Hi
I have narrowed my choice down to a short list
The Lincoln Speedtec 200C is the most expensive on the short list at $NZD2500 but still significantly cheaper than Kempi of Esab. It is a much more modern design than the Lincoln Powercraft 180i model. The initial high cost is offset by the high resale value. I am not buying a welder to sell if I consider the whole-of-life cost of a machine, then resale value is part of that.
The extra cost might also be justified if the machine lasts longer without defects. If it is more reliable, the 2 year warranty doesn't show it.
The Lincoln has a full synergic mode. At welding school I have been learning to setup the machine by sound and sight. Synergic might be nice but is not needed. It also includes lift TIG but I don't need that either.
BOC has a comprehensive range that includes the Smootharc 180 at $NZD825 is a good machine at a good price. It doesn't do MMA and is gas hungry because of the extended post gas timer setting. The alternative is the Smootharc Multiprocess 175MIG at $NZD950. It has a fixed post flow time of 3 sec (reasonable). It also does lift TIG and synergic.
Between the above options are machines from Jasic. One is the synergic Jasic Pro MIG200 recognised by the dual LED digital displays at $NZD1815. The other is the Jasic Pro MIG200 without the digital display. The Jasic Pro MIG175 is only $NZD1100. That size would be entirely adequate for my home workshop. It does MIG/MMA but not TIG which is OK by me. The lower purchase price would offset the poor resell value for Chinese brands. Jasic appears to be developing its brand so maybe this won't be so much of a problem in the future. Jasic offer a 5 year warranty but the local dealer only provides a 2 year warranty. This isn't much of a problem here because the consumer laws are strong on warrantys and it would be difficult for the dealer to enforce a 2 year limit.
The welder repairers all said that at the lower end of the welder range, more money equates to more features and better quality. I am sure I would be happy with a Lincoln Speedtec 200C but it would be hard to justify the $$$. I am going to end up with a BOC or Jasic machine. It probably wouldn't matter which one I chose but the choice is likely to be decided based on a detailed study of features.
I have narrowed my choice down to a short list
The Lincoln Speedtec 200C is the most expensive on the short list at $NZD2500 but still significantly cheaper than Kempi of Esab. It is a much more modern design than the Lincoln Powercraft 180i model. The initial high cost is offset by the high resale value. I am not buying a welder to sell if I consider the whole-of-life cost of a machine, then resale value is part of that.
The extra cost might also be justified if the machine lasts longer without defects. If it is more reliable, the 2 year warranty doesn't show it.
The Lincoln has a full synergic mode. At welding school I have been learning to setup the machine by sound and sight. Synergic might be nice but is not needed. It also includes lift TIG but I don't need that either.
BOC has a comprehensive range that includes the Smootharc 180 at $NZD825 is a good machine at a good price. It doesn't do MMA and is gas hungry because of the extended post gas timer setting. The alternative is the Smootharc Multiprocess 175MIG at $NZD950. It has a fixed post flow time of 3 sec (reasonable). It also does lift TIG and synergic.
Between the above options are machines from Jasic. One is the synergic Jasic Pro MIG200 recognised by the dual LED digital displays at $NZD1815. The other is the Jasic Pro MIG200 without the digital display. The Jasic Pro MIG175 is only $NZD1100. That size would be entirely adequate for my home workshop. It does MIG/MMA but not TIG which is OK by me. The lower purchase price would offset the poor resell value for Chinese brands. Jasic appears to be developing its brand so maybe this won't be so much of a problem in the future. Jasic offer a 5 year warranty but the local dealer only provides a 2 year warranty. This isn't much of a problem here because the consumer laws are strong on warrantys and it would be difficult for the dealer to enforce a 2 year limit.
The welder repairers all said that at the lower end of the welder range, more money equates to more features and better quality. I am sure I would be happy with a Lincoln Speedtec 200C but it would be hard to justify the $$$. I am going to end up with a BOC or Jasic machine. It probably wouldn't matter which one I chose but the choice is likely to be decided based on a detailed study of features.