HandyTIG vs Microtig vs T DC TIG machines

[Luke Rickert]

I am looking at a small, simple, and high quality DC TIG welder and think Lorch is probably the best option (EWM is the other contender).

I am trying to understand the difference between the various small Lorch lines, models and variants but am finding it hard to differentiate.

Can anyone confirm the HandyTIG 180 DC BasicPlus variant is what I am looking for (a simple, high quality DC tig machine)? Or do I need the ControlPro version or to step up to the Microtig or T series machines?

EWM is appealing if for no other reason then they really only have one model in the 180-200 amp DC class of machines which makes the purchase much straight forward

This is for use in a workshop in France (so 230V), I do also have 3 phase but all the small machines are single phase only from what I can tell. I don't care about tolerance for long cords, generators, battery packs etc.

thanks

Luke

 

[gt6s]

Fit a 3 phase plug on just wire off one phase.

 

[morssdn]

I’d say it’s not easy to work out the difference between the basic and control pro models on the Lorch website, but if you look at the wasp supplies shop they give you a better indication:
https://www.waspsupplies.com/lorch-handytig-180-dc-controlpro-230-volt-5776-p.asp and the related page for the basic one.
I went with the handytig 180 Control pro version as it has pulse which helps me cheat a bit. It also has memories and 2T/4T switching as well as the display. Otherwise the basic version is the same. It’s a nice bit of kit.

 

[Munkul]

If you need nothing more than a simple high quality 240v DC TIG set, then the ht180 will fit the bill.
If you want more pulse options, multi voltage or better stick welding ability, then the micor tig would be a better bet.

 

[Brad93]

If you only need 180A DC I’d have the MicorTig. It’s 110V, 230V or battery. Really small unit and very smooth.

 

[Robbie260]

I went with the micor tig 200 basic, i couldnt really see the advantages of the control pro apart from the 10 job memory function which i doubt ill need and the fancy screen for easier setup, which in my case would just act as a magnet for anything that could break it. Though i mainly went with the micor tig for the battery, it was between it and the foronius offering. So i cant really comment on your other options as they werent an option for me so i didnt look at them.

 

[AussieJase]

I went with the micor tig 200 basic, i couldnt really see the advantages of the control pro apart from the 10 job memory function which i doubt ill need and the fancy screen for easier setup, which in my case would just act as a magnet for anything that could break it. Though i mainly went with the micor tig for the battery, it was between it and the foronius offering. So i cant really comment on your other options as they werent an option for me so i didnt look at them.

How's the Lorch TIG working out? I'm looking for the same thing. Just a high quality DC TIG that I can do anything up to 6mm plate.

 

[Brad93]

How's the Lorch TIG working out? I'm looking for the same thing. Just a high quality DC TIG that I can do anything up to 6mm plate.

You can’t go wrong with a MicorTig. There was a guy selling one on LinkedIn a while ago.

 

[AussieJase]

You can’t go wrong with a MicorTig. There was a guy selling one on LinkedIn a while ago.

Yes, I'm looking at a second-hand one with very little use. Comes with two 8m power torches (bit too long for me). sizes 26 and 9. I can't see myself doing Aluminium and would rather move on to something of quality.

 

[Robbie260]

How's the Lorch TIG working out? I'm looking for the same thing. Just a high quality DC TIG that I can do anything up to 6mm plate.

Got its first proper job the other day a spot of arc welding and burning through some rebar using the battery. It was lovely machine to use, absolutely fantastic nice smooth arc with a lot of force behind it. Will be getting a proper test over the weekend have handrails to weld up.

 

[Tangledfeet]

After my blue TIG (you know the 'British' make...) went wrong (again) I bought a MicorTIG a few months ago, partially an early 50th birthday present, after reading various comments on the forum here; I wanted something much smaller, easily stowable (the previous TIG was huge) but above all reliable.

The Lorch ticks all the boxes and is an absolute pleasure to use; even as a mediocre hobbyist I've used enough TIG machines to appreciate arc stability and control - the instantaneous ignition and stability is sublime. (I will add that I've since bought a bargain Sherman TIG from Poland as I wanted to get better at AC welding and have a few projects I'd like to complete but the Lorch eclipses it on DC.)

 

[Robbie260]

After my blue TIG (you know the 'British' make...) went wrong (again) I bought a MicorTIG a few months ago, partially an early 50th birthday present, after reading various comments on the forum here; I wanted something much smaller, easily stowable (the previous TIG was huge) but above all reliable.

The Lorch ticks all the boxes and is an absolute pleasure to use; even as a mediocre hobbyist I've used enough TIG machines to appreciate arc stability and control - the instantaneous ignition and stability is sublime. (I will add that I've since bought a bargain Sherman TIG from Poland as I wanted to get better at AC welding and have a few projects I'd like to complete but the Lorch eclipses it on DC.)

I bought a sherman for the same reason but I think to be honest it will only be ever used for ac or really nasty jobs that I'm not willing to abuse the lorch doing.

 

[Tangledfeet]

I bought a sherwani for the same reason but I think to be honest it will only be ever used for ac or really nasty jobs that I'm not willing to abuse the lorch doing.

That was EXACTLY my thoughts too! May even take the Sherman into school and let the kids burn a few 6013's for some experience - but the shared PPE is an issue.