Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    134

    Default Looking for a new inverter AC/DC TIG - foot control and CK Flex WP17 required

    I do a bit of auto and motorsport fab stuff, and my almost 10yo Super 200P is starting to give me some grief with the limitations, and tripping the 10A circuit when i set the 'arc force' too high. So thinking a new welder might be in store.

    Was originally thinking about one of the UniMig Razor 200s (https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/w1721) which a few friends have, and love, but the interface is somewhat clunky. However, i was picking up some random bits at Bunnings the other day, and saw the Bossweld unit (https://www.bunnings.com.au/bossweld...elder_p6380047) and recognised the brand from Hampdons who evidently sell the same unit (https://www.hampdon.com.au/bossweld-...ig-welder-240v). Even with the foot controller added on, it is ~$500 cheaper than the UniMig, and from the certification diagrams that i looked at in Bunnings, seems to be very similar internally (of course I cant pull apart the machine to look).

    I also had a look at the local BOC, and they were trying to sell the Smootharc, but it only had a 2pin remote, so only on and off from what i could tell. No footpedal listed for that item.

    Meanwhile another friend swears by Alumtig, which sounds like a cheap Chinese thing but looks reasonable: https://swswelding.com.au/products/a...e-in-australia
    Only problem is that he is 2000km away so no opportunity for a roadtest.

    The other option out there is the TokenTools which gets high reviews on here, but I have no way of being able to look at it or test it in person.

    So, has anyone used the Bossweld for any length of time, and/or can compare it to the UniMig Razor? Similarly any comparisons with the Alumtig.

    Oh and compatibility with a CK Flex WP17 is required, not that it should be incompatible with anything, but may as well state it.

    Also, Im not flush enough for a Kemppi.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    mandurah wa
    Age
    75
    Posts
    10

    Default

    I've just about ready to purchase an ac dc tig too, done heaps of research and most of those machines you mention have a pretty crap duty cycle.

    Only Token tools and possibly Everlast have a reasonable duty cycle model that I've found so far. Looking at Token tools their Metalmaster Elite 215 looks good but no recent reviews I could find.

    I'm a bit wary in case a new model Metalmaster is on the horizon, as said the current model goes back a few years. I'd hate to buy one and find it's been superceded in a month or so.

    But Pete at Token Tools has a very good reputation for after sales service and his unit is a bit cheaper than the equivalent Everlast.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
    Location
    Salisbury SA
    Age
    66
    Posts
    17

    Default Review of HTP Invertig 221 AC/DC

    Hi,

    The HTP Invertig 221 AC/DC which is made in Italy and sold under a couple of different names looks 2B a great welder.

    You can see a review by 'This Old Tony' here;
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI04nsPVlvE&t=341s

    Cheers

    Peter

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    134

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bj48 View Post
    I've just about ready to purchase an ac dc tig too, done heaps of research and most of those machines you mention have a pretty crap duty cycle.

    Only Token tools and possibly Everlast have a reasonable duty cycle model that I've found so far. Looking at Token tools their Metalmaster Elite 215 looks good but no recent reviews I could find.

    I'm a bit wary in case a new model Metalmaster is on the horizon, as said the current model goes back a few years. I'd hate to buy one and find it's been superceded in a month or so.

    But Pete at Token Tools has a very good reputation for after sales service and his unit is a bit cheaper than the equivalent Everlast.
    Yeah, duty cycle isnt everything. I mainly do auto work, so lots and lots of thinner material at low amperages.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,540

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by takai View Post
    Yeah, duty cycle isn't everything.
    Yes, to a degree. Duty cycle indicates the ability of a welder to deal with the heat that it generates. I regard it as a measure of the quality of a welder simply because the design either does not to generate as much heat, it has the ability to dissipate that heat more efficiently or features components that can tolerate the heat better.

    If you are only doing thin stuff it is not such an issue but as a comparative measure it is as close to a 'goodness rating' as you will likely find when comparing two welders of similar claimed capacity.

    Michael

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    mandurah wa
    Age
    75
    Posts
    10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael G View Post
    Yes, to a degree. Duty cycle indicates the ability of a welder to deal with the heat that it generates. I regard it as a measure of the quality of a welder simply because the design either does not to generate as much heat, it has the ability to dissipate that heat more efficiently or features components that can tolerate the heat better.

    If you are only doing thin stuff it is not such an issue but as a comparative measure it is as close to a 'goodness rating' as you will likely find when comparing two welders of similar claimed capacity.

    Michael
    Agree 100% ! hence my previous comment.

    I jumped and bought the Tokentools elite after several emails to Pete I feel very confident now of my choice. Now just awaiting the courier

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    586

    Default

    What's the back end on your CK torch? Lug, 3/8 BSP, or a safe-lock with dinse (25 or 50)?
    The dinse is by far most common these days, but there are adapters available (check CK cattledog for options).
    Good choice of torch. 17 series gear is everywhere, and can be modified any way you choose.
    Good choice of grail machine- I feel your pain though. The only Kemppi I can afford to own is a mid-naughties vintage minarc 150 MMA... But blimey it is nice to use.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    134

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Commander_Keen View Post
    What's the back end on your CK torch? Lug, 3/8 BSP, or a safe-lock with dinse (25 or 50)?
    The dinse is by far most common these days, but there are adapters available (check CK cattledog for options).
    Good choice of torch. 17 series gear is everywhere, and can be modified any way you choose.
    Good choice of grail machine- I feel your pain though. The only Kemppi I can afford to own is a mid-naughties vintage minarc 150 MMA... But blimey it is nice to use.

    Its currently a 3/8BSP with a DINSE 35 adapter. i.e. https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/ck17...sheath-3-8bsp/ with the DINSE adapter

    So not a real issue per say, but a few machines make it difficult to use various torch types as the adapters are a pain. None of the ones im looking at should cause any issues though i would think.

Similar Threads

  1. Angle Grinder cut-off Wheels / Flex
    By glivo in forum SAFETY FORUM
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 27th May 2019, 09:36 PM
  2. Replies: 19
    Last Post: 19th Sep 2013, 10:04 AM
  3. CK Flex Loc torch
    By Pete F in forum WELDING
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 9th Jun 2013, 10:28 PM
  4. TIG foot control for Chinese welder
    By Pete F in forum WELDING
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 4th Aug 2011, 03:36 PM
  5. Replies: 4
    Last Post: 15th Nov 2009, 09:27 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •