What's multipurpose MIG welder
Most welding machines made are usually multipurpose. That being said a MIG machine can weld flux-core even if not specified. This is due to the way flux-core works; it is essentially just MIG without gas.
Some MIG welders can also weld stick, but not TIG. This is where true multi-purpose welding machines come into play. A true multipurpose machine will be able to weld MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core. The only thing that you might miss out in this price range is the lack of the AC setting and a few smaller settings like 2T/4T settings.
TOOLIOM 200A MIG Welder
The Tooliom welder I would say is the best low-cost multipurpose MIG welder that is available on amazon. It is capable of doing all four main types of welding. The welding types that this machine can do include:
- MIG
- Lift TIG
- Stick/MMA
- Flux-core/Gasless MIG
Plate thickness it can weld
It is capable of welding up to 4mm or 5/32 inch plate that is great for beginners and for home use but it is insufficient for professionals. Don’t get me wrong, a professional can still use this machine as a backup or for light call-out work but it won’t be enough for heavy-duty work.
The size of wire it can handle
You are limited to a 2 and 10-pound welding wire roll and 0.8mm MIG wire and 0.9 flux-core wire. As mentioned above this is enough for someone doing DIY and light welding work.
Due to the wire being thinner it will be better for small and thin metal because it is very easy to burn through metal when the wire is too thick. The problem that you can face if you are using too thick wire is that you will need more voltage to melt the wire which, in turn, can be too much for the metal and cause you to burn through the metal.
Synergic Adjustment Function
That being said the Tooliom 200A MIG welder has a “Synergic Adjustment Function” which means it will automatically match welding current/wire speed and voltage making it a lot easier to weld with. I personally really enjoy this setting because getting the correct wire speed to the machine with the voltage can be a real pain doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a professional.
2T/4T
This machine has the 2T/4T capability for MIG/flux-core welding. This setting is great if you are going to do long welds, you can think of it as cruise control in a car. On the 2T setting, you will need to press the trigger to start the weld, making it great for a short burst or tacking. Where on the 4T setting once you arced you can release the trigger and it will continue to weld, making it great for long continuous welds.
Where to best use it
It will be great to use for most home improvements and building smaller items like shelves. Because you most likely won’t need to weld materials more than 5/32 inch or 4mm thick if you are building stuff for personal use or to sell.
Small downside
There is just one criticism I will give this machine and it is more of complaining about a positive. The extras you get with the machine like the welding torches and earth clamp aren’t that high quality so you might need to replace them in the future, but is good enough for beginners or starting out with the machine.
The price of the machine is well worth it even without said extras so you are getting a small multi-purpose machine that is well worth the money.
Pros and cons of the TOOLIOM 200A MIG Welder
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Final thoughts on the TOOLIOM 200A MIG Welder
This is seriously a great machine for beginners and DIY welders you most likely won’t get a better deal out there. It is a relatively new machine so longevity isn’t that conclusive but if you take good care of it, it will last you. If you are looking for a machine that will last a lifetime you can check out millerwelds.
If you take care of the machine it will outlast the welding equipment you get with it. So in the future, you will most likely need to replace it, but there’s no need to replace it immediately.
You will also need to get PPE if you don’t have it already because this machine includes nothing of the sort. You can check out my comprehensive post on what PPE you need for welding and metalwork.
