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  1. #1
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    Default Choosing an AC/DC TIG machine

    I've mentioned in other threads that when my bottle of MIG gas is used up, I plan to swap it for Argon and start learning TIG (I'll use straight CO2 on my MIG machine).

    I really like the look of Cigweld machines, both in terms of build and documentation, and this thing looks like a decent option:
    WeldSkill 200 AC/DC - Cigweld - Victor Technologies Asia Pacific - South Pacific Goes for about $1,700.

    Only downside is that the optional pedal appears to cost a bomb ($400+). The pedal should not cost 1/4 the price of the machine.

    Any other machines I should be looking at in this price range?

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Default

    I bought this one last year and its in the same $ range
    https://weldingstore.tokentools.com....er-210pro.html
    Foot pedal costs $90

  3. #3
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    Default

    I also recently bought the Token Tools Alupulse 210 Pro (same as BobL above). The peak 60% duty cycles and 5 year warranty impressed me as a quality unit and it's a nice machine to use. Plasma capability is excellent for a 240 volt machine.

  4. #4
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    Default

    I'll have a closer look at the Tokentools unit. Duty cycle doesn't really concern me - I'm not so productive a welder that I'm likely bump into it. My main issue with Tokentools is their extended warranty - it goes against the principles of Australian consumer protections. If you reasonably expect a machine to operate without fault for 5 years, then even with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty, the statutory warranty is 5 years. Charging a premium for those extra 4 years is wrong.

    That said, if the machine is the best choice, I'll grit my teeth and go with it.

    The other unit I've come across is from WIA - Weldarc 200i AC/DC | WIA
    its panel looks very similar to the Cigweld, making me think it might be based off the same Chinese base design, but the circuit diagram looks quite different. This machine comes with an amps adjustment on the torch, no mention of a pedal. Have no idea how a dial on the torch compares to a pedal?

  5. #5
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    Default

    I have the CIGWELD unit that you linked to in your first post. Picked it up from Blackwood's back in June on a great special (just over$1500).

    It's a great unit, quite easy to use with very good arc even at very low current. It has a thumbwheel on the torch for local current adjustment. Personally I still find that a little awkward to use whilst the arc is lit, but at least I don't have to get up and go over to the machine to dial it back a bit if necessary between welds. The flex head torch (that I didn't know about until after I opened the box) is an absolute boon, too.

    I will most likely get the foot pedal when funds allow, as it would make things easier. The foot pedal is expensive when compared to other models though, that's for sure.

    I have no idea about any of the other machines mentioned here, but I'd give a +1 to the CIGWELD unit. The flex head, argon regulator, and torch control are all standard equipment with it, not optional extras.

    I just went through the token tools page and optioned it up to match what comes standard with the CIGWELD machine and it all adds up to $1926 - that's almost $400 more than I paid.

    Sounds like pretty good value to me!

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

  6. #6
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    Default

    I forgot to mention - I'll try to remember to have a look at the manual tomorrow and see if there are any specifications for the foot pedal. It may be possible to adapt a cheaper pedal to fit, but it may have a negative impact on warranty.

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

  7. #7
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    Have you seen Everlast?
    ....................................................................

  8. #8
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    I just went through the token tools page and optioned it up to match what comes standard with the CIGWELD machine and it all adds up to $1926 - that's almost $400 more than I paid.
    I don't believe the two machines are all that comparable.
    One may never use the higher duty cycles (DC) quoted but they are a pretty direct indication of how much punishment a welder can take in the long term.

    If one can believe the specs for any of them, in terms of DC ,the TokenTools210 is more like a CIG Transtig220 than a Weldskill200 which is rated in the DIY category. The TokenTools unit is 10A less overall on TIG but the same on MMA, and has higher DCs than the TransTIG220 for both TIG and MMA, and way more DCs than the Weldskills unit.

    One thing I don't like about the TokenTools is how loud the fan is but I guess that is an important part of the cooling and probably contributes to its DC.

    One of the really nice features of both the TokenTools and TransTIG units are their programable memories. This means you can set up all the parameters for a specific process and material and save them and then switch between these at the press of a button. This enabled me to get my welding gurus over and they set up some processes for me and they're always there when I need it.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonno_G View Post
    I have the CIGWELD unit that you linked to in your first post. Picked it up from Blackwood's back in June on a great special (just over$1500).
    That's a very good price, particularly from Blackwood's. I was thinking if I was set on the Cigweld I might see if someone would do a deal on the machine and pedal together.

    It has a thumbwheel on the torch for local current adjustment. Personally I still find that a little awkward to use whilst the arc is lit,
    So it's even more similar to the WIA machine i found - that has the wheel on the torch too. It does sound tricky to use, but maybe you get used to it with practice, but there's probably a reason why most use a pedal where they want amps control. As you mention, there is the option to adapt another pedal - the wiring on the plug is very simple, so mainly a matter of finding a plug that fits.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Harry72 View Post
    Have you seen Everlast?
    I've had a look at them - their panels look somewhat similar to Tokentools, making me think that they derive from the same reference design. Both their 200A AC/DC units are out of stock, and the pricing isn't that impressive, and I've not seen anyone here who has one, unlike the Tokentools and Cigweld unit.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    One thing I don't like about the TokenTools is how loud the fan is but I guess that is an important part of the cooling and probably contributes to its DC.
    Hmm. I really do not like noisy fans

    One of the really nice features of both the TokenTools and TransTIG units are their programable memories. This means you can set up all the parameters for a specific process and material and save them and then switch between these at the press of a button.
    That does sound handy...

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyArc View Post
    Hmm. I really do not like noisy fans
    Unfortunately that is one feature of the CIGWELD that I find highly annoying - it's so LOUD!

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    I'll chip in my 2c

    I have the UniMig Uni-Mig - Suppliers of UNIMIG / Razorweld & Razorcut Mig Welders, Tig Welder, Plasma Cutters, Gas Cutting Equipment, supplies and parts for your welding machines
    It's an okay welder for the money, if you got some more money to splash I would go a digital one tho

    The foot pedal that UniMig sell for it is horrible and expensive.

    The good news for anyone tho, is that all the foot pedals are the same basic design, a box with a potentiometer in it, if its got remote amp control like most have these days with the dial on the torch it takes a little bit of effort to re-wire a foot pedal that is not also designed for remote amp control, but is easy enough to do.

    I run a modified Lincoln K870 pedal on mine Foot Amptrolâ„¢ - 25 ft. (7.6m) (6 pin)
    As its designed for welders that do not have the remote amp control I have an amp control box in the cable, I actually prefer this as I found having the amp dial on the pedal that it would get bumped from time to time. While still learning when this happens leaves you scratching your head as to while your prior weld was good, and the next one was horrible.....

    I do still have a couple more Lincoln K870's that I would be happy to part with at a much more reasonable price then Lincoln lists on their site.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonno_G View Post
    Unfortunately that is one feature of the CIGWELD that I find highly annoying - it's so LOUD!
    That's a pain. If they had half a brain they'd have a variable speed fan that ramped up when it actually needed to remove heat.

  15. #15
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyArc View Post
    That's a pain. If they had half a brain they'd have a variable speed fan that ramped up when it actually needed to remove heat.
    The TokenTools doesn't have a variable speed but it does have a FOD.
    From the manual
    FOD (Fan on Demand) - The fan runs as required. Once the welding stops, the fan timer spools down the high speed fan and allows the operator to think with a clear head. Silence is golden.
    It's just that when its running its quite loud.

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