welder to purchase is influenced by the sort of material that you’ll be welding. It comprises both the metal type and various gauge parts that must be welded.
With the correct consumables and settings, most premium machines can produce acceptable welds in projects involving steel and stainless steel. Welding aluminum requires more specialization and careful selection compared to generic machine capabilities.
If you need to weld aluminum using TIG, you’ll have to buy a machine that can work with both AC and DC modes. Aluminum welding benefits from a featuring TIG pulse.
Duty Cycle
Duty cycles are stated by certain manufacturers whose statement may not be true.
The duty cycles may not be uniform across the board since you’re working with multiple welding styles. Furthermore, multi-process welders have more output ranges to consider.
Overload Protection
This is a must-have feature for any welder. Regarding multi-process welders, overload protection is more critical because switching between multiple welding types can strain the machine much more quickly.
Power Supply
A dual-voltage power supply can make all the difference. Consider how much more freedom you’ll have if you’re not reliant on a single type of energy source.
For higher output, 220-volt power is needed. This means that you will be able to weld thicker materials quickly.
Accessories and Options
When comparing prices, keep in mind that if you don’t have a welder with a proper TIG or MIG, these features should be factored in. Certain machines have features such as lift-type arc, high-frequency no-touch arc starts. These features can save you money by slowing down the rate of consumables depletion.
You might find that it’s not necessary to have a dual voltage input & you can get by with just 120 volts.
Price
Welders that can do many processes are rarely inexpensive. There are several budget-friendly models which often come with a lot of trade-offs to achieve a lower price.
Nevertheless, a costly multi-process welder is more worth it in the end. Purchasing a multi-process welder, instead of 3 different kinds of welders, makes better sense if you only need to use additional welding methods in your tasks.
Bottom lines
When you are considering buying a multi-process welder, remember to follow our detailed buyer’s guide. We believe that our tips will allow you to find the best combo welder that meets your needs.
Also read: Reviews of MIG welders