bit the bullet and bought an R tech plasma

[DrNik]

well i sold my van (long story) and my partner bought a horsebox with the proceeds so i bought a r tech 40 amp plasma (before she could spend the rest), went into the head office in Gloucester, and well if their machines are as good as their customer service it was a great purchase, the guy was very very helpful, honest and patient as i asked far too many questions, got it cheaper than list price and a good handful of consumables to boot. BIG THANK YOU R-TECH

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

I just bought a 160 Tig, found that the customer service was excellent as well would be good if you could do a review of the cut 40 as that will be my next purchase

 

[andy m]

Jim I am looking at the 160 tig. I am on a welding course, not touched a tig yet but I want to eventually tig ally parts.

Dr Nik I was toying with going to Gloucester to see the Rtech people re their kit. ESC locally do their kit at the same prices as the Rtech site so either or really ?? Still mulling over which to buy?? early days.

 

[wombar]

Just thought I'd chime in here regarding R-Tech. I ordered the 200amp AC/DC tig this week, and the service I received from R-Tech was excellent. They were happy to talk through some options on the phone, and the "shop soiled" unit looks brand new to me.

There were a few issues with the order (not actually R-Techs fault) that were sorted very quickly, with no absolutely no hassle. Any company can get an order right, it's how they treat you when something goes wrong that is important (to me at least). With great service and a 2 year warranty (collect and return) I'll definitely be shopping with them again.

 

[Shedendman]

Nice bit of kit,i take it you've got this one DrNik
http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/welding_equipment/Plasma_Cutter/Plasma_Cutter_R-Tech_P40HF
I have the same but a slightly earlier version(dials and knobs placed different) even though i got it 2nd hand from a 3rd party with a few months warranty left R-Tech were only to happy to transfer this to my name,also very helpfull with other info i needed to know(didnt get an owners manual with it and being my very 1st cutter) + was given the option to extend this, £45 for another 2 years.

10/10 for R-Tech all round

I have one very slight drawback with it, being as it must have a 32amp supply and the cable being only 2m long you can take it everywhere esp to a job that doesn't have the right input(sockets) etc.

I was told by another owner that on the lowest setting you can get away with a 13amp plug,this i haven't tried(nor want to),R-Tech dont advise this either,your warranty can go out the window if theres a fault and can get expensive for repairs
All in all a really good tool thickest i've cut so far has been 8mm steel,knife through butter.
Can i ask a favour DrNik,could you put a photo up of the torch head like to compare it with mine as its different(WSD60P) to what R-Tech have,but they assured me it'll be fine and so far it has

 

[andy m]

Can you run the 160 and 200 tigs off 13 a plug??

 

[chunkolini]

I have had the same plasma cutter for a while now.
Good piece of kit, the consumables look a bit cheap (very cheap) well they are, but they seem to last for ages to my surprise.
The torch? I have a photo of mine.

Again looks cheap, but works.
I did not like the paddle switch, twice I caught it on my bench and set the torch off. I was planning on shortening the paddle when I snagged it on something and snapped the paddle off, leaving a tiny stub that is much nicer to use. Short throw is much more instantaneous than a long throw paddle.
I have used it on a 13amp lug and it blows fuses now and again but I am getting a 32amp socket fitted. Overall very impressed by function and price.

 

[wombar]

Can you run the 160 and 200 tigs off 13 a plug??

Yes, but obviously it depends what your electrics are like. I've only gone to about 130amp on my R-Tech 201 max, but it's been fine so far.

 

[DrNik]

hi andy, ive had experience of E******e supplies, and to be honest to guy who runs things, Barry is a **** (enter your own foul four letter word)he isnt helpful,bought a compressor, buts were missing, made me pay for the parts @£20, and then they were wrong, i wont be going back, the other staff just walk past you, no advice, looking after the bigger fish i guess, id rather give R-Tech my money, well worth the trip (and i havent even plugged the plasma in yet)
Cheers Chunk for the supplying picture

If i get to use it soon i'll do a review, no problem

 

[chunkolini]

E--bridge supplies? In Gloucester.
I bought my gas welding gear from them.
They told me you cant buy it as a kit, eg torch, regs, hoses etc.
Naively I accepted this and received a collection of bits in a catdboard box.
Another forum member who has a vast knowledge of the welding industry was wonderfully unflattering about them as a company and as people. DrNik I know what you are talking about..
Andy if you are in Hereford have a look at Saracen, in the middle of town and do know their stuff.

 

[Shox Dr]

You can change that torch with a 20quid assembly of ebay. Search for SG55 and AG60

Much nicer unit

 

[andy m]

Thanks both, elmbridge are in Hereford now as well. I went there for a mask and looked at their gear. Spoke to a fitter there, he was quite helpful. Chunk I had a look at Saracen briefly, I use them for other bits now and then.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

We should have a name and shame page for bad supliers

 

[DrNik]

yes think its correct to name and shame, but not to beat them up, (keeping it factual)

 

[Paul.]

We should have a name and shame page for bad supliers

No chance. From the forum rules

We do not allow naming and shaming, libel or slander on the forum. The forum frequently receives legal threats as a result of such posts and will remove them. Please don't post them in the first place.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

Ok... mabey no name and shame

 

[DrNik]

shame we cant tell the truth, thing about it is if all companies had its customers review after purchases, the companies would treat people differently

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

yeh, were prety lucky up here most of the supliers are brand new, never realy had a run in with a bad one!

 

[Shedendman]

Snap,same torch chunk.
Those standoff springs are a waste of time though and if you look at mine it doesn't actually keep the tip away from the surface your cutting so now i dont bother with em.
Was thinking about setting up a foot pedal for the switch see if it made life easier but i sometimes turn it round and use it like a trigger which has its benefits

 

[chunkolini]

Stand off springs, i tried one once and have not bothered gagain.
The switch? mine broke off a few mm in front of the sliver pivot thingy you can see in your first photo. Much better, it now has a very small movement with a positive click as it operates. Also much safer, I can see the paddle switch catching something and the torch firing up.
I meant to photograph my improved switch.
Next time I am in.