Tom Orrow L
Member
- Messages
- 2,819
- Location
- Shropshire, UK
Hey everyone, so today I spent the day at Rockingham motor way for the revealing of Parwelds new range of machines / changes in their organisation. I drove the 90+ miles & arrived at around half 12.
Parweld greeted us with drinks, biscuits etc..
I first got a look at some of the new torches they'd come up with. A lot of the new range was aimed towards high end industrial users [things like a 550A water cooled TIG torch which is around the same size as your average WP26, very nice] They have also redone their entire pro grip range of torches, making the handles feel more comfy in hand and a lot less bulky imo. They're now called the Pro Grip max range.
We then moved onto the part I was really looking forward to.. The new machine range.
Parweld already had some brilliant stuff in their range, everybody knows and loves the Parweld XTI 160 stick set, the XTI 202 AC/DC TIG, most their transformer mig range etc.. they've now increased the range significantly, and replaced some of it too.
The first machine that caught my eye was a little stick set, the XTS 162. This is the machine that will now replace the XTI 160 which is ever so popular. The new updated set has a digital display, amps that are adjusted via a button rather than a knob, lift TIG & the ability to run a cellulosic rod. The shape has changed a bit but it looks ace, very clean and "modern". They have also introduced a 200A clone of this machine which I got to play with.. I didn't get long with it but the arc was smooth, the interface VERY easy and overall I think it was a very good bit of kit.
*Late addition* There is also a DV version of the 162, replacing the 161DV.. like the one you have dale
They've also introduced quite possibly the smallest welder I've ever seen, the XTS 142 which is a 140A stick set. Its quite literally the size of a very, very small toaster. Imagine a traditional XTI 160 that'd been shrunk by about 50%.. its very basic as in that it hasn't got hot start but I'm thinking it'll be very nice for people who just need something knocking about in the garage or who don't want to spend mass amounts to get started.
Onto the TIG side of things.
A new addition to the range is the XTT 200, a compact pulse DC TIG set. The interface was clean, it had one of those clicky type knobs that I'm not a massive fan of but getting through the adjustable features using it was easy enough. I got to test one out, using my terrible TIG abilities, the arc was good, HF start was crisp and I managed to get an alright T joint out. When I passed it over to Darren who was demonstrating on behalf of Parweld for the day [good friends with my boss, does our codings and welder training for us] he managed to lay something out of this world with it.. although I suppose he has to be able to do that with anything to be a welding teacher :P
I think this will be a popular one.
They've kept the 202 AC/DC the same feature wise except its now called the XTT 202 and has some new pretty decals on the side.
A new 500A AC/DC was in there too, I didn't take much of a look because that type of thing interests my bosses more than me. Looked a bit boxy shape wise but I'm sure if the other TIG sets are anything to go by it'll be a good addition to the workshop of anyone wanting to weld ridiculously thick aluminium
Now.. my favourite bit. The mig's!!
xtm 182i & 252i.. these caught my eye very quickly as they look the spit of some very popular machines which have a very good reputation. They're somewhat compact synergic multi process sets with 4 roll wire feeders, digital display, DC lift TIG & stick capable. They're both single phase pushing out 180A and 250A respectively [from a recommended 32A supply], they also have a 3 phase version of the 250A called the 254i. They come standard with a nice trolley and have a very useful settings chart inside the wire feed panel.. spot on.
Pictures will be uploaded later on, infinite points to whoever can guess what brand I'm comparing them to. Easy one.
I didn't get to use either of these as they weren't on the demo van but I'm sure they'll be very good quality bits of kit, I'll be getting my hands on both of them when they arrive at the warehouse in July.
Parweld have also added what they called an "automotive" range of mig's to the arsenal. They looked very basic, ranging from 140A to 200A, having a low end of 35A, 2 roll wire feeder, a wired in earth, euro socket, 6 volt steps and infinite wire speed, about the same size as a typical oxford mig. Aimed towards those doing basic car repair work and maybe some light fabrication. Nothing too amazing looks wise but I'm sure a few will like them, not sure on weld quality again because they weren't being demo'd. I suppose don't knock them until you try them eh?
A few machines have been revamped looks wise which is nothing to shout about, their xtm 160i is now capable of running fcaw wire and has had a big brother introduced, a xtm 200i.
They've changed their warranty from 2 to 3 years and are now calling it the "no quibble" warranty meaning that they'll return it at their cost, either to themselves or to a service agent. If need be they'll get a loan machine out whilst its being fixed [I would have thought this is for those who make a living using the welder, don't quote me on that though.]
There is no need to register the machine etc.. it just the most easy of warranties by the sound of it.
So.. I was supposed to drive a mclaren whilst I was there but I got urgently called back into the office so unfortunately that didn't happen. I've not long got back and my legs are killing after a long drive so I'm going to finish this up and get to bed.
Overall, I'm very impressed and i'm looking forward to July when they're available to everyone.
Just thought I'd share what new stuff is coming up in the near future anyway. Hope everyone is all good and had a brilliant day!
Photos below.
SIDE NOTE - mods I hope this is okay, just for information purposes. Let me know if there is any problems.
Parweld greeted us with drinks, biscuits etc..
I first got a look at some of the new torches they'd come up with. A lot of the new range was aimed towards high end industrial users [things like a 550A water cooled TIG torch which is around the same size as your average WP26, very nice] They have also redone their entire pro grip range of torches, making the handles feel more comfy in hand and a lot less bulky imo. They're now called the Pro Grip max range.
We then moved onto the part I was really looking forward to.. The new machine range.
Parweld already had some brilliant stuff in their range, everybody knows and loves the Parweld XTI 160 stick set, the XTI 202 AC/DC TIG, most their transformer mig range etc.. they've now increased the range significantly, and replaced some of it too.
The first machine that caught my eye was a little stick set, the XTS 162. This is the machine that will now replace the XTI 160 which is ever so popular. The new updated set has a digital display, amps that are adjusted via a button rather than a knob, lift TIG & the ability to run a cellulosic rod. The shape has changed a bit but it looks ace, very clean and "modern". They have also introduced a 200A clone of this machine which I got to play with.. I didn't get long with it but the arc was smooth, the interface VERY easy and overall I think it was a very good bit of kit.
*Late addition* There is also a DV version of the 162, replacing the 161DV.. like the one you have dale
They've also introduced quite possibly the smallest welder I've ever seen, the XTS 142 which is a 140A stick set. Its quite literally the size of a very, very small toaster. Imagine a traditional XTI 160 that'd been shrunk by about 50%.. its very basic as in that it hasn't got hot start but I'm thinking it'll be very nice for people who just need something knocking about in the garage or who don't want to spend mass amounts to get started.
Onto the TIG side of things.
A new addition to the range is the XTT 200, a compact pulse DC TIG set. The interface was clean, it had one of those clicky type knobs that I'm not a massive fan of but getting through the adjustable features using it was easy enough. I got to test one out, using my terrible TIG abilities, the arc was good, HF start was crisp and I managed to get an alright T joint out. When I passed it over to Darren who was demonstrating on behalf of Parweld for the day [good friends with my boss, does our codings and welder training for us] he managed to lay something out of this world with it.. although I suppose he has to be able to do that with anything to be a welding teacher :P
I think this will be a popular one.
They've kept the 202 AC/DC the same feature wise except its now called the XTT 202 and has some new pretty decals on the side.
A new 500A AC/DC was in there too, I didn't take much of a look because that type of thing interests my bosses more than me. Looked a bit boxy shape wise but I'm sure if the other TIG sets are anything to go by it'll be a good addition to the workshop of anyone wanting to weld ridiculously thick aluminium
Now.. my favourite bit. The mig's!!
xtm 182i & 252i.. these caught my eye very quickly as they look the spit of some very popular machines which have a very good reputation. They're somewhat compact synergic multi process sets with 4 roll wire feeders, digital display, DC lift TIG & stick capable. They're both single phase pushing out 180A and 250A respectively [from a recommended 32A supply], they also have a 3 phase version of the 250A called the 254i. They come standard with a nice trolley and have a very useful settings chart inside the wire feed panel.. spot on.
Pictures will be uploaded later on, infinite points to whoever can guess what brand I'm comparing them to. Easy one.
I didn't get to use either of these as they weren't on the demo van but I'm sure they'll be very good quality bits of kit, I'll be getting my hands on both of them when they arrive at the warehouse in July.
Parweld have also added what they called an "automotive" range of mig's to the arsenal. They looked very basic, ranging from 140A to 200A, having a low end of 35A, 2 roll wire feeder, a wired in earth, euro socket, 6 volt steps and infinite wire speed, about the same size as a typical oxford mig. Aimed towards those doing basic car repair work and maybe some light fabrication. Nothing too amazing looks wise but I'm sure a few will like them, not sure on weld quality again because they weren't being demo'd. I suppose don't knock them until you try them eh?
A few machines have been revamped looks wise which is nothing to shout about, their xtm 160i is now capable of running fcaw wire and has had a big brother introduced, a xtm 200i.
They've changed their warranty from 2 to 3 years and are now calling it the "no quibble" warranty meaning that they'll return it at their cost, either to themselves or to a service agent. If need be they'll get a loan machine out whilst its being fixed [I would have thought this is for those who make a living using the welder, don't quote me on that though.]
There is no need to register the machine etc.. it just the most easy of warranties by the sound of it.
So.. I was supposed to drive a mclaren whilst I was there but I got urgently called back into the office so unfortunately that didn't happen. I've not long got back and my legs are killing after a long drive so I'm going to finish this up and get to bed.
Overall, I'm very impressed and i'm looking forward to July when they're available to everyone.
Just thought I'd share what new stuff is coming up in the near future anyway. Hope everyone is all good and had a brilliant day!
Photos below.
SIDE NOTE - mods I hope this is okay, just for information purposes. Let me know if there is any problems.
