Hi
I have been lurking around these forums for a long time, but now have something important to say.
In short: avoid R-tech welding.
I bought 3-p 320A AC/DC TIG unit in 2012 and have been pleased until now. Used very lightly, mostly for small amp TIG. Recently I took arc welding course and so the welder got to burn some stick as well. I love stick, it's an art.
As you already guess it stopped working three days ago. Cannot strike an arc in MMA mode and TIG mode extinguishes as soon as HF start is over. You can see the exact symptoms here, the JLT welder shown is from the same source as R-tech:
I know that because I took a look inside, the PCB's have JLT part markings. Also on first look I found six or seven loose press fit terminals, because the wire thickness didn't match the terminal. The creative assemblers "fixed" it by doubling up the wire... Two terminals were so loose the wire came straight out by pulling slightly.
To salt the wounds I have full e-mail correspondence with R-tech sales from 2012, where they say following:
/--/
We modify this in the UK we also change the Inductance and HF coils as well
as the simicon IGBTs being swopped out for the far superior Eupec Infineon
(Siemens), I assure you we modify these machines in the UK it is a fact.
There is a cost to these UK modifications, in parts and UK labor rates.
/--/
So finding 6-7 loose press fit terminals right away in the first look is a bit disconcerting.
Now all would be well if the company would answer the e-mails and/or requests sent using the http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/contactus/technicalsupport/ form. I have given three days for them to reply but have not heard back. Hence I recommend against making business with that company.
I have been lurking around these forums for a long time, but now have something important to say.
In short: avoid R-tech welding.
I bought 3-p 320A AC/DC TIG unit in 2012 and have been pleased until now. Used very lightly, mostly for small amp TIG. Recently I took arc welding course and so the welder got to burn some stick as well. I love stick, it's an art.
As you already guess it stopped working three days ago. Cannot strike an arc in MMA mode and TIG mode extinguishes as soon as HF start is over. You can see the exact symptoms here, the JLT welder shown is from the same source as R-tech:
I know that because I took a look inside, the PCB's have JLT part markings. Also on first look I found six or seven loose press fit terminals, because the wire thickness didn't match the terminal. The creative assemblers "fixed" it by doubling up the wire... Two terminals were so loose the wire came straight out by pulling slightly.
To salt the wounds I have full e-mail correspondence with R-tech sales from 2012, where they say following:
/--/
We modify this in the UK we also change the Inductance and HF coils as well
as the simicon IGBTs being swopped out for the far superior Eupec Infineon
(Siemens), I assure you we modify these machines in the UK it is a fact.
There is a cost to these UK modifications, in parts and UK labor rates.
/--/
So finding 6-7 loose press fit terminals right away in the first look is a bit disconcerting.
Now all would be well if the company would answer the e-mails and/or requests sent using the http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/contactus/technicalsupport/ form. I have given three days for them to reply but have not heard back. Hence I recommend against making business with that company.