Chinese welders

[Rowan Sylvester-BradleyParticipant @rowansylvester-bradley37244]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Are any of the much  cheaper than western price Chinese welders any good? If I went for a 200A MIG/TIG/MMA welder with optional gas, and accept that I’m probably going to have to buy a decent mask, what else is going to be wrong with it, and what else do I need to look out for or avoid? Any particular makes or models to look out for or avoid?</p>
Thank you – Rowan

 

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

My WSE200 AC/DC TIG set is currently broken, but it’s also 15 or 20 years old… I splashed out loads on a large window Speedglas helmet and don’t regret it – it’s much nicer to be in than the typical cheap auto ones.

Dave

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

I bought an all singing machine sold under the ROHR name, a WSME 250A AC/DC job 2 years ago for welding Aluminium Etc it was £350 or so. I have seen the same unit under a different name at almost twice the price. It has been well used and works fine on AC aluminium , DC for stainless and MMA. Remember you will need gas, a regulator and flowmeter plus a good auto dark shield ideally of the large window type. If you know little about welding then the first problem will be the instructions – they are all but useless. Unlike much more expensive automatic units you have to set up ALL the parameters, which is fine IF you know how to ! Using TIG at the top end current the torch will get hot and limit duty cycle, at this level a water cooled torch is really needed.

I’m no fan of flat pin 13A plugs, the data says it uses 17A at 240v yet the plug does not even get warm and it’s never blown a fuse – even flat out – I question it’s rating. Never the less it has done all I’ve asked !

For 6mm alli it will need all it’s 250A or preheat.   Good luck. Noel

PS Whilst it will act as a power supply for a mig you will need a separate wire feeder. Were I to need this function I have the feeder for my 3Ph 400A MIG, and being a remote unit would be ideal.

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