Cheap (Chinese?) Inverter MIG/TIG welders popping up on ebay - any good?

[robbo]

I see a lot of cheap MIG/TIG inverters popping up on ebay like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUPER-MIG...236462?hash=item41afea36ae:g:LBYAAOSwyLlXpKvN

Has anyone tried one yet? Are they worth the risk?

 

[grim_d]

Possibly fine but what happens when they go wrong or you need a spare part?

I wouldn't.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The subject has been discussed/argued/reviewed and locked a trillion times.

They are what they are, Cheap and Chinese with doubtful and or expensive return backup, with the occasional excellent backup.

Many work and some don't or don't for long, so it's a pay your money and take a gamble scenario.

 

[Richard.]

Roll the dice

 

[Shedendman]

Would it be an idea to have a "Read before posting" sticky about such items,just as a general guidance of course without getting the site into any legal matters?

 

[Richard.]

The problem arises when a problem happens. It then becomes apparent it's not that cheap any more once your paying out to ship it back under the warranty terms (that's if the seller ever responds about your issue).
£230 for a 160 amp mig isn't that cheap really when you look into the possibilities. A GYS smart mig can be sourced for £170 more and you know it's gonna be loads better for 1 and cost you sweet FA during the warranty period if you have a problem.
As Steve said the Internet inc this forum is full of discussions on this topic where you will find arguments from both ends and still come out non the wiser.
Pick a side.