Lorch Handy 200 vs Esab Caddy Tig 2200i TA34

[Munkul]

As title.

Looking at spending a good chunk on a new TIG welder to upgrade from my old beast, for a few good reasons.

I want something that will do a comfortable 200 amps on occasion but mostly sit around 150 amps.

I also want something with a high speed pulse function to experiment with reducing distortion (partly the reason for the upgrade).

whatever I get, it has to be watercooled, if it's not an expensive OE cooler it will be a Tec Arc cooler on the back of a trolley.

Now here's the question... I like the ESAB units, I've used one with integrated cooler, very neat, but quite pricey, so been looking at the Lorch which is maybe a better unit, for a similar price.
I can get one from a web company, just the unit, for £2100+vat. Add another £500 for torch and cooler, and still need to make a trolley for it. Probably stand me around £2800 all in.

BUT... just been offered a ready-to-weld ESAB package for £2300+vat. Bit of a deal, compared to online prices...!

So... which one is better? The Lorch footpedals are cheaper, but it's a luxury for the future, not a necessity. The ESAB package is very neat and very tempting for the price though.


Thoughts? I know some of you have experience of both.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

I'd say the Lorch setup out of the two.. ask @Richard. He's had hands on with both sets so he'll be able to tell you exactly which set to go for.

 

[Munkul]

Richard has made his thoughts known to me already... I'm still conflicted. The Lorch is definitely a superior machine, but will it be worth the extra outlay, and will I miss those extra 20 amps top end? I've used 220amps before, but rarely, and I can always use more pre-heat with oxy-prop.

I'm no expert at alum welding, but this, to me, is maybe where the Lorch will have an edge over the ESAB with a proper AC pulse function. It's something that I would LIKE but don't really need.

Another thing that's quite important to me (atm anyway) is either control logic or a foot pedal... currently I use my AristoTig in 2T button mode and "feather" the button when coming up to the end of a weld to control the heat on edges etc. Most machines' control logic won't let me do this, therefore I think I'd need a foot pedal regardless.

The cost saving of the esab would be outweighed by having to buy a proprietary pedal, I'm thinking?

 

[hotponyshoes]

I'm pretty sure the esab pedal is can controlled hence expensive. Same probably applies if you want a torch with functions on.
No idea about the lorch, might be the same?
I would expect you to be able to get a deal on either of those welders with the pedal at a decent price.

Ewm tetrix is 230a top end with pulse but more money again.

 

[Brad93]

Lorch HandyTig pees all over the Esab. I’ve used both extensively.

Tetrix 230 is a top flight machine. You can’t compare a HandyTig200 to a Tetrix 230.
You’d have to compare a Lorch T220 in that price bracket.

 

[no idea]

I've not owned or used the Esab but I did consider it when I was looking for an AC/DC tig in this price range and ended up with the Lorch Handytig. Things I like about the Lorch are:

1) You can have both the tig torch switch and pedal connected to the machine and use either without having to disconnect the other
2) A lot of the things that need to be set manually on the ESAB and other similar interfaces (slope up, down, pulse current etc.) are set parametrically on the Lorch in relation to the current, so you don't need to go through all the settings whenever you change welding current or from AC/DC.
3) Everthing is still adjustable through the background menu if you really want to tweak things.

However, the simple user interface also means you need to use the manual to understand what all the background settings are if you don't remember what the codes are.

 

[brockenhammer]

Hi,
I have no experience with the Esab and just with the Lorch T pro 300 and V24mobil. But I welded with most of the common brands.
One machine in a similar price range like the two mentioned is the STEL TIG dp 221Hpa. It´s a really nice unit with slightly more power (10% make a difference sometimes) and some nice features like different current on AC neg and pos. side.
In the US they sell it rebranded as HTP and it has great reputation. You will find a lot of information even on youtube.
The arc is nice and stable on the DC and AC side.
The 1khz pulse is enough to stabilize the arc. No need for 2khz or 3khz I think which also quite annoying. Just the Tetrix and Rehm offer a pulse which is above the range most people hear.
What I don´t like is the allways running fan (but it´s running on different speeds depending on the current you weld with).
The interface is not as easy to work with compared to the Tetrix Comfort but after a few h of welding you get used to it.
From my point of view a underated machine for a reasonable price.

 

[Richard.]

I’m gonna put my ten pence worth in here and keep things purely factual.

First off @Brad93 the lorch HandyTIG is a top flight machine too and will match the Ewm Tetrix on quality any day of the week just not on features. The T series as you say is what matches it closer on features. The HT200 is still built 100% in Germany and internally designed to go straight into an industrial environment. In fact as you know it goes one better and boasts a guaranteed full functionality after a 2 1/2 ft drop! Ewm is excellent kit and I’ve got the up most respect for that gear and I’d be telling lies and come across as arrogant if I was to to say ours is better. We are certainly on par with it on Tig from my experience.

Ok so the Esab caddy. I used to own one a good few years back now it was my first proper tig and it was a very capable set. There has only been 2 changes to that machine over the last 15 years and not for the better.
1) they are not made in Sweden anymore
2) the coolers are now black not yellow.
Other than this that set has remained unchanged for the last decade and a half and to be brutally honest it’s long out of date and lacking. Basic Settings are very limited on scope compared to other sets in the same bracket and the pulse settings make no sense whatsoever. 50hz on any other machine is 0.02 sec on the Esab.
The T1 can pedal is lovely. It’s an SSC can control pedal and the one thing I do like about that fact is you can pre set both the start and end current on the pedal within the whole machine range. However it’s one of the most expensive pedals going. There is no option at all for aftermarket stuff either.

The Lorch HandyTIG200 should be a flier on a forum like this. It’s price point is generally sitting around 25-30% more than a digital AC/DC GYS or rtech yet it’s 100% nicer to use and built in a country known for quality products.

 

[Brad93]

I’m gonna put my ten pence worth in here and keep things purely factual.

First off @Brad93 the lorch HandyTIG is a top flight machine too and will match the Ewm Tetrix on quality any day of the week just not on features. The T series as you say is what matches it closer on features. The HT200 is still built 100% in Germany and internally designed to go straight into an industrial environment. In fact as you know it goes one better and boasts a guaranteed full functionality after a 2 1/2 ft drop! Ewm is excellent kit and I’ve got the up most respect for that gear and I’d be telling lies and come across as arrogant if I was to to say ours is better. We are certainly on par with it on Tig from my experience.

Ok so the Esab caddy. I used to own one a good few years back now it was my first proper tig and it was a very capable set. There has only been 2 changes to that machine over the last 15 years and not for the better.
1) they are not made in Sweden anymore
2) the coolers are now black not yellow.
Other than this that set has remained unchanged for the last decade and a half and to be brutally honest it’s long out of date and lacking. Basic Settings are very limited on scope compared to other sets in the same bracket and the pulse settings make no sense whatsoever. 50hz on any other machine is 0.02 sec on the Esab.
The T1 can pedal is lovely. It’s an SSC can control pedal and the one thing I do like about that fact is you can pre set both the start and end current on the pedal within the whole machine range. However it’s one of the most expensive pedals going. There is no option at all for aftermarket stuff either.

The Lorch HandyTIG200 should be a flier on a forum like this. It’s price point is generally sitting around 25-30% more than a digital AC/DC GYS or rtech yet it’s 100% nicer to use and built in a country known for quality products.

I’m not saying it’s not a top machine Richard but it is short 20 amps on the T220 and doesn’t have all the features that a Tetrix 230 has.
That’s not to say the arc or the build quality doesn’t match or exceed that of the Tetrix.

To compare a Tetrix to a HandyTig is not fair on the HandyTig.

You should be comparing the Tetrix to the T220.

The handy tig also is a lot cheaper than Tetrix.

 

[Richard.]

To compare a Tetrix to a HandyTig is not fair on the HandyTig.

From what Ive seen you do with a HandyTIG mate I don’t think it’s got anything to worry about coming up against most single phase stuff.

 

[Munkul]

Thanks for the comments.
I really appreciate this, but it doesn't go any further to making up my mind! I'm almost tempted to move this decision down the road a bit since my current Aristotig is more than man enough for the work it's doing, even if it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of pulse etc.
I'll talk to the supplier today as we are getting a hire Lorch S3 again, and see if he can help me make up my mind.

 

[Brad93]

Whatever you do just make sure you get a demo of the ESAB CaddyTig before you buy it.

Would honestly hate to see someone end up with a machine that leaves them wanting for features or out of pocket once the warranty is up.

ESAB are very good at many things, but their equipment is outdated and no longer as reliable as it once was. Consumables and automation are still world class.

If cost is all that is driving you towards a CaddyTig, buy a Rtech. It will likely have more features and be even cheaper. If it goes wrong it’s cheaper to get the parts or just write it off.

If you’re looking for a beautiful arc, German build quality and a machine that will be good for years of service after the warranty runs out, buy the Lorch.

I used to work for ESAB, but all my machines are Lorch. Once you’ve tried them and seen the capabilities, very little comes close.

You can’t go wrong having Matt and Richard on the forum either.
Both would bend over backwards to help a customer out.

 

[Munkul]

Having talked to Expressweld (I can name them now because I'm fairly settled with who to buy from now) they can do me a very good price for the Lorch. Basically a watercooled Lorch ready-to-weld HT200 package will cost £300 more than the ESAB, and only missing the trolley which I'll make my own anyway. Plus it's with the up/down remote torch which I love the idea of.

So I think the choice is pretty simple - £300 difference isn't much in the long run! I'll take a trip down to Expressweld to demo it sometime soon but I'm not in any rush. At least I have a game plan of what to do.

Brad - it's more value-for-money that I'm interested in. I'd go for the ESAB over an R-tech for the easier re-sale down the road, even if it's not as good value brand new. I've used a caddytig before and thought it welded at least as good as my 28 year-old aristotig... and also as good as the far pricier lincoln... but was only demoing it on basic settings maybe I've just got yellow-tinted spectacles on, lol

Anyway my next welder will be a Lorch

 

[SpaceWelder]

Gents , who would you advice as a good Lorch machine seller ? I was looking around my area at Wasp Supplies and Elmdale Weld Eng Supplies? Is there any difference among sellers apart from price when buying a welder ?

 

[no idea]

I bought mine from Wasp - they were really helpful and happy to run through all the machine functions. I didn't ask for a weld demo but I'd be surprised if they didn't offer this if asked.

 

[Richard.]

Gents , who would you advice as a good Lorch machine seller ? I was looking around my area at Wasp Supplies and Elmdale Weld Eng Supplies? Is there any difference among sellers apart from price when buying a welder ?

I can highly recommend both of those distributors. Really really great guys You’ll get the highest level of support from either one.
If I was in your shoes and had to chose one I’d just go to the one that’s physically nearest to you.

 

[SpaceWelder]

Thanks guys, the distance between the sellers more or less same. Im more tend to go with Elmdale as they've also got good prices for welding gases. Although I talked to both of them.

 

[Richard.]

Thanks guys, the distance between the sellers more or less same. Im more tend to go with Elmdale as they've also got good prices for welding gases. Although I talked to both of them.

What are you set on?
You still looking at the MicorTig.

 

[SpaceWelder]

What are you set on?
You still looking at the MicorTig.

Yes. most likely will go for MicorTig 200 DC Control Pro, although still considering BasicPlus model too.

 

[Richard.]

Yes. most likely will go for MicorTig 200 DC Control Pro, although still considering BasicPlus model.

This is absolutely my honest advice. Go ControlPro
Both are lovely sets but for the small amount of cash difference between them it’s a big advantage having that intuitive display. You get this lovely graphical grid come up that you can scroll through and clearly see what stage of the welding cycle your altering. It’s just way nicer and more logical despite the fact, feature wise there is next to no difference.
Are you far from Cambridge? I’ve got a ControlPro at home, why not pop round and come and have a play with it for half hour one evening.