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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    3

    Default Which budget AC TIG?

    I've only ever ARC and MIG welded before but want to get into TIG welding with a machine that will also be able to do SS and Aluminium. Most likely will only be used a few times a year so not looking to spend big $'s but also don't want to buy rubbish. Currently leaning towards the UniMIG Razor after a good experience with my current UniMIG inverter that's given no problem for the last 10 years.

    All machine's offer a fairly similar duty cycle and size isn't really a concern since it wont be moved around. It sounds like the few extra amps available on the UniMIGs and CIG welders may come in handy if I ever need to weld some thicker (5mm) Aluminium?

    Everlast comes with a foot control and 5 year warranty.

    Any others to consider or any reason not to go with the Razor?

    UniMIG Razor 200 ACDC (KUMJRRZ200ACDC) - $1276
    UniMIG 200AC/DC (KUMJR200ACDC) - $1144
    Everlast PowerTIG 185DV - $1345
    BOC Smootharc 185 AC/DC FC (BOC185ACDC/FC) - $1137.70
    CIGWELD WeldSkill 205 AC/DC (W1008205) - ~$1500
    CIGWELD WeldSkill 200 AC/DC (W1006200) - ~$1500

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    N.W.Tasmania
    Posts
    1,407

    Default

    Have a look and give Pete a call at Token Tools. He has had a lot of favourable comments in this space, and the machines that he sells seem to be well specced and well thought of by users. I have not dealt with TT personally but have spoken by phone to them some time ago. When the time is right, I will probably get a machine with similar specifications to what you are looking at, and from a brief look, they appear to have 2 models at about $1600 and $18 or 1900. I will be interested in what you eventually decide, good luck.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    586

    Default

    I've used a few of them.
    The Unimig is a nice unit, but the SR26 torch is not much chop. Half the battle is working out the User interface.
    The BOC has a coarse pulse function, not as adjustable as others, but a robust unit none the less. Interestingly the BOC has a 8m CK worldwide 26 series flex head torch on it out of the box, which is bombproof IMO. Replacement cost on one of them is about $400 last I checked...

    Haven't had much to do with the everlast. Or CIGweld TIG's, but used a few of their older inverter multiprocess MIG units (175i, IIRC) which i was not too fussed on. Would be good for a home gamer though.


    Just a thought...
    If you haven't done TIG before, and just learning, why not get a basic scratch start TIG rig setup on your current stick welder? Learn the basics on a busget, then get something baller later on.
    A basic MMA unit will do your steel, stainless and most of the rest other than Ally... you'd be in the hole just a hundred bucks or so for a very basic little valved torch with dinse or lug fittings, depending on your MMA power source.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Ballina, NSW
    Posts
    900

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mark86 View Post
    Most likely will only be used a few times a year so not looking to spend big $'s but also don't want to buy rubbish.
    I'll put in vote for tokentools. I've had one of his AC tig/multifuction machines for years. I also have 2 of his mig machines. I've always found Pete very helpful.
    As for a foot pedal - you don't need it, but for delicate, desk-based work it can be really nice. It is handy if you're welding thin aluminium as it gives you excellent control.
    Cheers
    Mick

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    1,322

    Default

    I have the Razor, I replaced the torch and hose with a lighter one and use a pedal, as the supplied torch setup is really bulky (but usable). The only downside is the lack of buttons, so you have to do a lot of stepping through menus to change things, and probably the worst "feature" is when in AC mode, if you change the amps, it resets the AC balance, which is incredibly stupid (haven't actually checked if it does this when using the pedal to control the amps).

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Ningi Qld Australia
    Posts
    64

    Default

    With my past experience with Everlast I would not buy another one, whilst you get a reasonable unit for a cheapish import machine and a 5 year warranty. My Everlast unit decided to stop working after the warranty ended, at that stage it had done less than 40 hours work in total in that 5 year period. Everlasts response was they will not supply any circuit diagrams to anyone else for repairs and they did not have any spare parts anyway for my unit, and suggested that I buy another unit from them at a discount. Like that was going to happen!. Took it to one welding repair place to evaluate the problem and after paying them about $140 they couldn't fix it as they didn't have the circuit diagrams and trying to fault find the problem with those would cost more than it was worth. Ended up sending it to Tokentools, after spending quite a few hours (after hours and weekends) discussing my issue over the phone and emails to Pete. We tracked it down to a particular faulty circuit board.

    Some of their machines share similar components to the Everlast units and so I sent it down to them to repair. Pete didn't have to help me as it wasn't one of their machines but did never the less. If I was to get another unit I would not have any hesitation in getting one from them. At least they carry parts! Just my 2 cents worth.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    You can't go past someone that offers service like that.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    N.W.Tasmania
    Posts
    1,407

    Default

    I have to agree, as I said in an earlier post, I have not had any dealings with Token Tools, other than a phone enquiry, but any reports on them have always been particularly favourable, and so have the levels of satisfaction with their machines as reported by members who have them. When the time comes, if I end up buying a new machine, it will most likely be from Token Tools.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Ningi Qld Australia
    Posts
    64

    Default

    My local Tradetools store has just brought in a brand of welders from Weldclass called Weldforce, had a quick look at them and spec wise they seem quite good. No idea on longevity and reliability but they seem good and not too pricey, might be beneficial to check them out. 2 yr warranty and if registered online within 30 days I think you get an extra year. So not too shabby and being part of a chain of stores they are not too likely to just disappear together with your warranty.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Syd
    Posts
    492

    Default

    I'd expect your mig is something other than a Jasic rebrand going by 10 years trouble free. Just fixed a unimig tig that's sat idle for a few years after a fault developed 3 months after the last repair and barely had any use anyway because of orangutan ergonomics.

    Previously the gas solenoid expired just out of warranty - expecting that was the issue, pulled the cover off and it tested ok, but the gas hose leading from it to the outlet was falling apart. Closer inspection of the foot pedal revealed the on/off microswitch wiring was fouling on the rack gear and worn through. The wiring insulation and the outer sheaf where it exited the pedal body had also broken down and the conductors were in contact. The wiring from the two 10 cent amperage adjustment pots on the pedal was showing similar deterioration ready to short circuit. Hose from the reg to the machine was also in a similar state to decades old oxy hose....ridiculous rubber/plastics quality compared to name machines.

    Moral of the story, I wouldn't expect a unimig (or probably any of the rebranded or own brand cr@p Chinese tig machines) to be a long lived occasional use investment!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Athelstone, SA 5076
    Posts
    4,255

    Default

    I bought a Token Tools ACDC tig couple years ago...has'nt had much use and have had not had any problems...those replies above as to their after sales assistance is reassuring that I have made the right decision.

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