Parweld XTi 160 good bet?

[tenchy]

I'm looking to get a welder for stick arc welding mild steel 3 to 5 mm thick and reading previous threads here the Parweld XTi 160 Inverter Arc Welder would seem like a good bet.
I am sure I don't need 160A or a high duty cycle at higher amps as this will be used for rare hobbyist sessions.
I like that some people are using it on a 13A socket up to about 120A.

The only negative thing I have found mentioned is a lowish OCT of 60. I am a beginner for sure, though most say it strikes up nicely.

Would this be a good choice for me or is there a better option? It is a fair way past my ideal budget considering the likely use, but if it is a good choice then I don't mind.

Also is weldequip a good vendor to go with?

 

[BrokenBiker]

i bought my xti from weld equip, brilliat service.

why does the OCV concern you? if you are only going to be running it for the odd hobby job then i doubt you are going to need the higher OCV for cellulose rods and will most likely be running either 2.5 or 3.2mm 6013/7018 rods, both of which will run absolutely fine with the xti.

ive run mine to 140 on a 13 amp supply with no issues.

 

[Johnseat]

I've got one and love it, my favourite welder to use.
Just remember to switch it off in between using it, mine reaches the duty cycle faster when left switched on.
I've only run 6013 rods through mine upto 120amps and it wasn't an issue on a 13amp plug.

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

Agree. Turning it off if anything brings it to duty cycle faster as the fan isn't on to cool it between welds. I've burned back to back 3.2mm 7018, 6013 and never hit duty cycle at 135A.

 

[ronan]

What are the parwelds like as a brand ? I presume the cheaper models are made in the far east like everything else these days. I have my eye on the 202 ac/dc for welding light aluminium.

 

[blenkie1]

I have the par weld xti from weldequip and it's a brilliant machine. Had mine about 3-4 years. Was used for my business and had some abuse sitting in cow sheds and the like. Not used as much now. Think it's been upgraded

 

[Jim Davey]

Ok really, support is good, they come with a better torch than the thermal arc and they seem to hold up to fairly intensive use. So more than just a DIY only range.

 

[Johnseat]

Looks like I may have got my terminology incorrect.
My xti doesn't shut down or show the warning light but if its left running constantly then it eventually struggles to light up a 6013 at 120amps on a 13amp plug but once turned off for a but it strikes up spot on.
Wonder if my machine has developed a fault?

 

[Johnseat]

Christmas present so 7 months old and only used a few times, stored in an dry environment.
I suspect it maybe the inlaws power supply to the garage...

 

[weldequip]

I'd say it's caked in grinding dust inside - the single biggest killer of Inverters, whatever brand. Take the case off & give it a clean through

 

[Jim Davey]

Unlikely to be very dirty inside if only used a handful of times. Is the fan working? Inverters can get hot even when not welding.

 

[weldequip]

"I've hardly used it, only had it a few months". Thought you'd be well up on that one Jim!

 

[Jim Davey]

I get my share of those stories Steve yeah. But sometimes they are true lol

 

[weldequip]

Sometimes...

 

[ronan]

I was informed the other day, that the 2 year warranty is in fact now 3 years on parwelds. So they must be reasonably good.

 

[Johnseat]

Used it 5 times in the 7 months and it lives in its case in the house so as not to get damp, the rods live above the combi boiler on a shelf so they are always dry as possible.
The machine looks brand new... Not a single mark anywhere.
Fan works as it should, I still suspect the inlaws power supply.

 

[Sarto]

Could it be possible measure how many volts there are available on the receptacle with a tester, while striking an arc?
My welder worked quite badly, when I plugged in a long extension cord.

 

[Johnseat]

Could it be possible measure how many volts there are available on the receptacle with a tester, while striking an arc?
My welder worked quite badly, when I plugged in a long extension cord.

Think you very just hit the nail not the head with the extension.

 

[Jim Davey]

This kills more inverters than anything. Heavy duty extension leads are the answer.

 

[arther dailey]

Thats interesting, as some brands advertise as being capable of running on long extensions/gennie friendly ect, are these sets specifically designed/ made to accept voltage drop?Arther