Thread: What acdc Tig to buy

Hello DD, it's a pretty open ended question in that I would recommend a Kemppi, Fronius or Miller if you want a decent machine. WeldSmart are as far as I know a cheaper Asian import that seem to be supported by dealer chain here in Aus. They should be much the same as the TT or Everlast and perhaps some others but you answered your own question in that regard in not being interested.
I actually got better service and information about the machine I bought on line than going to my local welding supplies and in fact I felt like I was a bit of a nuisance to the LWS with my questions.
But what machine would I recommend just as far as a welder goes, I would buy something like this, eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

If you don't wish to spend those $$ then I think toss up between TT and Everlast and then possibly WeldSmart for around the $1500 - $2000 dollars new with warranty.

Good luck with it..

j

Hi Dingo Dog ,
I have just bought myself a SmoothArc AC/DC 185 Amp Tig Welder from BOC its in there June July Catalogue . I buy a bit of stuff from them so got mine a little cheaper thant retail , but the retail price is $979.00 . I tried it in the Shop but as i am still learning i cant really say much but i was pretty happy with the ease of setting it up and my rough welds . BOC stuff is rebranded Kemppi from what i was told . I reckon you should go and Take a look at one and see if it suits what you are after .

Cheers Plushy

Originally Posted by Plushy

Hi Dingo Dog ,
I have just bought myself a SmoothArc AC/DC 185 Amp Tig Welder from BOC its in there June July Catalogue . I buy a bit of stuff from them so got mine a little cheaper thant retail , but the retail price is $979.00 . I tried it in the Shop but as i am still learning i cant really say much but i was pretty happy with the ease of setting it up and my rough welds . BOC stuff is rebranded Kemppi from what i was told . I reckon you should go and Take a look at one and see if it suits what you are after .

Cheers Plushy

The BOC (Brand Of China) machines sub 2K are Chinese. The 185 AC/DC does not feature a connection for a foot control or a remote torch. I am shocked that they would release an AC/DC welder with only the two pin connection for on/off torch switch and minimal adjustment. It will be to their own detriment in the long run I am sure.

John

Originally Posted by Dingo Dog

Hi Blokes

What acdc Tig welder do you recommend. Basically I am after something that I can get parts for if the machine breaks down. Have seen the real cheap asian ones flood the market, want to be able to walk into a shop and discuss the workings of the machine before laying down my hard earned dollers. Anyone know anything about the "WeldSmart brand". Have seen the token tools but not interested in buying from an online far away store.

Any ideas from all on what to get.

DD

They are in Perth as are you so you can go to their shop directly. I looked up the address for you.

41 Mordaunt Circuit
Canning Vale, W.A. 6155

John

Originally Posted by Plushy

Hi Dingo Dog ,
I have just bought myself a SmoothArc AC/DC 185 Amp Tig Welder from BOC its in there June July Catalogue . I buy a bit of stuff from them so got mine a little cheaper thant retail , but the retail price is $979.00 . I tried it in the Shop but as i am still learning i cant really say much but i was pretty happy with the ease of setting it up and my rough welds . BOC stuff is rebranded Kemppi from what i was told . I reckon you should go and Take a look at one and see if it suits what you are after .

Cheers Plushy

Hi guys, The BOC is not Kemppi anymore they had a falling out with Kemppi about 2 or 3 years ago. I have been to =ld the BOC machines are pretty good but the problem is BOC are not holding spare parts for them in Australia... so if it breaks be prepared to wait 6-12 weeks for replacement parts

Hi DD,
I tend to agree with you that back-up and support is more import that the name on the box when it comes to the cheaper imported machines. As you are in Perth I would stick to the local supplier Weldsmart. You can go down there and see them in the raw and discuss the pros and cons of each model. They also carry a good range of spares and consumables. I have bought 3 welders & a plasma from Jason at Weldsmart over the past 8 years and found the service to be good. My TIG welder failed (out of warranty like they all do) and it got a new replacement board - no charge and done locally. I'd hate to have to go through the the pus and pain of dealing with an overseas or interstate supplier if I had any problems. As for the welder itself, I went for the Weldsmart ACDC TIG 200. Came complete with foot control and all accessories. The user manuals of all the welders are basic (some bordering on crap) but you can get good info online. They will match or better any of the ebay prices and usually throw in a few consumables to sweeten the deal. There is always a good chance the cheap welders will break down but the ability to throw it in the car and take it back if you need to makes it all worthwhile. I have no affiliation with them at all.
Cheers
Allan

Hi Allan

I looked at the Kempii and Lincoln tigs, way too far expensive for my novice approach. The Lincoln is $7000 OZ dollars and the Kempii just as much. BOC (brand of china), never heard that one before, have a new Tig out that is identical to the Weldsmart 200, however, as one other has already said, they do not do repairs too quickly or often, so I am reluctent to give them my dosh.

When next in Perth I will be paying Weldsmart a visit for a look at what you bought and go from there.

Thanks all who gave advise and information on Tigs.

DD

I was in the market for Kemppi MasterTIG 2300 and rang around the local dealers for pricing - between $5200 and $5800. I ended up buying from the UK for $4200 delivered to my door and the warranty is worldwide.
I only considered Kemppi, ESAB and Fronius (great but far too expensive) , Miller and Lincoln doesn't come in to it for me.

Originally Posted by AxelVK

Miller and Lincoln doesn't come in to it for me.

Just wondering why!

cheers

You could. Try a rehm tiger 210 acdc I have one not used it yet but its around the 4k mark you can get parts easy too

Originally Posted by thesupervisor

You could. Try a rehm tiger 210 acdc I have one not used it yet but its around the 4k mark you can get parts easy too

Where do you get parts from, do you mean direct from Germany?

John

Got 3 phase? That would open a lot of doors for second hand industrial machines.
I have used a 200A Cigweld and was very impressed with it. Beware though not all Cigwelds are created equal and you have to buy the right model, that's where a welding supplier that you trust comes into the equation. Even better, talk to someone who repairs welders, they see them at their worst and can give real information about servicability and parts availability.

Really depends on what part but you will have parts avail and only 3 days from germany if needed
What parts are you thinking may give you trouble?

Originally Posted by welding

Where do you get parts from, do you mean direct from Germany?

John