is multi process for me?

Sorry if I'm coming off a little wishy-washy but I tend to over think/ research things to death.

My original plan was to pick up a plasma and mig for work on my mud trucks and some small cnc work up to 3/8" (ocasionally hand cutting 1/2"). Well, after finding that I may need bigger machines than I first thought as well as the extras involved with the machines and the fact that a 2x2 table may not be exactly ideal. Apparently they are bare bones and require much more to work well I am thinking that my modest budget isn't going to touch my initial goals.

So,
time to get real. After some re-evaluation I have narrowed things down (again). Looks like as far as cutting I will be mostly 1/4" and under with the occasional 3/8" and a rare 1/2". Welding wise, I already have some experience with stick and some of the truck parts I deal with may not be ideal (clean) for mig. As far as cnc I have an idea about a manual pantograph machine for signs and parts that may work out in the meantime while I work on the budget.

Would a multiprocess like the powerultra 205p work for my needs? I already have a full time job so this would not be for heavy use.

Thanks again.

Do you mind clarifying this sentence:

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Originally Posted by drthunder33

...and some of the truck parts I deal with may not be ideal (clean) for mig.

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Are you saying the truck parts may not be clean? If so, (and I don't mean to preach) you should know TIG requires VERY clean weld materials, down to bright shiny metal and any surface contaminants removed prior to welding. Did I get your question right, or did I miss something?

Sorry, to clarify, the trucks are "mud trucks" and there may be some rust and paint at the repair/ modification area. I have no immediate plans for tig welding but I do plan on using the stick feature with some 6010 to bust through any possible contaminants.

Thanks for the info. I'm kinda new to all this so all the help I can get is more than appreciated.
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Just a couple of points, You might want to check about the mutiprocess machine and 6010. I do not believe they work well with that rod. If you use 6011 you should be ok, but if you must have 6010, you probably want to get an inverter that has a specific 6010 rating. Also the multiprocess machines are not recommended for CNC or other extended operation like your pantograph, because that kind of operation will often max out the duty cycle. There is a thread here a few years back where rodsmachine rigged up a simple 1:1 tracer for a plasma. A pantograph would be even better as a poorman's CNC. You might also look at MIG/Stick combos, since that sounds like the kind of work you do. Then add a dedicated plasma and you will be good to go, even if you upgrade later to a CNC.

Rambozo is right. The MP unit is more of a weekend warrior, light work machine. A machine driving it (CNC) would kill it in no time. I would go dedicated MIG and Plasma. We (my places) have a PP80 and MIG250 for shop work and a IMIG 200 for on the road, also a PP50 but plasma draw a lot of current so a bigger generator is required.

If you need to TIG and have a budget the PT185 down the road. We do steel and aluminum with the little IMG 200. I would look at that machine. A lot of people like the new MIG140, based on price point and power. If you need 6010, look at the Power Arc line, but stick only.

Mark can tell you what machines for 6010, I would just use 6011 since you are just mudding,

The duty cycles between the pp50 and pu205 seem to be the same at 240v. Am I missing another parameter that makes the pp50 a better cutter?

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Originally Posted by drthunder33

The duty cycles between the pp50 and pu205 seem to be the same at 240v. Am I missing another parameter that makes the pp50 a better cutter?

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Output drivers are better. The PP50 you can abuse, tough IGBTs. Also, the PP50 only powers a plasma circuit. The pu205 powers a welder(TIG/MMA) and plasma circuit.

Also, PU205 is a TIG and plasma, not a MIG and plasma, like DaveO pointed out. If you want to weld fast and dirty, that's MIG or stick. PU205 will work if you want MMA/Stick and that is why Ram mentioned 6010 and 6011.

Heck, now I'm confused...

I would go with dedicated machines, though more money. My vote, IMIG200, PP50. Later PT185. I have not used the 140, but getting one, it might be all you need.

We (personally) have too many mud trucks and trailers, quads, UTVs, golf carts.. MIG and plasma to start, it will do what you need.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

Output drivers are better. The PP50 you can abuse, tough IGBTs. Also, the PP50 only powers a plasma circuit. The pu205 powers a welder(TIG/MMA) and plasma circuit.

Also, PU205 is a TIG and plasma, not a MIG and plasma, like DaveO pointed out. If you want to weld fast and dirty, that's MIG. PU205 will work if you want MMA/Stick and that is why Ram mentioned 6010 and 6011.

Heck, now I am confused...

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I was thinking along the lines of something like an iMIG 200 or better, to give you 6011 stick and MIG, a great one two punch for repairs and off-road fab. Then pair it up with a plasma that could be used manually, or on a pantograph and could also be used on a future CNC project.