Buy A Tig Welder

[MadforFishing]

Hi Guys!

I am in a debate with myself!
I have an option to purchase a brand new Fusion HF 200 for £450 from a friend.
I know that it is over there the R-tech Tig welders like the TIG Welder 240V DC 160Amp in £360 and the TIG Welder 240V DC 200amp in £515!
If these was your budget (£500), for a decent Tig Welder what you will choose?

Many Thanks in Advance

 

[FranV8]

I've got teh R-Tech AC161 - which was a bit more than this but I've found it to be a really good machine. Apart from doing aluminium, I'd have gone for a DC machine at the time.

The (IFL?) machine I think is well rated too though, and you're getting 40 more amps for less money. The R-Tech kit will be complete (add gas, rods, and a mask and you're good to go), so check what is included from your friend, a regulator and a torch is quickly going to add £100 to the price of an outfit.

You get basic pulse functionality ont eh 160 DC machine (RTech) - but I think pulse is an option added to the next IFL machine up the range - don't quote me. I think it's a nice to have for most people, but if you're planning on welding thin sheet it could be a useful option.

In short, I think all the options you have there are good.

Do you get any warranty from your friend by the way? Or with the machine (is it transferable/backed by IFL) - as inverter machines can suffer failures (regardless of make) so I'd consider a machine with a warranty/good aftersales over a machine that didn't have that.

HTH - and good luck!

 

[MadforFishing]

FranV8,

I have heard about the R-Tech and their professionalism.But there machines are made in China.their support is excellent, and this is their bonus!
Now the Fusion HF 200 from my friend has it all .Torch Regulator, everything that was in the box.The Machine hasn't been used, it is really new.It has been tested only.
The issue is about the pulse that the Fusion doesn't have .Also which brand is more reliable between the two.
So in a way if you was in my side you will go straight away for the R-tech or you will consider your self the fusion 200 HF for £450?
What you will choose?
Thanks

 

[FranV8]

It's a close run thing. The IFL has a much more basic feature set, and no warranty, but is a bargain at the price. Knowing the settings I use, I'd personally prefer control over upslope, but haven't found the need for pulse.

For me, and it depends on what you want to do with it, unless I had the need to push above 160 amps, I'd buy the R-Tech. Mine is an AC version though, which is slightly differently featured.