Parweld XTM 303C vs Oxford 330-1 which one?

[MattH]

Right, I'm on the verge of purchasing a new Mig to replace my aging Camarc 200A set.
I will be doing quite a bit of 6-12mm fabrication over the next 6 months (non-professional) so need something with a bit more juice.
I have 32A single and three phase available so power is not a consideration.

I was looking at the Oxford 330 and speaking to Tom he has offered the 330-1 at a good price and a XTM 303c at a great price.

What are peoples opinions on these two machines (fyi I'm not really interesting in an inverter set).

 

[weldequip]

The Parweld is a 400v 3 phase machine (Oxford 230v single phase), you are aware of that?

 

[MattH]

The Parweld is a 400v 3 phase machine (Oxford 230v single phase), you are aware of that?

Yes I am.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

The Parweld is a 400v 3 phase machine (Oxford 230v single phase), you are aware of that?

Made sure of supply first

 

[MattH]

Probably going to go for the Oxford but in the I-mig 330-3 variant and 3ph as its only slightly more expense but has a beefier feed mech.

Still like to hear any comments on either this or the Parweld.

 

[addjunkie]

I have a 270-1 oxford, well pleased with it, quality piece of kit.

Its a better welder than I will ever be.

 

[Richard.]

Why are you dismissing inverters Matt?
I’d have an inverter Mig over a transformer any day of the week if the budget was there.

 

[MattH]

Because it gets used for a bit and then put away and not touched for a year.
I want to be able to pull the welder out after months and months and have it work.
I suppose what I’m getting at is that whatever I buy will be out of warranty without a whole lot of hours on it. With a classic transformer set if I ever have problems I can pop it open and fix it.

 

[Richard.]

Fixing it yes I totally get that that. Far less complicated to fix a transformer. Reliability wise I would say as many transformer failures now as inverters but like you say you ain’t fixing an inverter easily or cheap.
Machine life expectancy. Well either are going to go the distance nowadays I’ve had 3 inverters over 20 years old.
Don’t want to derail your thread just curious as to why you were set on a stepped transformer. Makes sense with the carrying out repairs but tbf these modern inverters are so reliable in all manner of conditions I’d be going that route and taking advantage of the things they do that a transformer can’t but that’s just me. Good luck with it mate. Looking forward to see what you produce with it.

 

[MattH]

But at the price point I’m looking at all the inverters are around the 200A power.
I need 250-300A and I’m not willing to spend £2K on a set.
My requirements are that it be solid, simple, high power, heavy duty feed system.

The inverter sets have some nice bells and whistles but what do they actually do for you?

Classic transformer set, set Amps, set volts. Weld.

Synergistic set, set wire size, set material thickness, set gas type, set joint type and then dial it all in with a fine control.
Somehow that’s suppose to be quicker and more simple?

I get solid state with Tig welders, especially AC sets where you want to mess around with the shape and frequency of the waveform.
But with a DC CV source the only real advantage I can see is portability which is not a requirement of mine.
I’ve got nothing against the technology apart from the fact that I see no reason to pay double to get it.

 

[Richard.]

Classic transformer set, set Amps, set volts. Weld.

Yes I like this too.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with a transformer.
My reason for probably going inverter if I could justify the cost would be for there other advantages out side of complexity so keeping it simple with amps/volts/weld, you have a much smaller lighter foot print. You have inverter arc characteristics which are more finely tuned and nicer than a transformer. You also have infinite voltage settings to tailor your spatter production right down and get the absolute best conditions instead of a close compromise. The biggest advantage for me would be what you put in to what you get out. They are using lower power consumption and when not actually welding unlike a transformer they draw next to nothing. When they are welding they draw a lump less off the mains and allow for more flexibility in the supply (not an issue for you I know) these are the reasons it would be more suitable for me. Synergic settings are actually very simple. Taking the guess work right out. Rather than amps and volts and weld you just set amps or wire speed. Volts are taken care of. That’s my veiw.

 

[Bigjoe]

Im not sure if you're interested MATTH but there is a very good condition Oxford 330-3 on fleabay if its of any interested,no ties to seller. Its in south croydon i believe

 

[MattH]

That's what triggered this all.

 

[HughF]

You have PM mate