TIG Welder Sensibleish Budget

[Dan..]

Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a TIG which is purely a toy not work related... I am aware there are lots of cheap chinese units on ebay which work fine if you get a good one but that can be hit and miss...

I am after something for welding stainless and ally pipes (exhausts / intercooler) and the odd bracket etc, I dont mind spending a bit more on a better machine as I do not want to buy twice and I do want something that will last.

What key features should I be looking for besides the obvious AC/DC, HF start, pedal etc?

I do have access to a 3 phase supply in my current workshop but single phase would be preferred since I do not know how long I'll have the unit for unless 3 phase converters can be had for sensible money now?

From reading on the forum Thermal Arc / R-Tech seem to be held in quite high regard for budget machines, there is some question on how good the pedals are on these from what I have read?

My budget is ~£1k happy to spend less or a little more if necessary, I will not however be breaking over the £1.5K mark, which I think is more than enough given my intended use. I don't mind buying 2nd hand if I know it is from someone reliable but given my lack of TIG experience ebay is a bit of a gamble that i'd rather not risk as we are not talking pocket money here, how reliable are these inverters is 2nd hand really an option?

So where to buy? What should I consider? Anyone know where there are any good deals currently?

 

[Richard.]

Your budget speaks RTech,parweld,thermal arc, gys,

Highly respected by many members on this forum and are talked about in a lot of posts.
These are all vertually adentical in the regards to there 200 amp ACDC machine so I would suggest picking the one that is most local and easiest to make use of the warranty should you need it.

 

[Richard.]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/190850239993?nav=SEARCH

It's right at the top of your budget but it looks a decent package and it's new with warranty.

 

[Dan..]

Many thanks Richard for taking the time to help, no ebay access here, I will take a look when I get home this evening.

 

[Richard.]

Sorry I have not answered many of your Qs
These inverter type machines are quite reliable with good warranties which is what you should be looking for.
Personally If it was my £1500 max I'd be looking at used machines but of the high end brands but like you say it's a lot of cash to risk with zero come back so stick with what you feel comfortable with.
I would not worry about the quality of the pedal too much and if you can get a bit of cash off to ditch the junk pedal do so then speak with the members like hotrodder etc about scc pedals. This is a much better pedal and cheaper than a lot of junk out there. As far as deals are concerned I know that RTech do shop soiled (maybe a scratch at worst) for a good lump off the price. They also do 6 months interest free cred so you won't feel the wallet wack so much. Best of luck.

 

[antcull]

I too am in the same boat as yourself Dan.
Im looking to buy a 200amp ac/dc welder but i only have single phase in my workshop.
I have read a lot of posts on this forum and am trying to decide between a Thermal Arc Arcmaster 202 AC/DC 200 Amp AC/DC HF TIG and the R-Tech 200AMP AC/DC TIG WELDER.
Here is a link to both welders on ebay,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thermal-A...636?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a28c80d24

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIG-Welde...546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c8e4e9882

My problem is i live in Ireland and dont know what way warrenties work or whether i could just buy pcbs etc if anything goes wrong with the welder rather that having to ship it back to the uk.

I would really appricate any advice or hands on experience from members with either of these two welders.

 

[Dan..]

Both models I'm considering... If looking at the 2nd hand market what should I be looking for with my budget?
I saw the one you had listed Richard a very nice looking machine but a little over budget and no longer for sale.

 

[lchris21]

I had one of these: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/...180-square-wave-tig-welder.50593/#post-574064
the 160 version. I don't know your expereince/skill level, but its great tool to learn on as there's not too many bells and whistles to confuse. Its a decent capable machine, and you'll get your money back easily should you decide to upgrade in the future.......

 

[Richard.]

Both models I'm considering... If looking at the 2nd hand market what should I be looking for with my budget?
I saw the one you had listed Richard a very nice looking machine but a little over budget and no longer for sale.

Used machine. Well that opens up the door of something more special especially if your going to go to the top end of your budget. There was a murex 201 acdc for sale in the selling section I think it's still there. I remember when they come out the quality level of that machine is awesome. If your interested in it speak with Tigpaul as he has the exact machine.

 

[wheresmejumper]

I too am in the same boat as yourself Dan.
Im looking to buy a 200amp ac/dc welder but i only have single phase in my workshop.
I have read a lot of posts on this forum and am trying to decide between a Thermal Arc Arcmaster 202 AC/DC 200 Amp AC/DC HF TIG and the R-Tech 200AMP AC/DC TIG WELDER.
Here is a link to both welders on ebay,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thermal-A...636?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a28c80d24
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIG-Welde...546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c8e4e9882
My problem is i live in Ireland and dont know what way warrenties work or whether i could just buy pcbs etc if anything goes wrong with the welder rather that having to ship it back to the uk.

I would really appricate any advice or hands on experience from members with either of these two welders.

rtech welders have a outlet with wholesale welding supplies, in Ireland. Google it for their site.
I think they have the same idea with collecting the dud unit from you, repairing and sending back all free of charge

 

[Richard.]

Both models I'm considering... If looking at the 2nd hand market what should I be looking for with my budget?
I saw the one you had listed Richard a very nice looking machine but a little over budget and no longer for sale.

That gys is still for sale there is 3 available. I'm sure if you told him you did not need the trolly he would knock a bit off. I think it's a good buy and according to nor lander who was at there factory last week the gys tigs are not built in china which is not the case with the RTech or thermal arc.

 

[R33]

You also have the higer amp rtech tig aswell

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIG-Welde...670&rk=4&rkt=6&mehot=lo&sd=291265525940&rt=nc

 

[lordsamaels]

kind of offtopic, but what you can say about this one as weapon of choice ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151343984789?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Richard.]

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/murex-transtig-201is.48696/
You would get this for an offer
These are simply superb I have used one and would recommend highly.

 

[matt1978]

The Murex was made by Stel, so if no luck with the Murex have a look for some second hands Stels as it will be the same machine

 

[Dan..]

Thanks for the advise guys, I should be collecting me new welder on Monday unless someone gets there before me... I'll update the thread when I have it )

 

[Richard.]

What did you go for in the end.
Look forward to the pics.

 

[Dan..]

Gone for am r tech 210 digital with 2 years warranty unused with all the bits for £900 which I'll be collecting tomorrow. Annoyingly a really nice kemppi master tig 3500 has just come up for £1250.... but needs 3 phase Dont want to buy it then loose my workshop and be unable to use it

 

[Richard.]

Gone for am r tech 210 digital with 2 years warranty unused with all the bits for £900 which I'll be collecting tomorrow. Annoyingly a really nice kemppi master tig 3500 has just come up for £1250.... but needs 3 phase Dont want to buy it then loose my workshop and be unable to use it

Sounds like you got a great deal there. The 160 retails around 850-900 quid. Well done.

 

[Dan..]

Oh if anyone else wants that kemppi it's on ebay buy it now listing

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201199643986&alt=web

lot of machine for the money from the looks of it.....