is this a good buy for first tig?

[russ_1380]

HI Guys


I'm looking for my first TIG setup. I don't need to weld alluminium so I think a DC tig should do me fine.

I have been offered an ex demo one of these for £300:

http://www.spawelding.co.uk/online-...277-swp-tig-180p-dc--dual-voltage-welder.html


I can't find many reviews of them, I appreciate they are probs made by someone else and badged as SWP, but who makes them?

What do you think? good buy or not?


Cheers

Russ

 

[oceanobsession]

Re is this a good buy for first tig?

No chinese

 

[russ_1380]

thats a shame.

Its identical to the one for sale on weldequip, surely he wouldn't sell rubbish?

 

[weldequip]

Looks the same but it ain't. The TEC-ARC version is modified & backed up by welding electronics engineers + carries & 2 year warranty; look beyond price Dual voltage sets are also not as efficient as a dedicated single supply voltage set, and I doubt you'll be needing 110v?

 

[JayRS4]

I bought the newer model of the same name a few weeks back. Impressed so far, in the long term I dont know whether it will last or not, too early to say, but it was bought as one not to worry about quite as much if I take it out with me. See if you can get some form of warrenty from whoever your buying it from

 

[russ_1380]

Thanks guys

I'll see what I can do. I wont be using it heavily (more of a diyer) so it will only be used occaisionally.


R

 

[mike os]

I have the same unit & it works fine.... ( & paid less than £200 ex display, but I was probably just lucky that they wanted rid, & no one really knew what tig was.....) SWP seem to be a real business rather than "import a container & chuck em in the garage" mob... they sell to retailers etc rather than internet....... Their helmets are OK too

As for warrenty/backup...who knows, but that can be said of most manufacturers these days....12 months & you are largely on your own.... As a genuine UK business you should be OK for 12 months & should be able to get spares from them... but I have not had to try

 

[Rick]

I've got a Lincoln Electric V180TP. Pm me an offer if you want. Totally the other end of the scale. 1 year old. So still has a warranty and should last forever.

It's got a pedal torch lead etc etc. Cost me about £1400 total.