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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
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    Buderim qld
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    40

    Default Upgrading Arc Welding Machines

    The High School where I work is upgrading two of its Arc/Stick Welding Machines. I am the one researching the machine upgrade. We have trading accounts at BOC, Get Tools Direct and Hare & Forbes. Guess we could be looking at mid-range welders suitable for the more senior students. Definitely don't want any cheap and nasty stuff; instead something that will give us good service over a number of years. The old days of Lincoln and CIG brands maybe over and Taiwanese and Chinese ones probably dominate the market.

    I don't know what new schools are getting outfitted with these days. However, I would appreciate any suggestions from those of you that are in the welding business and I want to deal with the suppliers previously listed if possible. If you nominate another trustworthy supplier that would be okay also as we can hit the Corporate Card.

    Single or Three Phase is no problem. I am sure you guys can point me in the right direction.

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,105

    Default

    So there is no requirement for Tig or Mig at all? Is there a budget?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Kidbee,
    What are you running now ,.What sort of (AC ,DC ? ) machines are being replaced. What was the amperage rating on this.

    If you don't want to go more than 180 amps, and just have stick capability I reckon one of the Token Tools machines will fill the bill and provide good value,good excellent warranty period and have excellent back up.
    Token tools have had a very solid following in this forum for years as they are Australian based,headed by a Electrical enginneer who designs the machines ,with high component specs.They are made in china but everyone who has ever purchased one says good things about them.

    Do yourslf a favour and talk to them.Their phone and email contacts are on the web.You will be impressed.
    No I don't get any kickbacks- I just think they have good products.

    Grahame

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Buderim qld
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    40

    Default

    Grahame and Com_VC. Will get back to you next week re your questions.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
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    6,446

    Default

    Something I failed to think about.
    I would also ask about longer welding leads.
    The lengths supplied are so short as to be ridiculous. You could reuse the Dinse connections but I would also substitute a much better earth clamp.The supplied original won't last very long.

    I think this is an issue common to most home machines,but well worth checking before a purchase
    I don't know what sort of school environment you have but being 6kgs odd, the portability issue may well have to be addressed.

    One of these little machines might fit in a school bag. Perhaps it could be bracketed to the wall.
    If mounted high enough it avoids the unit being sprayed with grinding dust when the benches are cleaned up after use.

    Hope it helps

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    67

    Default

    When I was working at Tafe, we had an excellent run from Unimigs (MIG-Stick) 3 phase. Considering the use/abuse they received from students, they performed extremely well. For my own workshop, I use a Token Tools 215 Elite Digital but as it includes a plasma cutter, it's probably overkill for your needs. However as an arc welder, it's a beautiful machine to use. I think its circuit boards are protected with an epoxy film but you may need to confirm that. Grinder dust often seems to be the main killer of circuit boards. Token Tools five year warranty and their technical backup was also a big plus. Even the best machines can sometimes malfunction and having competent technical support is an important factor in purchasing decisions.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Buderim qld
    Posts
    40

    Default

    We already have a couple of MIG's, a TIG and a Plazma cutter. Perhaps I need to convince my boss that we need new generation machines. The purchase needs to be a step forward not backwards that's for sure. Are Token Tools manufacturers in Australia?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,105

    Default

    Any reason you don't use use the Tig welders you already have when you want to do some arc welding? Are they inverters or old transformer based machines? Token tools are manufactured in China,

  9. #9
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    7,182

    Default

    Most welders are now made in china or most of the parts are made in china. My experience is that the Token tool people are very knowledgable about the technical workings of their products and unlike many on sellers are also able to repair the machines they sell in Australia. I have one of their plasma cutters and one of their AC/DC welders and am very happy with these machines,

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Hi Kidbee,
    We have many members from the forum who have purchased Token Tools machines.
    Over the decade-plus that I have been a member here, I cannot recall anyone who has had a complaint. Like BobL I have a token tools machine.
    Apart from minor issues with the earth clamp, I am happy with mine.

    If someone has a good word of mouth reputation around this Forum for so long, they must be doing something right.

    They have all the ticks in the boxes.
    Company CEO is an Electrical Engineer.The machines are made in China but the electronics are top quality components obviously designed by him.
    There have a real showroom.
    They can repair their own machines.
    The prices are good.
    The warranties are excellent.

    At the very least they are well worth the phone call.

    This company even repairs the other competing companies machines. I realise I do sound like a salesman for them but other than buying a machine theres no other connection. I speak of them a lot because I don't think other brands can offer what they do.

    Grahame

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Buderim qld
    Posts
    40

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    Hi Kidbee,
    We have many members from the forum who have purchased Token Tools machines.
    Over the decade-plus that I have been a member here, I cannot recall anyone who has had a complaint. Like BobL I have a token tools machine.
    Apart from minor issues with the earth clamp, I am happy with mine.

    If someone has a good word of mouth reputation around this Forum for so long, they must be doing something right.

    They have all the ticks in the boxes.
    Company CEO is an Electrical Engineer.The machines are made in China but the electronics are top quality components obviously designed by him.
    There have a real showroom.
    They can repair their own machines.
    The prices are good.
    The warranties are excellent.

    At the very least they are well worth the phone call.

    This company even repairs the other competing companies machines. I realise I do sound like a salesman for them but other than buying a machine theres no other connection. I speak of them a lot because I don't think other brands can offer what they do.

    Grahame
    Thanks Grahame!
    I am in the process of getting quotes from three different companies. Token Tools was the first company I contacted as suggested on this forum. Our budget provides about $1,000 for each new machine. One of the old ones is a Compaq and the other a Transarc and they are 25+ years old. At this stage it looks like there is a trend towards multifunctional welders ie MMA and TIG. Cigweld have a three in one unit ie., TIG, MIG and MMA. The guy from Token Tools said these inverter welders would not last as long as our old ones but did not indicate how many years we would get from them.

    Gary.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Hi Gary,
    Inverter welders operate by the grace of solid state electronics and other electrical bits and bobs. In spite of using good quality base electrical components, even these components have a limited life.

    That's why there are seventy-year-old transformer powered machines still kicking around. Normally with them, it is just the connections and welding leads that need replacing due to rubber insulation failings.

    If you are buying any of the electronic-based machines say 10 or 15 years realistically is about the best one can hope for.
    My Fronius 170 magicwave died after 11 years. I am sure it be repaired but can't afford to do so as the Fronius parts are expensive.
    It was more cost effective to go the Token Tool Metalmaster 180-its now superceded by a metal master 200

    The upside is this quality can be repaired whereas the spares for el cheapos disappear with the manufacturer's who made them.

    When considering all brands there is more to be considered than just the price.

    Grahame

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