Tooliom TL-200M Multi-Process Welder Review My first impressions were not great simply because of the low-grade plastic used on much of the enclosure. This machine is not something you would toss into the back of your truck – something would snap for sure. However, the spool access door is metal, as is the wrap around the machine's guts. The sliding door latch is decent, and the door opens down, allowing good visibility. However, the door feels a bit loose when shut – a rubber bumper or two would be nice. I also wish it had four rubber feet on the bottom. There are four open-ended slots for something, but otherwise, it just sits on the plastic. I don't plan on running gas for Mig or Tig (flux core and stick only) so having no regulator included was a bonus because I didn't have to pay for something I don't need. As all of my welding is done outside, so gas is out. However, I wanted to protect the gun tip with a flux core nozzle, and the ones sold locally were too large and didn't have threads. So I found some on Amazon "Weldflame 2pcs FITS MAGNUM 100L NOZZLE (KP1939-1)" that fit perfectly. The manufacturer's description wasn't clear on flux core wire diameters, and I had the impression that 035 wire was the only option. I'm happy to say two grooved wheels are in the box; One has two smooth grooves for hardwire (030 & 035), and another with two toothed grooves for flux-core – also 030, 035. Much of my welding is on thinner materials, and 030 works amazingly well as it requires less heat. If I run into thicker material, I can always wash in a larger bead or stack them. Both wheels have an "08" and an "09" stamped on the relative side, translating to 030 and 035 imperial. There is no wire included which is just fine. Typically, manufacturers who include consumables provide the cheapest they can get, so results are relative. I went to my local Tractor Supply, bought a 10lb spool of Hobart 030 flux-core wire, and loaded it into the machine. There are many brands online, but getting a spool on the day I need it, is important. The spool loaded fine, and the spindle, tensioner, and plastic nut (LH threads) performed well. I also bought some spare 030 tips as the machine only comes with one 030 [08] tip. The gun generally feels good, although I wish there were a hanger/hook on it somewhere. I may make something at some point. I knew that the 030 tip (Stamped 08) would need to be removed before feeding the wire, but I found it extremely tight – all the way out. After I removed the tip, I noticed that the spring core that guides the wire was simply the raw end of the spring. As the tip is soft copper, the spring digs into it as you unscrew. So I grabbed my angle grinder with a flap wheel, grabbed the bit of spring sticking out of the gun with needle-nose pliers, and flattened the end of the spring. The tip now screws in and out as it should. My first project was a welder/plasma cart because I also bought the Tooliom Plasma. I have very limited space and wanted it to take up as little room as possible, so I built a hand-truck-style cart for both. I get a kick out of using the steel I have on hand as much as possible. Having taken down a chain-link fence last year, I had plenty of galvanized pipe – especially the top rail. This pipe is about 1.3" OD with an 07 wall - a tad more than 1/16". While I did a decent job coping the pipe to fit, it wasn't perfect. Nevertheless, I was amazed at how well this machine layed in fillets and the occasional gap – even with the galvanizing! Sure, there is a bit of spatter, but most is easily removed with a wire wheel on the grinder. The 030 flux-core wire was perfect for this project. The two plates that hold the axle are 20 gauge, and I was able to run a continuous bead along the edge against the tubes running on "Slow" and about 80 amps. The two knobs on the front of the machine are cryptic to me, but it wasn't long before I figured out that the knob on the left (labeled "Slow, Normal, and High") was actually wire speed, the other (labeled "Slow, and Fast") was amps. It seems odd to me, but I guess it's all about perspective. The amp knob adjusts in single-digit steps, and don't let the decal fool you – it can spin much more than 360 degrees. The ground clamp and stinger are what I expected in a machine in this price range – not great but adequate. The same holds for the welding leads. I looked online for months for a multiprocess welder but also wanted a plasma cutter. I also didn't want to spend 2 to 3K as I'm just futzing. I had a decent offshore stick machine, but I wanted something with the "Hot-Start" feature to minimize the rod's annoying "sticking" at first strike. This machine has the feature, but I haven't tried it yet. The flux-core works so well that I may never need to stick weld again. The plasma works excellent, but I will be reviewing that separately. Having both a "Hot Start" Plasma and a Multiprocess welder under 1K is slick, especially ones that work so beautifully.
