£500 Tig welder?

[Hood]

There is nothing to stop you getting/using a 20l or for that matter a 30l or more when non trade. The only thing may be, like the company you mentioned, will not sell it to you. In all honesty 20l is not really much use to trade unless it is the likes of a garage that only does the odd bit of welding. 20l @200Bar would only last me a day or two if I was doing a biggish Aluminium Mig job, 20l @ 200Bar and 17LPM is only about 3.5hrs welding.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks Hood; I thought I'd pick up a cylinder without the slightest hassle; I'll be attending Rufforth Auto Jumble on Saturday morning so might have more luck there; I'm not really interested in the small hobbyweld cylinders; I'd rather pay extra deposit than to keep running back to get the cylinder filled; no doubt at first I'll use quite a bit of gas until the novelty wears off then it will taper off. I'll hang on for a 20L or 25L cylinder at 200 bar. TIG welding isn't cheap but at least once I've gathered everything future costs will then lower.

KInd regards, Colin.

 

[daleyd]

I use SGS, and their 20l cylinders are a decent size for hobby type use IMO. (Not that they are any different to any other suppliers 20l bottles I suppose...).

It suits me as I dont use a lot of gas so works out cheaper than a BOC rental agreement, even though the gas is more expansive, but depends on your usage.

There are a couple of local motor factors round here that does the SGS stuff, never had a problem picking a bottle up or exchanging one.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

@Retired Welcome aboard, Colin - nice write-up of your home 'remodelling' there!

I'm suffering 'space envy' just looking at your workshop setup.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks daleyd; SGS has two local agents and I've tried contacting one by email requesting price of gas and welding rods "Replacement Service" by email but as yet no reply from RS although my email was picked up by AAG customer service and I was informed my message had been forwarded. The second agent is in Holmfirth where car parking is even worse; I don't want to visit either of the agents due to our local council hating car owners but I'd be happy to have the items delivered.

Many thanks slim for your kind comments. My workshop is forever evolving and I could really benefit from having a huge warehouse then I could go mad buying some big toys; I do enjoy my workshop time but getting into the workshop is difficult due to more pressing jobs that need doing; we have a large detached bungalow and gardens which take a lot of looking after; thunder and heavy rain are forecast again today so I'd better get off my backside and do some hedge trimming.

Buying and receiving this welder has gone pear shaped; I received a tracking number from DPD but watching it yesterday the welder hadn't been collected even though it was to be delivered to me no later than the 30th; now the tracking number is no longer recognized and I've not received an update from the seller; I've just sent him a polite email asking what has happened. Will I ever get the welder will I ever get the gas but now I'll not buy gas until the welder is in my workshop. If I tried to shoot myself I'd surely miss.

An update; DPD have finally collected the welder a day late causing all the confusion so at last I can track it without being a prisoner awaiting its delivery; one of these days something will go without problems but I'm not holding my breath. I'll buy gas and rods once I have the welder.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

DPD are to deliver the welder today; 12:00/13:00. I don't know why I get out of bed each morning with my constant bad luck; I thought at last my luck had changed in buying this welder at such a brilliant reduction in price but DPD rained on my parade emailing me to say collection would be Monday with delivery to me no later than 30th Tuesday; it didn't happen so fingers crossed DPD have got their act together and the welder will arrive today?

I've driven myself round the bend trying to obtain Argon gas; I sent an email to Replacement Service but this was picked up by AAG and diverted to replacement Service so all day yesterday I awaited a reply; I emailed Huddersfield Gas but not had the courtesy of a reply to date. I really really detest Huddersfield regarding being a car owner but I decided enough was enough and have just returned from Replacement Service; I used to work nearby at Brook Motors so know the area very well indeed. At the bottom of Maple street "Detour" no way I've been caught out too many times so just drove on as normal; the detour didn't affect me at all it was a nearby road that was closed but no sign stating which road; I'd driven over the speed humps; put up with all the traffic calming; 20mph through Almondbury followed two mangle machines up past the school both guys peddling like mad but making slow progress; more speed humps down Somerset Road and finally I parked right outside the door at Replacement Service; I'm now back home without gas; Replacement Service computer has died. The guys at Replacement Service assured me they have a gas cylinder and I was standing at the counter with cash in my pocket. It's time things went back a step to where stock was fully marked with price and a receipt could be handed over. Still I'm here to moan about it.

Exactly the same when I visited Huddersfield Plate Glass last August; I wanted dark tinted glass; the guy said he had some but couldn't find it but took my phone number; I arrived home and answered the phone to learn the glass had been found and if I set off immediately he would cut it ready and I would just have time before he closed; in a thunderstorm I fought my way through gridlock at that time of the afternoon; it just never lets up. I didn't leave my phone number with Replacement Service because I knew what would happen as soon as I arrived back home.

Yesterday it absolutely poured with rain accompanied by thunder; this afternoon is more of the same. GRRRRRRRRRR.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

^^ It's good to rant

I may be missing something obvious, but why didn't you just pick up the phone instead of firing off emails and waiting for responses?

Imho, you can't beat actually talking to someone in circumstances like yours - you never know, you might have received answers to your questions without having to wait, or go running around like a headless chicken in traffic, which you clearly detest.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

An excellent question slim and very valid indeed.

When I retired in 2000 aged 53 from active conflict I walked down the works yard for the very last time not only leaving a hugely stressful job but also leaving the three desks; five phones and pager behind; with emails I can send and read replies at my leisure unlike when a phone rings where people drop everything to answer it; the number of times I've been in conversation with someone only for them to break off as soon as their mobile phone pulls their strings; if companies supply email as a source of contact wouldn't it be fair to assume they would respond to an email enquiry; Victor Meldrew is based on me; I can send an email then get on with what I'm doing. I refuse to have a mobile phone welded to my ear; I've had a mobile for about 8 years and only ever use it to let Bron know I'm on my way home from Rufforth Auto Jumble once each month the call lasting less than a minute. I don't even know how to send or receive texts and I couldn't care less. I love to get into my workshop and shut the world out. We never ever phone our doctors surgery; it's quicker to get in the car and visit.

An edit.

The welder has just arrived in good condition thanks to the seller sending it double boxed; after dinner I'm hunting gas. Sorry for the moan.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Hi,

An excellent question slim and very valid indeed.

When I retired in 2000 aged 53 from active conflict I walked down the works yard for the very last time not only leaving a hugely stressful job but also leaving the three desks; five phones and pager behind; with emails I can send and read replies at my leisure unlike when a phone rings where people drop everything to answer it; the number of times I've been in conversation with someone only for them to break off as soon as their mobile phone pulls their strings; if companies supply email as a source of contact wouldn't it be fair to assume they would respond to an email enquiry; Victor Meldrew is based on me; I can send an email then get on with what I'm doing. I refuse to have a mobile phone welded to my ear; I've had a mobile for about 8 years and only ever use it to let Bron know I'm on my way home from Rufforth Auto Jumble once each month the call lasting less than a minute. I don't even know how to send or receive texts and I couldn't care less. I love to get into my workshop and shut the world out. We never ever phone our doctors surgery; it's quicker to get in the car and visit.

An edit.

The welder has just arrived in good condition thanks to the seller sending it double boxed; after dinner I'm hunting gas. Sorry for the moan.

Kind regards, Colin.

That's what you get living there. [joke!]

I frequent businesses hereabouts who ignore a ringing phone if all the Staff are dealing with 'physical' customers. Now whether that's Company policy or simple, good manners I have no way of telling [and I'm not about to ask ], but they'll get my repeat business where at all possible.

Glad your machine arrived safely, and looking forward to your report(s) and pics.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks slim. Yes we're certainly punished for living here. I'd say ignoring a ringing phone whilst face to face with someone is good manners and I'd applaud it. I prefer email then I have a written confirmation to fall back on and anyone working in a company isn't under immediate pressure to answer an email unlike a ringing phone. I've done my bit in industry and now retired want some well deserved peace without being pestered by phone calls; I can put money on it that anyone phoning us or coming to our door wants something out of us. I've had to learn a new two letter word "NO". Because I'm retired I'm retired for other people's convenience not my own; once they see our bungalow and especially my well equipped workshop their eyes light up. Shortly after I retired a neighbour popped over he a CEO of a company; "I've got about 30 pneumatic tyre tread cutting tools can you repair them for me please" another neighbour popped over "where I work we've got about 40 industrial power tools needing repair can you sort them out for us please" we've been asked to look after elderly parents one having suffered two strokes his wife with dementia; yet another can you look after our 3 year old daughter because I've to keep an appointment with my son. Bron and I installed our main bungalow roof and roof over the two roomed extension much to the amusement of our immediate neighbours; no sooner had we done ours their roofs started leaking so can you replace our roof? I dug out about 14 ton of clay using a spade in order to remove 9 steps allowing the installation of a 42' long pathway; neighbours again can you do the same for us; it just goes on and on; we've now got our beautiful fully restored dream bungalow otherwise we'd move to get well away from everyone; why are guys so lazy these days willing to let someone else do their grafting for them. I'm currently looking after two cats feeding and watering them twice daily whilst the family are visiting relations in Greece and Russia; I could have said no but these are the best of our neighbours so I'll do it with good grace. OK I ramble on but on top of everything else is our dire climate; when the welder arrived I got wet; we've just returned home in pouring rain.

Now for some really good news. After dinner feeling fed up I asked Bron if she fancied accompanying me whilst I drive around; we set off and fuelled our Yeti then round to the post office where we couldn't park so on to Replacement Service for the second visit today. Replacement Service now was graced with a working computer so I received oxygen whilst paying for a cylinder of pure argon; pure argon 30L UN1006 nett price £95; wait for it; "Old unit charge" £144 goods value £239 Invoice total £286. I was actually standing up as I handed over the cash. I'm informed when I return the cylinder the £144 will be returned but then if I want another cylinder I'll then be newly charged for the replacement cylinder which could be in excess of what I've already paid and one thing I missed is that I've paid a lot of VAT on this cylinder deposit which I believe I'll have to keep paying each time I want a replacement cylinder; once the cylinder is empty I'll return it but look for a company that makes a one off charge for the deposit; I'm new to TIG welding so need to gather more information. I knew TIG welding would never be cheap but I can say to a complete novice just buying their first TIG welder beware of argon prices which could come as a huge shock especially to a Yorkshireman.

I've just had a mug of tea and dried out again so I'll wander down to the workshop to inspect the welder; I'll not even try to use the TIG welder until I've either made a new welding trolley to house the welder and cylinder or to just secure the cylinder saely to a wall where it can't be knocked or pulled over; the argon gas won't explode but the cylinder is a pressure vessel demanding respect.

I'll be happy to post slim regarding progress.

Kind regards, Colin.

TIG welder and argon cylinder.

 

[Maker]

Replacement Service now was graced with a working computer so I received oxygen whilst paying for a cylinder of pure argon; pure argon 30L UN1006 nett price £95; wait for it; "Old unit charge" £144 goods value £239 Invoice total £286. I was actually standing up as I handed over the cash. I'm informed when I return the cylinder the £144 will be returned but then if I want another cylinder I'll then be newly charged for the replacement cylinder which could be in excess of what I've already paid

The last bottle I bought had an 80 pound (I think) deposit which would only be refunded if the cylinder was returned within a year, longer than that and they'd keep more of it, up to three years when they'd keep it all and charge you for a new cylinder. Pretty sure they've gone bust now because I can't find them online any more and four years late I've still got 80 bar left.

I used to think it was an expensive hobby too but compare it to something like photography or cycling.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks Maker. I agree there are many much more expensive hobbies than TIG welding; once the initial cost is forgotten then comes the enjoyment. I've paid a lot more for machinery like lathes and one of my big routers cost over £300 alone.

I've just been in the workshop and note the only cup supplied is a #6 also no tungsten in the torch? Initially I plan to weld between 1mm & 2mm thick grade 1050 aluminium so I'd appreciate setting up advice please as to cup size ; tungsten dia and welder basic setting just get me up and running. I'm not in a panic because I've pulled out lengths of angle and box sections to make a new welding trolley from; I'll use my Oxford arc welder for this trolley.

I'm pleased to finally having the welder and argon in the workshop; I'd better not let our neighbours see them.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Hood]

You should not have to pay vat on the deposit, they were going to charge me vat but I said no way as a returnable deposit should be zero rated. I pulled out the phone and looked up the gov website and showed them.

 

[Ruffian]

You should not have to pay vat on the deposit, they were going to charge me vat but I said no way as a returnable deposit should be zero rated. I pulled out the phone and looked up the gov website and showed them.

Robin could you post where you found that information please as have tried to find it previously and have been unsuccessful,

 

[Hood]

This is the info,.

And it is down this page a wee bit.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-instalments-deposits-credit-sales

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks Hood for the very useful VAT information; I'll follow it up. So I've been charged VAT on £144 at 20% when I shouldn't have been charged VAT at all?

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Hood]

Your £144 seems a bit steep as well. Granted it has been a while since I got an SGS cylinder but my local place was £95 plus VAT for the Argon and £100 (no VAT) for the cylinder deposit, so total was £214

 

[Ruffian]

My last 20l sgs of pure argon was £204 inc vat, (including vat on the deposit which I will be having a word about)

 

[Hood]

Mine is a 30L so bit more expensive.

 

[Sputter]

Hi Colin, nice to see you are doing a great job of keeping busy during retirement.

I was at Brook Motors too. Started as an electrical apprentice there back in '73 before going into mining machinery with BJD in Wakefield, driving past Caphouse every day. Huddersfield's street planners and their convoluted ways used to drive me crazy too. Now I'm lucky to live in a market town where they only have a single set of town centre traffic lights. "Heavy traffic" is having to wait for them to change to green twice.

Look forward to seeing that welding trolley. Will you be painting it NCB white ?