Turn around

[Richard.]

I’m not being funny but a buddy is a £250 quid Chinese machine. If a distributor starts running tests and trials he isn’t going to make much money. In my opinion it’s a bin job and replace if within warranty.

Absolutely.
Disposable machines imported by the truck load. Nothing wrong with them at all and I’ve heard of them clocking up some mileage but they are aimed at occasional users. The op does 5-6 hours a day 3-4 days a week welding. This imo justifies a proper spend.

 

[Richard.]

Oh yeah definitely. One of them buddy’s is okay for a day onsite once a week. But working day in day out. I don’t think any Chinese made machine in that price bracket is cut out for that.

To OP, if you’re looking to spend a bit more have a look at the Lorch MicorStick. They’re only doing the 160 for a few more months so there may be a couple of deals about. The new machine will be multivoltage though which will be very handy for site use.
I have one and it’s solid. I wouldn’t hesitate in buying the new model coming out later this year.

If you’re looking to spend a lot then a Fronius Transpocket 150 or 180 is a good buy.

Op has buddy tig 160.
I’d imagine hf is preferred.

 

[Jlg]

Op has buddy tig 160.
I’d imagine hf is preferred.

I am looking for something good quality that's second hand at the minute because I can't afford a new top quality acdc I'm thinking maybe a ewm or the likes if I can find something for the £1200-1300 mark

 

[Jlg]

A proper dealer should have a test bay when you are buying and be an authorised repairer when you have a problem.
The two agents I would consider if I was buying an esab have both the above. Box shifters have none of these things.

Always try and buy from a place who can get stuff sorted and is within an hours drive. Imo, it's worth more than a few quid

I have to say though unless it's something daft it will land in the bin unchecked and replaced

I bought it from a local shop for the waranty but obviously this hasn't worked out there's no sign of it in the near future and whet I got it from it was £100 more than any where else but I payed it for the backup that hasn't worked out

 

[Richard.]

Oh sorry I forgot I thought it was a BuddyArc.

Unfortunately ESAB dont have much in between their buddy range and their caddytig range. The CaddyTIG DC is quite dear for a DC tig.

The Lorch MicorTig200 is gonna be right up your street. Multivoltage. Basic or ControlPro panel. Pulse. Battery Optional.
Impressive bit of kit.

I think a handy tig 200 identical to yours would be perfect for him.
A smidge over budget but a smidge well spent.

 

[Jlg]

JLG do you need AC?

Handytig is great but not multivoltage. And not as compact or portable as a DC unit like the MicorStick. HandyTig is about £1800.

Have a look here Matt posted some pictures halfway down the page.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/schweissen-und-schneiden-welding-and-cutting.76100/

Yes I was needing ac I've been doing a lot of stainless bits for boats but people are wanting ally bits as well

 

[Jlg]

Handytig at £1800 is one of the cheapest German made TIGs on the market.

Is that one acdc as well I can't seem to see

 

[Richard.]

Failing that do what I’ve always done and hang on for the right used unit at the right price. I’ve had some right results over the years.

 

[Richard.]

Is that one acdc as well I can't seem to see

Yes AC/DC pulsed tig. 200 amp

 

[Jlg]

Failing that do what I’ve always done and hang on for the right used unit at the right price. I’ve had some right results over the years.

I don't mind waiting a bit I'll have to save a bit more if I get a new one anyway since I only have £1200-1300 at the minute anyway

 

[Jlg]

Yes AC/DC pulsed tig. 200 amp

That sounds like it will do what I want then

 

[Jlg]

Yes AC/DC pulsed tig. 200 amp

Can you recommend anyone who sells them

 

[Jlg]

Where are you based? Darren @ Elmdale in Essex. James @ WASP welding supplies if you’re near Luton.

Carlisle