Kemppi Master M and Master T:
Multi-process MIG and TIG
Choosing, Operating and Maintaining
The Kemppi Master family covers two jobs. Master M is Kemppi's portable multi-process MIG range, from a 200 A single-phase pulse machine to a 350 A 3-phase workshop unit.
Master T is the professional TIG range, from a 240 A single-phase AC/DC machine to a 500 A heavy-fabrication unit.
Both also weld stick, and all are Made in Finland built with Weld Assist guided setup.This is the second guide in our Know Your Machine series. It covers when MIG, TIG or stick is the right process, how to set each machine up, which wire, filler rod, tungsten and gas to use, the mistakes we see most, and the maintenance that keeps a Master working for years.
If you're weighing an upgrade, QWS has finance available on every Kemppi machine and package. Details are at the end.
The range at a glance
These are the six Master machines QWS stocks. Pick the family by process, then the model by power supply and how thick your work gets.
Master M: multi-process MIG
| Model | Max output (duty cycle) | Mains input | Pulse MIG | Also welds | Max spool | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master M 205 GM AU | 200 A (40%) | 1-phase 240 V or 110 V | Yes | DC TIG, MMA | 200 mm, 5 kg | 16.2 kg |
| Master M 323 GM | 320 A (40%) | 3-phase 380–460 V or 220–230 V | No (MAX Cool available) | DC TIG, MMA | 200 mm | 18.5 kg |
| Master M 353 G | 350 A (40%), 220 A (100%) | 3-phase 380–460 V | No | DC TIG, MMA | 300 mm, 20 kg | 27 kg |
Master T: professional TIG
| Model | Max TIG output (duty cycle) | Mains input | AC for aluminium | Pulse | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master T 245 ACDC GM AU | 240 A (40%), 170 A (100%) | 1-phase 240 V or 110 V | Yes | Double pulse, Auto Pulse, MicroTack | 19.1 kg |
| Master T 355 DC G AU | 350 A (30%), 190 A (100%) | 3-phase 380–460 V | No (DC only) | Double pulse, Auto Pulse, | 21.5 kg |
| Master T 505 ACDC GM AU | 500 A (30%) | 3-phase 380–460 V or 220–230 V | Yes | Double pulse, MicroTack | 57 kg |
Every machine is generator rated (the G in the model name), and the AU-model Master T machines ship with the VRD (voltage reduction device) locked on for stick welding, which matters on confined-space and mine sites.
Rule of thumb: choose Master M when speed and deposition matter. Choose Master T when appearance, precision or thin and exotic materials matter. Many workshops run one of each.
MIG, TIG or stick: which process when?
All three are arc processes, but they trade speed against control in different ways.
| Process | How it works | Strengths | Limits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIG/MAG | Wire electrode fed continuously through the torch under shielding gas | Fast, high deposition, easy to learn, one-handed | Less precise on very thin or exotic metals; needs gas and draft protection | Fabrication, structural, trailers, production runs |
| TIG | Non-consumable tungsten electrode; filler rod added by hand; shielding gas | Cleanest, most precise welds; any position; welds almost every metal | Slow; two-handed; needs clean material and a skilled operator | Stainless, aluminium, thin sheet, pipe roots, visible or hygienic welds |
| MMA (stick) | Flux-coated electrode; flux makes its own shielding | No gas bottle; tolerant of wind and dirty steel; simple kit | Slag to chip; slower; spatter | Site repairs, structural on site, maintenance, outdoors |
DC or AC TIG? Steel, stainless, copper and titanium are TIG welded on DC with the electrode negative. Aluminium and magnesium need AC. The alternating current breaks up the tough oxide skin on the surface while still putting heat into the joint. That is why the Master T 245 and 505 are AC/DC, while the Master T 355 is DC only.
Pulse in TIG and MIG. Pulsing switches between a high peak and a low background current. In TIG it gives better control of the pool on thin or positional work and lowers heat input. Kemppi's double pulse on Master T adds a second, slower pulse that helps ripple the bead and speed travel. In MIG, the Master M 205's pulse programs give cleaner aluminium and stainless welds from a single-phase plug.
Machine deep-dives
Kemppi Master M: portable multi-process MIG
Who it's for: site and maintenance welders, boilermakers, agricultural and earthmoving repair, and workshops that want one machine for MIG, stick and the occasional TIG job.
What all three share:
• Weld Assist. The colour screen walks the welder through material, thickness and joint, then sets the parameters.
• Multi-process. MIG, stick, and DC TIG with a compatible torch, so one machine covers most jobs on a site.
• Generator rated. Each model is built to run from site power, from 15 kVA for the M 205 to 20 kVA for the M 353.
• Ready-made programs. Synergic programs cover mild steel, stainless, aluminium, silicon bronze and cored wires.
Which model?
• Master M 205 GM AU is the one to take anywhere. It runs from a standard 240 V outlet or 110 V, weighs 16.2 kg, and is the only Master M with pulse MIG: 37 programs, 17 of them pulse. That makes it the go-to for aluminium and stainless repair on site.
• Master M 323 GM gives 320 A from 3-phase in an 18.5 kg package, and accepts both 380–460 V and 220–230 V. It adds MAX Cool, a low-heat short-arc process for root runs, thin sheet and bridging gaps. Its handle is rated for crane lifting with gun, wire and cables attached, and it has LED work lights.
• Master M 353 G is the workshop production unit: 350 A at 40% and 220 A continuous. Its 4-roll drive and 300 mm, 20 kg spool capacity suit longer production runs and cored wire. It also pairs with the SuperSnake GTX sub-feeder for long-reach work.
Kemppi Master T: professional TIG
Who it's for: stainless fabricators in food, dairy and pharma, aluminium fabricators, pipe and pressure vessel shops, motorsport and panel work, and maintenance crews in confined spaces.
What all three share:
• Engineered ignition with adjustable spark force, for reliable arc starts on every material.
• Double pulse TIG. Kemppi quotes up to 30% faster welding and 20% lower heat input than standard pulsed TIG.
• Weld Assist and WeldEye compatibility, so procedures can be guided at the machine and recorded for quality systems.
• AutoCool, which runs fans and the water cooler only as hard as the welding load needs.
• VRD locked on for stick welding on the AU models.
Which model?
• Master T 245 ACDC GM AU brings full AC/DC TIG to single-phase power: 240 A at 40% from 240 V, and 130 A from 110 V. It offers sine, square and Optima AC waveforms for aluminium, plus MicroTack for clean, low-heat tacks and MAX WeldClean for cleaning stainless welds after welding. At 19.1 kg, it's the choice for workshops without 3-phase and for site aluminium work.
• Master T 355 DC G AU is a dedicated DC machine for steel, stainless and exotic alloys, at 350 A from 3-phase. It suits pipe, pressure vessel and stainless process work where aluminium isn't needed.
• Master T 505 ACDC GM AU is the heavy hitter: 500 A AC/DC TIG for thick aluminium, marine, defence and pressure vessel fabrication. It accepts 380–460 V or 220–230 V 3-phase.
Correct setup, step by step
MIG on a Master M
The full 10-step MIG checklist is in our [Kemppi X5 and X3 guide](link to blog 1). The points that matter most on a portable Master M:
1. Match rolls, liner and tip to the wire. V-groove and steel liner for steel; U-groove, PTFE liner and aluminium tips for aluminium.
2. Keep the torch lead short and straight for aluminium. On the 2-roll M 205 and M 323, a 3 m torch feeds soft wire far more reliably than a long coiled one.
3. Recalibrate after changing cable length. The M 323 prompts you after a change of 5 m or more; do it.
4. Check generator output before you strike. An undersized generator causes an unstable arc and can trip the machine.
DC TIG on a Master T (steel and stainless)
1. Polarity: torch on the negative terminal (DCEN), work lead on positive.
2. Tungsten: 2% lanthanated (gold) or ceriated (grey) for DC. Use 1.6 mm up to roughly 100 A, 2.4 mm up to roughly 200 A, and 3.2 mm above that.
3. Grind to a point, lengthwise along the tungsten, never around it. A taper about 2 to 2.5 times the diameter suits most work.
4. Gas: pure argon at around 6–10 L/min, depending on cup size and drafts. Set post-flow so the tungsten is still shielded until it stops glowing.
5. Cup and stick-out: a #6 to #8 cup, with the tungsten extending about one cup diameter or less. A gas lens allows a longer stick-out for hard-to-reach joints.
6. Start current and slope: use a short up-slope and a down-slope at the end of the weld to fill the crater and avoid cracking.
7. Back-purge stainless pipe and tube with argon, or the inside of the weld will oxidise ("sugar").
AC TIG on a Master T 245 or 505 (aluminium)
1. Clean first. Remove oil with a solvent, then use a stainless brush kept only for aluminium, and weld soon after.
2. Tungsten: lanthanated works well on modern inverters. Prepare a slightly blunted point rather than a needle tip so it doesn't spit at higher current.
3. Waveform: start with square wave for general work. Try Optima AC for a smoother, quieter arc, or sine for a softer, traditional arc.
4. Balance: more electrode-negative time gives deeper penetration and longer tungsten life; more positive time gives stronger oxide cleaning. Increase cleaning only as far as the surface needs.
5. Frequency: higher frequency narrows and focuses the arc for fillets and thin edges; lower frequency widens it.
6. Gas: pure argon at around 8–12 L/min, with a larger cup than you'd use on steel.
Stick on any Master
Most general-purpose and low-hydrogen electrodes run DC electrode positive; check the electrode packet. Keep low-hydrogen rods in a heated oven once the pack is open, and keep the VRD switched on where site rules require it.
Filler, tungsten and gas guide
Match the filler to the parent metal, then the size to the thickness
| Job | Process | Filler | Tungsten | Shielding Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild steel, general | MIG (Master M) | ER70S-6 solid wire, 0.8–0.9 mm on the M 205, up to 1.2 mm on the M 323 and M 353 (steel wire) | Argon + CO2 mix | |
| Mild steel, precise or root runs | TIG (Master T) | ER70S-6 TIG rod, 1.6–2.4 mm (steel TIG rod) | 2% lanthanated, DC | Pure argon |
| 304 stainless | TIG | ER308L rod (stainless TIG rod) | 2% lanthanated or ceriated, DC | Pure argon; back-purge tube and pipe |
| 316 stainless | TIG | ER316L rod | 2% lanthanated or ceriated, DC | Pure argon; back-purge |
| Stainless, faster | Pulse MIG (Master M 205) | 308LSi or 316LSi wire, 0.8–1.0 mm | Argon + 2% CO2 or O2 | |
| Aluminium, general and 6xxx | AC TIG | ER4043 rod (aluminium TIG rod) | Lanthanated, AC | Pure argon |
| Aluminium, marine and 5xxx | AC TIG or pulse MIG | ER5356 rod or wire | Lanthanated, AC | Pure argon |
| Site repairs, structural | Stick (any Master) | E7018 low-hydrogen or E6013 general purpose (steel electrodes) | None needed |
Three rules that save rework:
• Never let carbon steel touch stainless
Separate brushes, grinding discs and clamps, or the finished weld rusts.
• Aluminium starts clean or it doesn't start
Degrease, brush, then weld the same day; oxide re-forms within hours.
• Keep filler clean and dry
Wipe TIG rod with a clean cloth, cap the tube, and store low-hydrogen electrodes in an oven once opened.
Do's and Dont's
| DON'T | DO INSTEAD |
|---|---|
| Use a thoriated (red) tungsten out of habit | Use 2% lanthanated or ceriated: same performance on inverters, no radioactive dust |
| Grind the tungsten around its circumference | Grind lengthwise, on a dedicated wheel, so the arc stays focused |
| Dip the tungsten and keep welding | Stop, break off the contaminated end and regrind; a dirty tungsten wanders and contaminates the weld |
| Weld stainless pipe without a purge | Back-purge with argon to protect the inside of the weld |
| Turn AC cleaning up to the maximum on aluminium | Use only as much cleaning as the surface needs; extra cleaning overheats the tungsten and widens the arc |
| Run aluminium through a long, coiled MIG lead on a portable feeder | Keep the lead short and straight, with a PTFE liner and U-groove rolls |
| Plug a single-phase machine into an extension lead and undersized generator | Use the right outlet and a generator at or above Kemppi's minimum: 8 kVA for the T 245, 15 kVA for the M 205 |
| Disable safety features on site | Keep VRD active for stick welding in confined or wet locations |
Maintenance and Best Practice
Master machines are built for knocks and site work, but torches, cables and consumables wear every shift.
| When | Master M (MIG) | Master T (TIG) |
|---|---|---|
| Every shift | Contact tip and nozzle clear of spatter; gas fittings tight; earth clamp secure | Tungsten sharp and clean; cup and collet body undamaged; gas hose and torch cable free of cuts |
| Weekly | Blow out the liner from the machine end; check drive rolls for wear and swarf | Check the torch back cap O-ring and collet; replace a cracked cup before it causes gas turbulence |
| Every Wire Change | Rolls, liner, tip and program all match the new wire | Correct tungsten type, size and grind for the material; correct polarity for AC or DC |
| Monthly | Replace worn liners; check the power cable and plug | Water-cooled torches: check coolant level and hoses, using Kemppi's recommended coolant |
| Every 6 months | Mains isolated, blow dust out of the machine with dry, low-pressure air; book a QWS service check | Same, paying attention to the fan inlet in grinding-heavy shops |
| As your site requires | Electrical test and tag under AS/NZS 3760. Every machine QWS supplies leaves built, tested and tagged | Same |
Best practice that pays back:
• Save proven settings to memory channels so every welder on the team starts from the same parameters.
• Use genuine consumables. QWS stocks genuine Kemppi contact tips, nozzles and liners, plus TIG consumables range
• Invest in a tungsten grinder if you TIG daily. Consistent points mean consistent arcs (tungsten grinders).
Finance and next steps:
The right process on the right machine shows up in the finish, the rework rate and the hours on each job. A single-phase AC/DC TIG can bring aluminium work in-house. A 3-phase Master M can take a crew from one machine per job to one machine for every job. Finance lets you put that machine to work now and pay for it as it earns.
QWS has partnered with Best Equipment Finance to offer asset-backed finance on every Kemppi machine and package, from a single Master T to a full workshop fit-out. A $10,420 + GST package works out at [$XX per week / month] over 60 months.
Not sure whether you need MIG, TIG or both? Tell us what you weld, how thick, and where you work, and we'll put together the setup that fits your work and your budget.
Call 07 3399 6199, email qldsales@weldingsupply.com.au, or see our financing options.
Some T&C’s:
Example repayment based on a 60-month (5-year) asset-backed finance term on a total package of $10,420 + GST. A $500 establishment fee applies at application. Finance is subject to approval and the lender's credit criteria.
Applicants must hold an ABN registered for at least 2 years and be registered for GST. Repayments are indicative only and may vary based on credit assessment.
Finance is provided by Best Equipment Finance. QWS is not a registered credit provider. Delivery and training apply within a 50km radius of Brisbane.
Frequently asked questions:
What's the difference between Kemppi Master M and Master T?
Master M is a multi-process MIG range that also welds stick and DC TIG. Master T is a dedicated TIG range, with AC/DC models for aluminium, that also welds stick. Choose M for speed and deposition, T for precision and finish.
Can I TIG weld aluminium with a Kemppi Master?
Yes, on the Master T 245 ACDC or Master T 505 ACDC. Aluminium needs AC TIG. The Master T 355 is DC only, so it suits steel and stainless but not aluminium.
Which Kemppi Master runs on single-phase power?
The Master M 205 (MIG) and Master T 245 ACDC (TIG). Both run from 240 V and also accept 110 V at reduced output.
Which Master M has pulse MIG? The Master M 205 GM AU, with 17 pulse programs. The Master M 323 and 353 are synergic MIG machines without pulse; the M 323 offers MAX Cool for low-heat work.
What tungsten should I use for TIG?
2% lanthanated (gold) is a good all-rounder for both AC and DC on inverter machines. Ceriated (grey) is also suitable for DC. Size it to the current: 1.6 mm up to roughly 100 A, 2.4 mm up to roughly 200 A.
Can I finance a Kemppi Master through QWS?
Yes. QWS offers asset-backed finance through Best Equipment Finance on Kemppi machines and packages, subject to approval. Call 07 3399 6199 to talk through your setup.