I was eyeing that for quite a while, looks like a good value... getting the TIG/MIG and plasma on one cart would cut down on the garage Tetris.

I decided to build a new bench instead, and have the welders and plasma under the bench top. Something similar to this, but with room for the machines (close to the size of both together)...



I was all set to buy the materials when HF discontinued the tool cabinet I was going to build in. They've now come out with a replacement, so I need to redesign, and get started.

 

Using this coupon, it comes out a few bucks cheaper. That led me to reading up on their vulcan protig 200. Seems like a decent machine and they have a no questions asked, one year satisfaction guarantee. One minor gripe is it lacks post flow control.

 

Broke down and bought Eastwood's new Tungsten Sharpener for $100. Holy **** this thing is awesome. Super fast and way better than anything else I have used. Highly recommended!!!

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-tu...der-57555.html

 

I also bought one of those and loved it. Until I went to use it yesterday and the trigger started leaking uncontrollably. Total failure.

 

ht://www.homedepot.com/p/SprayMaster...1-18/202622477

Going to give this a go. At least it has a 5 year gaurantee, and doesn't have $12 shipping

Edit: These are identical.

 

I've read through this thread and attempted to search for the items over the pond for me.
Most of them are £1000+ for anything you guys think is good enough.

Seems like I will have to stick to my bargain bin MIG and swearing for now as that is not going to happen soon

 

 

What do you reckon?
Its 200A and i can get a foot switch for control and R-Tech have an amazing reputation on various fabricator forums. They seem to be the MKTurbo of welders over here.

 

I don't think I'd buy a DC only TIG.

 

Razorweld - Suppliers of Razorweld & Razorcut Mig Welders, Tig Welder, Plasma Cutters, Gas Cutting Equipment, supplies and parts for your welding machines

These are made about an hour from my house and supposedly have the same board as the miller welders. They are really popular with the pipe crews in construction because of their durability and warranty.

Ill be buying this one this winter hopefully
Razorweld - Suppliers of Razorweld & Razorcut Mig Welders, Tig Welder, Plasma Cutters, Gas Cutting Equipment, supplies and parts for your welding machines

 

After having a 2018 Alpha Tig 200 for a few months and using the hell out of it, it is a complete steal for $700. I would buy another in a heartbeat if I needed it. Absolutely zero issues and it is a beast.

 

Care to elaborate?
As I say they come very highly recommended by hobby and professional fabricators in the UK on the forums ive found.

 

You'll only be able to do steel with DC only. You'd be better off buying a mig or stick welder than a DC only tig.

 

DC only = no aluminium welding (normally THE big attraction of TIG over MIG).

This would be its AC/DC equivalent.

 

That is crap. I've since watched videos from the various YouTube fabricators demonstrating DC only TIG which offers mega penetration in comparison to AC TIG but it only works with certain alloys. I can almost guarantee I'll order the wrong alloy in this country regardless of me trying.
Thanks for this I'd gone back shopping immediately to find that and the cost is of course over 1k

 

spending 1000 bucks for a tool that will probably last 10 years, is a GOOD investment. Buying a cheapo that will not let you explore new skill sets is not smart.

How many pairs of shoes do you buy in a year? almost certainly more than 1000 bucks worth. I know you crazy euros and shoes, so dont bullshit me on this.

 

I agree with the use per cost principle but that will stop my purchase for quite some time.

As for the shoes the last pair i bought were Etnies of Amazon for £62 last year. The previous ones to that were the same and in 2013.
The wife isn't even that bad. Her sister however is exactly as you jest

 

Save up for the good stuff. There is a huge amount of satisfaction when you open the shop and have a look at your awesome tools.

3 things I dont fell guilty for buying the nice stuff:

large tools like welders. not wrenches. I buy the cheap ones and they never get stolen
bicycles. They last forever and low quality ones suck the fun right out
fishing poles. Again, they will last until you die. Buy good fishing gear

 

How cheap of wrenches you talking about? Cheap sockets and wrenches are a great way to round off fasteners.

 

,cheap. anything getting turned hard enough to round, would probably have a socket on it anyway. never really had any trouble with sockets.