Is this TIG machine any good?

[Kiwi K]

And the front panel:

please correct me if i'm wrong

but in bottom right corner is that not a migatronic logo

 

[BeTon]

please correct me if i'm wrong

but in bottom right corner is that not a migatronic logo

Yep, that's correct. I think Hoekloos (a gas supplier) sold these under their own name with alternative externals but Migatronic internals.

I think it is a good deal or 75 EU. Now I just hope I can sort out the electrical installation in my house to accomodate my welding machine.

And since all electrical wires run through a double ceiling where I do not have access to, that is going to be quite difficult. I cannot put them underneath the floor, as there's not space there.

 

[BeTon]

I have given the power issue some thought and what comes to mind is that even though the main fuse is rated 16A, it still shouldn't blow as soon as I turn the power on right? I haven't even started welding....

Your comments are very appreciated, before I am going to invest time and money in the mains power and afterwards it still blows due to a defect in the machine itself.

 

[Wozzaaah]

The problem with transformer machines is that there's a large inrush of current when the machine is first turned on, it's that that will pop the breaker. I'm not sure whether you use the same sort of kit as us but if so then swap the breaker for a type C or if you can find one, a type D, they will handle the inrush far better than a standard type B.

 

[madkayaker]

Lots of the continent use double pole breakers as apposed to our single pole. Changing the type as Wozz suggested is the way forward but worth getting a local spark to check if the rest of the system will take it.

 

[BeTon]

The problem with transformer machines is that there's a large inrush of current when the machine is first turned on, it's that that will pop the breaker. I'm not sure whether you use the same sort of kit as us but if so then swap the breaker for a type C or if you can find one, a type D, they will handle the inrush far better than a standard type B.

Thanks! That's what I wanted to hear. I think we have a bit of a different system here, this is my fusebox at home. I think 'slower' fuses are also available for this type of fusebox, so I'll have a look tomorrow.

 

[madkayaker]

there just double pole breakers still get in touch with a local spark.

 

[simon718]

that looks like cardboard conduit

 

[madkayaker]

scary I've just spotted the bit you mean! Note the push in connectors in the wiring box have started to use them they are the DB.

 

[BeTon]

Sorry, I am not sure what you mean. Cardboard conduit? DB? Scary?

Is this an unsafe situation? If so, then I should probably change the complete fusebox... The issue remains that if I wanted to have a 25A (or even a 32A) breaker, I should also change the wiring from 2.5 mm2 to 4 mm2 wires (sorry for the metrics...), which is nearly impossible without breaking open the ceiling.

Anyway, I will do some calling around today.

 

[madkayaker]

It will be up to local standard but the pipe to the right looks like cardboard. Probably isn't

 

[BeTon]

It will be up to local standard but the pipe to the right looks like cardboard. Probably isn't

Luckily it's not. Just standard PVC conduit

 

[simon718]

in that case your conduit is a much different colour than hours, i swear that looks like a cardboard tube to me, they all do

mk have seen them before but am ******** if i can rememeber where, are they dear? sure beats farting about with connector blocks

 

[madkayaker]

cheep as chips and very fast. use them on "Fancy" light fittings take up less room and safer (and tamper proof) www.allaboutelectrical.co.uk

Only work on solid, semi stranded or tined

 

[simon718]

a light fitting could well be where iv seen them, will have to get some to fire in the toolbox.That site doesn't seem to be working??

 

[madkayaker]

might be my spelling two ticks www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk
Try this one

 

[Wozzaaah]

Is this what you mean MK?
They look well handy!

 

[madkayaker]

thats the beasties go up to 6 way

 

[simon718]

thats the one mk mmmmm some nice stuff there wheres me visa

 

[madkayaker]

i like the control gear direct consumer units good price