TecArc OPTeARC ETIG C220-C400 or S250-500 AC/DC

[Little Grey Fergie]

Hello there, I am looking at getting a welder to last me a lifetime, I was originally planning on getting one of the new Oxford models, then it turned out that their largest AC/DC model was the 273.
Do any of you have experience with the TecArc machines mentioned above, or know anyone who does? I would like to hear of any experience, whether good or bad.
I am looking for a robust TIG welder, preferably with a lot of knobs/breakers/buttons rather than menus or screens 330-400 amps Ac/Dc.
Are there any other machines you would recommend?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the rambly first post.

 

[tom2207]

welcome to the forum ,,, what about one of the industrial Hitachi machines or the likes , if you wat it to last and wont be moving it too far

 

[Ilovewelding23]

I bought a tec arc mig welder last week . A 350 amp single phase im very pleased with it . As far as I can see there the simplest plant on the market now.

 

[zzr1200]

Oxford welders, Potamig and TecArc welders are made/sold by the same company parent company (Technical Arc Ltd), I doubt there's much difference between similar models with different brand names, apart from slight variations in spec.

Technical Arc have been making good basic welding machines for years, some of which carried up to 5 year warranties for some parts and 20 years guaranteed parts availability, if you can find a TecArc machine that fits your requirement buy it.

 

[Fazerruss]

I've got two Oxford machines. A TIG 270 and MIG 330. Can't fault them. The TIG is used daily for the last 8 years. I prefer knobs for adjustment as its much quicker for me.

 

[tom2207]

the farm where I work sometimes bought an Oxford 301 ,,, to replace an oxford 180 , the 180 was a great wee mig ,, but the 301 is tragic , one of the nastiest migs Ive ever used , the arc is just nasty and theres no adjustment on it , the newer version has arc adjustments so be wary of what you buy ,,, ideally get a try . and dont buy a 301.