AC Buzz Box vs DC

[tombardier]

well, I use a MIG too, but I basically would like to start getting more proficient with the way of the stick! I'd like to make use of the increased penetration available using a household supply, as well as the ability to get in to awkward places, and I also do some farm work occasionally when the horses break metal gates, and there's no way I'm dragging my 5' gas bottle around, so I use the stick for those situations too.

I'm going to be doing the rear cross member on my land rover soon, and I can see a few advantages in using stick for that, but I'm not really good enough to risk it at the moment. Not in any rush to do it though, and if I can get an inverter, and practice my uphill fillets and stuff, then the back corners and things could be worth doing with that, and maybe use the MIG for some of the edges

I think the shop soiled r-tech 140m looks like it might be a good buy. seems like a good price

 

[gavuk]

The r-tech 140amp looks like a good deal ,I used a 160amp hf tig from r-tech,not long back,and its was a nice little welder,only used it on tig though .....I have a 180amp mig at home and a 160amp invertor/tig for much the same reasons as you ,

 

[PTvor]

just noticed this. quite compelling!

http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/welding_equipment/Special_Offers/Arc_Welder_R-Tech_MMA140M-SALE

Another advantage of that machine is that although it's on offer as shop-soiled they still give a two year guarantee. From what people on here have said, their guarantee is worth something and they live up to it.

The guarantee is definitely something worth considering with an inverter.

 

[tombardier]

That's also a big consideration for me, in any purchase really. Buying the shop soiled one really is a no-brainer to my mind

 

[tombardier]

OK. Well, just an update. It seems that the r-tech 140m is no longer available on the site, they've replaced it with the 160s which is rather more expensive. I contacted them to see if they would be bringing it back, and they said no, but they actually went out of their way to find a supplier local to me that might still have some in stock. They forwarded my query on to Elmbridge Supplies Co. (ESC) in Gloucester, and they also went out of their way to find one with another company that they wholesale to, which they promptly recalled for me. Can't thank them enough, as I've got it now, and I just had a really quick go with some 2.5mm e6013 rods. I've got to say that the difference between it and my buzz box is like night and day, or to put it another way - Where have you been all of my life!! On my first scratch I was welding, and it was a really smooth fizz, not a crappy spluttery crackle. This is with exactly the same rods taken freshly out of my airing cupboard. I can't believe how long I've put up with the buzz box. The inverter has just taken the frustration out of the equation entirely! I can't recommend it enough!

So, in conclusion - ditch the el cheapo buzz box - it's just not worth it

 

[shenion]

The inverter has just taken the frustration out of the equation entirely! I can't recommend it enough!

So, in conclusion - ditch the el cheapo buzz box - it's just not worth it

And you had one of the better el-cheapos. Tons of 100A or less ones out there that are all but useless. The 140A buzz boxes are the minimum I'd recommend. They do require careful selection of rods.

The oil-cooled ones are considerably better but not as nice as DC.

Good to hear you got a good deal on an inverter. Try some verticals, you find it is much easier especially if you use a whipping technique.

I'd love an inverter but cant fault my AC/DC/TIG beast other than you can't move it (750 lbs).

 

[tombardier]

Good to hear you got a good deal on an inverter. Try some verticals, you find it is much easier especially if you use a whipping technique.

Been trying with the verticals, and failing a lot, but starting to get somewhere now

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=32273