Which welder?

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Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

That's why I was leaning towards the Cigweld unit - the brand has been around longer and I have a better chance of customer support - the Rossi is likely a throw away item if it fails.

That said, if I get good use out of it, and find good reasons to have a better welder, when they die I can then justify a more expensive setup.

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The cheap Cigwelds are mass produced Chinese stuff now and it’s a name only - they are no better or worse than other cheap Chinese stuff.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

The cheap Cigwelds are mass produced Chinese stuff now and it’s a name only - they are no better or worse than other cheap Chinese stuff.

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Their machine quality might not be better but I'd expect their after sales and parts support to be better, as they have a reputation to keep.

I'm also open to suggestions of what sort of entry level welder I should be looking at.

I had my TAFE teacher in TIG do a DC weld on 3mm alloy for me...amazing job...but I can't do it. Even his job wasn't anywhere near as good as he could do using a huge ACDC TIG. I have a very reliable Esseti 150 amp lift arc (DC) inverter tig/stick welder. Had it for around 15 years. Fantastic stick welder and able to handle fine jobs and still step up and drive 4mm rods all day long. Light on the sling too.

BUT while it could easily do stainless TIG (it has the TIG gun and assuming you want to rent Argon) I wouldn't bother with alloy and wouldn't want to weld car panel steel with it.

I can't justify a good quality ACDC TIG but I would like one.

Cheers

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Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

I've seen it done (on the interwebs) with both stick and DC tig on 1/4 inch aluminium - not sure how thin you can go, though I would probably try it on some scrap either way, just to try it for myself.

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Yes, it can be done, but is very difficult and the results are generally pretty crappy and getting down to thin material is even harder. For under $100 you can buy a spool gun and weld 2mm and thicker ali all day long without breaking a sweat so why frig around?

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Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

Their machine quality might not be better but I'd expect their after sales and parts support to be better, as they have a reputation to keep.

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Suit yourself but their reputation went out the window ages ago.

I'll shut up now, being a welding product specialist for a national company means nothing here with so many well informed internet warriors... 😉

I'll leave it to you all to solve the worlds problems.

Whose saying that. Post away mate as your input would be gr8.

Cheers

Damn you lot! You've got me looking for something to upgrade my trusty old Cigweld stick welder.....

The AIG 175 machine seems like a lot of welder for the money?
Welding Supply Store Australia | Home | Australia Industrial Group

Any thoughts/feedback?

Mate if you want stick and mig combined in a cheap machine have a Captain here

RMIG175I Renegade 160 Amp Inverter MIG MMA Welder 35% Duty Cycle | Welding Machines - TradeTools | TradeTools - Get It Right... For Less!

Cheers

That Renegade one might be what I need. Got to weld up sme rust in the No. 5 trailer, as well as make up a frame to fit the side fold camper on it.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Suit yourself but their reputation went out the window ages ago.

I'll shut up now, being a welding product specialist for a national company means nothing here with so many well informed internet warriors... [emoji6]

I'll leave it to you all to solve the worlds problems.

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Whoa Gav... The reason I'm here asking questions is because I know little about what makes a good welder, and am after advice from people who are more knowledgeable, like yourself. Didn't know you were a welding product specialist though. Sorry if my comments came across as disregarding your experience and input.

I've tried to do some research about what I want/need before coming here, so all of my statements are stuff I've found off the net - I'm not trying to say anyone's opinion is wrong, just stating what I've seen/read in order to have it confirmed or denied. For example the Cigweld stuff - I thought they had a good reputation, not knowing its gone downhill with cheaper Chinese stuff.

No need to shut up - its the input like yours that I want to hear.

Cheers

Dan