ESAB Caddy 2200i AC/DC tig?

[Chris Stevens]

Polarity??????
What do you mean.

On mine you have ac and dc neg, on panel. Maybe you can change to dc pos internally? Doesnt matter to me as never ever used dc pos on anything ever.

 

[Richard.]

I think on the caddy if you want dc+ you just swap the leads over.
Glad you like it. I've never used the TA33, what's the accuracy on the plate thickness setting like?

 

[Chris Stevens]

Seems very good indeed. Nice machine, and in my view for most people probably a better choice than Kemppi, whose panel and operating manual leave an awful lot to be desired. I didnt even need to look at ESAB manual before up and running, but might need to look at TA34 one as it has far more functions.

 

[Richard.]

Ta34 has more functions but equally as simple. As you just scroll across with the arrow key. Both have a hidden function by holding arrow key for 5 seconds. Ta34 is micro pulse. I like the Mls but I do agree it's far from the most logical thing on the planet.

 

[Chris Stevens]

MLS works well enough, but control panel and manual are both very poor. I wonder are all newer Kemppi Tig machines as bad as the MLS in respect of user interfaces?

If I were buying new it would have to be an ESAB, which is available from welding dealer in Poland for £2500, compete with TA34 panel, pedal, cooler, torch, return lead.

 

[Jim Davey]

Who takes care of warranty on Polish sourced ESABs Chris?

 

[Chris Stevens]

I would guess as Poland is an EU country, as long as there is a proper sales invoice, warranty applies in all other EU countries, so warranty claims would be dealt with in the same way as a machine bought from UK dealer?

There are dodgy private sellers listing ESAB machines on Ebay though, which are available so cheaply they may well have fallen of the back of a lorry, and doubt if there is an sort of warranty on them?

Not looking to buy new though, as my £1200 used ESAB works fine, and may well end up getting hooked up to the Tweco cooler which came with £100 Hitachi GP2.

 

[Jim Davey]

I'd research that if I were you, it's not always the case.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I researched the subject in depth in the past, when I imported a new trials bike from Spain saving about £1100 on UK price.

Scare stories about no UK warranty were very common back then, but EU trade rules meant warranties apply in all EU countries, as long as sale had been made by an established dealer.

Rules might have changed since, but no warranty in UK for goods bought in another EU country, seems like restrictive practice to me, and cant see why the rules in place when I bought the bike dont still apply?

Cant really work out why something bought in another EU country in many cases costs substantially less than the exact same thing bought here in the UK?

Think the price of ESAB 2200i with TA34, pedal, torch, return, was close to £4000 here in UK, but around £2500 from Poland (which I guess is where they are made possibly?). Does shipping to UK cost £1500?

 

[Jim Davey]

So you haven't contacted ESAB to ask then? You are just assuming that it will be covered by ESAB UK if it goes wrong?
It might well be, but I'd check, it would be a pain to have to return it to Poland if it had a warranty issue.
And Poland may well be part of the EU but cost of living is significantly cheaper there, which will have a big effect on local pricing. I'm sure I can supply a 2200i for a lot less than £4,000.

 

[Appyasme1]

@RichardSorry,wrong machine.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I am not interested in buying a new machine, but would say I would find it very strange if ESAB choose to ignore EU rules on restrictive trade practice, and only cover warranties in the county where equipment was purchased? Interesting point though, and I will speak to ESAB about it tomorrow.

 

[Appyasme1]

I would have thought that ESAB in the UK will look after any warranty.They have outlets all over the country.

 

[Chris Stevens]

I would have thought that ESAB in the UK will look after any warranty.They have outlets all over the country.

Will find out tomorrow when I contact them.

 

[Jim Davey]

I know you're not, but you were quoting new prices so my comment was relevant. let us know how you get on with ESAB, I'd be suprised if they don't do something to protect the interests of UK dealers and Polish alike regarding unfair pricing advantage etc.

 

[Appyasme1]

If you don`t get the answer you want,you know what to do.

 

[Jim Davey]

If you don`t get the answer you want,you know what to do.

Slag them of on the net I expect...

 

[Richard.]

I wouldn't of thought it would work like that. The polish distributer is responsible for sorting the warranty with the customer and the local Esab whoever they deal with will sort it with the distributor. If you buy the unit in Poland and there is a issue it will have to be sent back to Poland. I think this is how most of them operate unless you buy direct from manufacturer.

 

[Jim Davey]

I'd say so too Richard, it goes some way to level the gap between Britain and competing EU nations that have lower average wages and costs of living and is a fair way of protecting UK dealers, buy anywhere but warranty support comes from where you bought it. You can't have your cake an eat it.

But despite the fact Chris hasn't bought a new machine here or abroad he's on a crusade to point out unfair practice, perceived or otherwise.

 

[Chris Stevens]

If EU law suggests not providing warranty cover outside of country of origin is a restrictive practice and against the law, then that's a simple matter of fact, and has nothing whatever to do with any sort of crusade or unfair practice. This is a subject which was done to death many years ago, when UK bike importers were suggesting no warranty on grey imports, which was a claim which proved to be wholly spurious.