theboymike
Member
- Messages
- 10
Wasn't sure where to put this as I intend it to be a general summary about my adventures in TIG land. I couldn't find a huge amount of similar information when researching machines, so thought this might assist others who are in a similar position
I decided I "needed" a TIG as my trusty teutonic box of 80's delight is dissolving, will need some fairly intricate welding to fix and I'm a tart for doing things right.
The decision was made to go for an R-Tech unit thanks to their value, features and warranty package. I got my machine after a quick and informative email conversation with Dylan from the company, who pointed me in the direction of a shop soiled machine since I have less than no money.
The machine arrived today, but I've not had chance for a play yet as I still need to find gas and fit a suitable plug. Here's what came in the big brown box:
The machine; few scuffs on the paint and plastics, one or two tiny dents but no show stoppers. Definitely worth it for £70-odd off the normal price.
Controls:
Earth and MMA leads:
Rod holder looks a bit cheap but seems sturdy enough. Don't intend to use it anyway..
Reg, gauges and gas hose:
No prizes for guessing where this machine began life:
Torch assy and accessories:
Four rods, three shields, two collet assys and two end caps / tails were included:
Assembled torch (obviously still need to grind the electrode):
Initial impressions, for what they're worth:
My first thought when opening the box was of questionable leisureware thanks to a distinct aroma of JJB Sports due, no doubt to all the rubber on the leads..
The unit came without a plug (although one has evidently been fitted in the past, presumably to test or demo the machine). Had I known this I'd have ordered one with the machine, but it's no big deal as I can pick one up tomorrow when I go to get the gas.
Being a 22A machine it needs an industrial 32A plug (I think); I plan on fitting one although I only have a domestic supply (and 3 phase) so am going to make an adaptor to take a 13A plug. I've been informed that I should be alright up to 160A output, and only intend to use up to maybe 100A as I'll be welding thin metal. I figure the worst that will happen is it'll blow the trip or the fuse in the plug. Fingers crossed..
The unit seems robust and the controls are light and precise. It's a bit smaller than a typical desktop PC, although weighs a little more
The torch is bigger than the only other one I've used (I think it must have been water cooled) but seems reasonably well made and comfortable. The switch takes very little pressure to activate. On the down side the torch seems a little unwieldy due to the mass of cables coming out the back, but I'm hoping I can minimise this with decent posture.
Supplied Tungstens are (I think) 1.6mm and 2.4mm thoriated, and the same sizes of whatever the white ally welding alternatives are. There are one of each type.
Everything seems sturdy and of reasonable quality. One of the collet housings is a bit on the p*ss, but I may have bent it when I dropped it earlier () and it should be no trouble to bend back.
Can't think of a whole let else to say about the machine really. I'm looking forward to having a play tomorrow (providing I can get the workshop time) and trying to put into practise all the stuff I've been learning off this site for the past few weeks!
Will hopefully be back with more observations and questions tomorrow..
I decided I "needed" a TIG as my trusty teutonic box of 80's delight is dissolving, will need some fairly intricate welding to fix and I'm a tart for doing things right.
The decision was made to go for an R-Tech unit thanks to their value, features and warranty package. I got my machine after a quick and informative email conversation with Dylan from the company, who pointed me in the direction of a shop soiled machine since I have less than no money.
The machine arrived today, but I've not had chance for a play yet as I still need to find gas and fit a suitable plug. Here's what came in the big brown box:
The machine; few scuffs on the paint and plastics, one or two tiny dents but no show stoppers. Definitely worth it for £70-odd off the normal price.
Controls:
Earth and MMA leads:
Rod holder looks a bit cheap but seems sturdy enough. Don't intend to use it anyway..
Reg, gauges and gas hose:
No prizes for guessing where this machine began life:
Torch assy and accessories:
Four rods, three shields, two collet assys and two end caps / tails were included:
Assembled torch (obviously still need to grind the electrode):
Initial impressions, for what they're worth:
My first thought when opening the box was of questionable leisureware thanks to a distinct aroma of JJB Sports due, no doubt to all the rubber on the leads..
The unit came without a plug (although one has evidently been fitted in the past, presumably to test or demo the machine). Had I known this I'd have ordered one with the machine, but it's no big deal as I can pick one up tomorrow when I go to get the gas.
Being a 22A machine it needs an industrial 32A plug (I think); I plan on fitting one although I only have a domestic supply (and 3 phase) so am going to make an adaptor to take a 13A plug. I've been informed that I should be alright up to 160A output, and only intend to use up to maybe 100A as I'll be welding thin metal. I figure the worst that will happen is it'll blow the trip or the fuse in the plug. Fingers crossed..
The unit seems robust and the controls are light and precise. It's a bit smaller than a typical desktop PC, although weighs a little more
The torch is bigger than the only other one I've used (I think it must have been water cooled) but seems reasonably well made and comfortable. The switch takes very little pressure to activate. On the down side the torch seems a little unwieldy due to the mass of cables coming out the back, but I'm hoping I can minimise this with decent posture.
Supplied Tungstens are (I think) 1.6mm and 2.4mm thoriated, and the same sizes of whatever the white ally welding alternatives are. There are one of each type.
Everything seems sturdy and of reasonable quality. One of the collet housings is a bit on the p*ss, but I may have bent it when I dropped it earlier () and it should be no trouble to bend back.
Can't think of a whole let else to say about the machine really. I'm looking forward to having a play tomorrow (providing I can get the workshop time) and trying to put into practise all the stuff I've been learning off this site for the past few weeks!
Will hopefully be back with more observations and questions tomorrow..