AC/DC TIG pre-purchase advice needed please

[chrismac]

There was an Oxford ac/dc tig for sale on here about a week ago for £1200 for a quick sale in Norfolk, can't seem to find the listing atm.

Top class machine with simple controls, would be worth the day out to collect it.

It was asked to be removed buy the seller, soon after I pointed someone to it on here also. maybe it was sold away from this site.

 

[Jackimus]

Get in touch with @Richard Stowe , who I believe was the one selling that TIG at a brilliant price but asked for it to be taken down due to not selling.

Might be on eBay now but if he's still willing to sell it to you, don't even think about it, get it. @fizzy can get it shipped to you.

 

[BGS28]

I've been having the same dilemma. I already have the R-tech 181 Mig so a Big for me would be more for playing with and trying to see if I can work out how to weld Alu. I like the idea od a stack of R-tech machines with the possibility to then add a plasma cutter to the stack at a later date but the price jump from the paroled to the R-tech is hard to ignore even with the 10% discount and the customer services back up.

My local Welding supplier is a really friendly place and sells Parweld so so in all honesty I'll probably end up with that one as the money saved will happily offset the slightly shorter warranty.

I've considered the Stahlworks like you but when you include the import duty and Vat on top the prices are not cheap enough to justify the risk of it going wrong and the ensuing headache of trying to deal with a foreign warranty provider

Yes, it’s not easy to choose. I would also have liked plasma and a few other options. But was hoping by limiting to TIG AC/DC there would be a defacto choice for my budget, in a way it seems to be R-Tech brand. I’ve seen some ads for the Parweld showing 3 yr warranty, but having checked with them directly they have confirmed they are now covered for 5 years. RTech are certainly highly regarded here, but how often after a purchase of 1 machine are we really likely to need support (not counting consumables etc) the make the additional cost over the Parweld worthwhile, unless there are other factors/functions/performance that are better too, or if Parweld support is terrible.

 

[hillman]

Hi BGS28,
I've got the R-Tech Tig201 and I'm not a million miles away from you in Knutsford if you want to pop over and have a go on this machine.
Alan.

 

[Argonman]

Thanks for your first hand experience, info like this really puts me in a difficult situation. My initial thoughts were to get the same model. I'm going to need to make a decision soon so will see what the other members recommend.

I'm with Brokenbiker here. I bought the Hitbox 200 ac/dc. I used it to teach myself TIG. I haven’t found any limitations other than my own skill but I’m no expert. I've welded steel & aluminium with good results. The only unknown is customer support if there is a problem but no problems so far. I think it’s a really neat well made item for the price. I bought mine with foot pedal. Don't underestimate the cost of argon whilst you are learning. You will go through plenty and it’s not cheap.

 

[northwest]

And I have the Parweld (which I am very happy with) and I am not a million miles away either if you wanted a test drive, but it would have to be late next week when I get back from "up norf". Beware though, once you get the welder you will then want a cooler, Gas, a decent helmet, good gloves (I think we all have our favourites) and plenty of consumables.

I have an R-Tec cooler (and Plasma) and I like their kit enough to say there really isn't much in it between the Parweld or the R-Tec, go with the one that matches your workshop colour scheme is my suggestion as there is no difference in functionality really.

 

[BGS28]

You will not be disappointed with the R Tech machine.
Ask them about shop soiled and X demo machines .

Thanks, done!

 

[BGS28]

Hi BGS28,
I've got the R-Tech Tig201 and I'm not a million miles away from you in Knutsford if you want to pop over and have a go on this machine.
Alan.

Hi Alan. Thanks so much for the really kind offer—really generous of you to invite me round and let me try your machine.
I’m abroad in Mexico then Greece for the next few weeks and not able to take you up on it just now, and I've no experience with TIG, so would likely just be for a chat about the welders.
That said, if I’m still undecided when I’m back, I may check if the offer still stands. Either way, really appreciate it—cheers!
Brian

 

[BGS28]

And I have the Parweld (which I am very happy with) and I am not a million miles away either if you wanted a test drive, but it would have to be late next week when I get back from "up norf". Beware though, once you get the welder you will then want a cooler, Gas, a decent helmet, good gloves (I think we all have our favourites) and plenty of consumables.

I have an R-Tec cooler (and Plasma) and I like their kit enough to say there really isn't much in it between the Parweld or the R-Tec, go with the one that matches your workshop colour scheme is my suggestion as there is no difference in functionality really.

Hi @northwest .
Thanks also for the really kind offer—really generous, and for the heads up on the other bits n bobs required. I have the helmet gloves etc from my MIG setup, but wasn't expecting to need a cooler, as expecting only to be using for very light use. I'll need to look into that before placing an order as Parweld have a kit that comes with a cooler.
I’m abroad for the next few weeks. If I’m still undecided when I’m back, I may check if the offer still stands. Either way, really appreciate it—cheers!
Everyone is super supportive and friendly here.
Brian

 

[northwest]

Everyone is super supportive and friendly here.

It's what makes the place. As far as the cooler goes it is not a deal breaker and many on here TIG weld without one. Now that I have one though I wouldn't be without. Drop me a line when you get back and you are quite welcome to have a go with mine.

 

[Richard Stowe]

Get in touch with @Richard Stowe , who I believe was the one selling that TIG at a brilliant price but asked for it to be taken down due to not selling.

Might be on eBay now but if he's still willing to sell it to you, don't even think about it, get it. @fizzy can get it shipped to you.

I've Still got it and it's still for sale at £1200 but I haven't got the time to pack it up on a pallet. It's an Oxford Tigmaker Ac/Dc 220E with pulse and foot pedal let me know if interested and I'll pm the pic's

 

[chunkytfg]

Rtech emailed yesterday about shop soiled machines for sale. Full set of tigs and migs.

 

[hillman]

Hi Alan. Thanks so much for the really kind offer—really generous of you to invite me round and let me try your machine.
I’m abroad in Mexico then Greece for the next few weeks and not able to take you up on it just now, and I've no experience with TIG, so would likely just be for a chat about the welders.
That said, if I’m still undecided when I’m back, I may check if the offer still stands. Either way, really appreciate it—cheers!
Brian

Hi Brian,
I've done racing now for this year so I should be about most weekdays.
Drop me a message when you're back.
Alan