R-tech MIG welder

[windingroads]

I've never been to Hartlepool
I went for the r-tech 250 over the portamig, which I was going to get, because it can do the mma as well and it's a long build time for them.
The main difference is the dual process and the inverter mma is smooth as silk
But at the end of the day it's your money and your choice.
It's just the guys on here all have their own option, which to my mind is great but when it comes to buying a machine there are divisions within the forum. But we will always say no that's not the one to buy.

That's very well put, everyone has their own favourite machine, and for very good reason too, the work we want to do will play a big part in our choice, customer service should be very high on the list too, as with warranty and parts availability.
I have experience with customer service regarding Oxford, the machines take up to 14 days as they are built to order,
but parts etc should be a different story.
The R-Tech people are fast on the ball, and I do not hear anything bad about their stuff, if you want 250 amp mig
that does stick and dc tig, it also has a slot for a spool gun as far as I remember, they have a 2 yr warranty,
The Oxford is just a bigger machine, with more power, and the promise of part for two decades,
The Techarc I do not know anything about, other than up to the 251 the duty cycle is not so high, and I have no idea
as to how they fare regarding price or what is included in the package.
As for the wire feed on the top of the Oxford, Cito Arc made this same system only in a separate,
separate wire feed unit.
Only the OP knows what suits best, I hope we have given you some pointers.

Regards, john

 

[windingroads]

Depends what you consider bad...

I've seen more than a couple of reports of machines failing, but usually followed by "it got replaced quickly".

In my book failing is bad - if I'm relying on something to make me a living I'd rather have a machine with a crappy 3 week warranty that keeps working and doesn't actually need the warranty over one that breaks down and keeps getting replaced, however quickly.

They might get you a replacement next day, but in a work environment that's a day's work up in smoke.

I agree there, but the fact these people do actually stand over their warranty and get you going that fast
is a huge benefit. When I welded for a living you can be sure I had more than one machine capable of doing the
job, 8,000 euro machine is no good if someone flattens it with a forklift, or stole, or damp, or its out on site
at the same time you need it in the shop.
But I do agree that a more expensive machine should give little or no bother and live for longer, else why pay more in the first place.

Regards, john

 

[njc110381]

I'm running an R-Tech 250 amp mig. To me it seems like a nice machine and I've had no bother with it. I also have a friend who welds for a living, and he's impressed with it's performance for what it cost me.

Unfortunately I'm quite new to welding and don't really have much in the way of experience to compare it to other machines. All I can say is it has the guts to melt some pretty heft material and also lays down some lovely welds. I've been shocked at how tidy my attempts have become in such a short space of time.

 

[ukracer]

Depends what you consider bad...

I've seen more than a couple of reports of machines failing, but usually followed by "it got replaced quickly".

In my book failing is bad - if I'm relying on something to make me a living I'd rather have a machine with a crappy 3 week warranty that keeps working and doesn't actually need the warranty over one that breaks down and keeps getting replaced, however quickly.

They might get you a replacement next day, but in a work environment that's a day's work up in smoke.

Why is it people come up with this but fail to provide those reports for us to see. it's time the mods sorted it.

 

[ukracer]

There are plenty of those reports on this very site - people who have bought one, had it fail and got it replaced.

In fact, I even think one of the mods had one crap out in short order which got replaced.

My point was some of us had replies deleted but messages were left with unsubstantiated claims.

Some have claimed they are purely imports over priced....... obviously subjective. And claims are made that as a DOA has been reported they are not tested before shipment.

I can finally confirm straight from the horses mouth. Their machines are reworked and also tested before shipping.

 

[Dan collins]

I'm running an R-Tech 250 amp mig. To me it seems like a nice machine and I've had no bother with it. I also have a friend who welds for a living, and he's impressed with it's performance for what it cost me.

Unfortunately I'm quite new to welding and don't really have much in the way of experience to compare it to other machines. All I can say is it has the guts to melt some pretty heft material and also lays down some lovely welds. I've been shocked at how tidy my attempts have become in such a short space of time.

Thanks for the input

 

[ukracer]

Well, I obviously didn't delete anyone's messages...

As you quoted my message I took it that you were referring to me - I don't think anyone will argue that they're not imports, it's very clear that they are. As for overpriced, that depends how you look at it - just for the machine, yes, lots more money than an 'equivalent' from other sources. Thing is, you're not just buying the machine, you're buying a warranty to go with it - if you feel you need that kind of backup then it has to be worth it.

I still don't believe they 'rework' nor test every machine before shipping them out - but honestly that's immaterial. 'Reworking' to me actually means swapping out components and why on earth do that here when even I could spec that direct from the factory in china far cheaper than I could employ someone to do it here?

As for testing, I'd say they might open the box and check it's the right shape, and they may even plug it in to make sure it doesn't instantly assplode into a bazillion pieces - but real testing just isn't going to happen to a machine at this price point with their readyness to replace failed units at the drop of a hat.

As I've said before, I really have nothing against them but I don't care what anyone says they're not 'premium' or 'professional' products, just relatively good with a very decent warranty.

That is my point. Not only did I see things to make me believe what they say about swapping out parts is true they have confirmed it to me on the phone. They also state they do test every machine.

A simple phone call to them will put your mind at rest and save anyone else making claims they can't back up.