Sounds good to me, I’d be happy with that lot!Well, I have to resurrect this thread once again! Only this time, it's for something significant.
I was beginning to think that I was going to be another one of those people who perpetually flirts with the idea of getting a TIG set, but never actually takes the plunge. I suspect a few on here were thinking the same - considering I started this thread way back in 2015!
However, after spending the time since my last post a few months ago watching out for something, I had more or less resigned myself to the fact that, unless I wanted to spend well over a grand, it was either going to have to be used, or a lesser known brand of uncertain quality.
I have to admit that, rightly or wrongly, I'd got my mind set on an R-Tech machine. I know, I know, some will shoot me down in flames, but that's just what I decided I wanted.
Problem is, I wanted a machine with at least 200A capacity and preferably digital. But that was going to set me back the far side of £1500 if new from R-Tech, an amount I couldn't really justify.
I've missed out on a couple of decent used ones recently, either because they sold too quickly or they were too far away and collection only. But finally, a couple of days ago, my dream set-up appeared (yeah, I've got low expectations!) and I managed to secure it before anyone else got there. At last!
So, it's an R-Tech 260 EXT AC/DC digital complete with R-Tech water cooler, two water-cooled torches (one R-Tech I think, but the other is a Miller), a trolley, all leads & manual, a box full of torch consumables, decent quality auto-darkening helmet, R-Tech argon regulator with twin flow-meters and even a decent sized Air Products pure argon bottle which is about half full. Just about everything needed to get started, apart from filler rods.
All used, but seemingly very good condition and appears to have done very little. The seller, who was a very genuine guy (and a welder by trade he told me), said he's only used it a handful of times at home, and I believe him. I secured the lot for quite a bit less than a grand, which I'm very happy about - I think I got a good deal. To buy this lot from R-Tech today would cost in excess of two and a half grand, without the gas bottle or the helmet!
So, I'm sure I'll be back soon with lots of questions. Anyone got any initial thoughts on what I've bought?
I did a very brief training course on tig at a welding school in Oslo, years ago, and I was amazed how well I did with zero practise, just watching a video and listening to the tutor. However, last year I bought an r-tech 160 ac/dc rig, and was very disappointed how badly I did when I used it.Well, I have to resurrect this thread once again! Only this time, it's for something significant.
I was beginning to think that I was going to be another one of those people who perpetually flirts with the idea of getting a TIG set, but never actually takes the plunge. I suspect a few on here were thinking the same - considering I started this thread way back in 2015!
However, after spending the time since my last post a few months ago watching out for something, I had more or less resigned myself to the fact that, unless I wanted to spend well over a grand, it was either going to have to be used, or a lesser known brand of uncertain quality.
I have to admit that, rightly or wrongly, I'd got my mind set on an R-Tech machine. I know, I know, some will shoot me down in flames, but that's just what I decided I wanted.
Problem is, I wanted a machine with at least 200A capacity and preferably digital. But that was going to set me back the far side of £1500 if new from R-Tech, an amount I couldn't really justify.
I've missed out on a couple of decent used ones recently, either because they sold too quickly or they were too far away and collection only. But finally, a couple of days ago, my dream set-up appeared (yeah, I've got low expectations!) and I managed to secure it before anyone else got there. At last!
So, it's an R-Tech 260 EXT AC/DC digital complete with R-Tech water cooler, two water-cooled torches (one R-Tech I think, but the other is a Miller), a trolley, all leads & manual, a box full of torch consumables, decent quality auto-darkening helmet, R-Tech argon regulator with twin flow-meters and even a decent sized Air Products pure argon bottle which is about half full. Just about everything needed to get started, apart from filler rods.
All used, but seemingly very good condition and appears to have done very little. The seller, who was a very genuine guy (and a welder by trade he told me), said he's only used it a handful of times at home, and I believe him. I secured the lot for quite a bit less than a grand, which I'm very happy about - I think I got a good deal. To buy this lot from R-Tech today would cost in excess of two and a half grand, without the gas bottle or the helmet!
So, I'm sure I'll be back soon with lots of questions. Anyone got any initial thoughts on what I've bought?
Ck wp 9, ……..or water cool and use a 20, will work wonders for you.I did a very brief training course on tig at a welding school in Oslo, years ago, and I was amazed how well I did with zero practise, just watching a video and listening to the tutor. However, last year I bought an r-tech 160 ac/dc rig, and was very disappointed how badly I did when I used it.
One issue is that the handset is a big ungainly device, the operating button is on the back, where no digit falls naturally, so it has to be held somewhat ungainly in use, with my thumb to operate it. It definitely doesn't fall naturally into place in use.
At the welding school the hand set I used was more like a small mig torch, or more like a large pen actually, with the button in a more logical place under the forefinger. They are apparently available from r-tech.
I feel a purchase coming on....
Actually, that was something I was going to ask about: the actual bottle itself has Air Products stamped on it, but the green plastic collar/ handle part attached to the top has the name of a local (to the seller) gas supplier and states the bottle belongs to them. So, do Air Products sell/licence their bottles to independent suppliers? Anyone know what the situation with such a bottle would be? Once empty, would I be able to take it to the supplier named on it and get it filled/exchanged, or am I likely to be hit for rental charges on the bottle?Ck wp 9, ……..or water cool and use a 20, will work wonders for you.
Now to @Paul D63 if he gave you an air products bottle…….when its empty, be careful what you do with it, as they are rented…..you dont want the bill fir 5 years back rent!
I've just had a look on their web site, the wp9 looks to be smaller, but still has the switch in the same odd position on the back of the torch. No digit falls naturally to where the switch is, so starting off is a bit of a fumble.Ck wp 9, ……..or water cool and use a 20, will work wonders for you.
Now to @Paul D63 if he gave you an air products bottle…….when its empty, be careful what you do with it, as they are rented…..you dont want the bill fir 5 years back rent!