Ebay chinese welders and plasma cutter

[My2boys]

Does anyone have any experiance with the chinese tig welders and plasma cutters on ebay. I would like to have both of them but it makes me edgy how cheap they are. If you have had one or know about them please help me decide. I am trying to determine if it would be ok to get those or if I should save and get name brand.

Thanks for the help.

 

[HaroRider]

My cousin just bought a stick welder from Northern Tools for under $200, really good welder and a warranty is only like $20.

 

[gte718p]

Longevity, everlast, etc all sell the same machines you can go to alibaba and buy 500 of them and they will slap your brand name on them. I know several people who have them and have watched them on several forums for a couple of years. Some people really love them and they gave worked well for them, so worked well then quit with no notice, some never worked, some required tinkering but eventually made good machines. Basically it runs the whole gambit.

I would go with one of the company's that has been around a little longer and has a more reputable warranty. They are a little more expensive as they factor in replacing 10-12 percent of machines. If your electronic savy inverter machines are not that complicated (they are not simple by any means) and there are several websites that walk you through upgrading your machine with faster and larger capacity silicon.

 

[Stooge]

how cheap is cheap? like eastwood cheap,$800ish dollars? or cheap as in $200? ive used the eastwood tig, and its OK, not bad, not great but probably one of the better "cheap" chinese ones i suppose, although the only thing i could think of while using it was how it felt "toy-like". i have no idea what your skill level is, but if its beginner in tig, i feel like it could make it harder to learn on.
my main issue with buying a no name brand off ebay would be serviceability. if you buy it for X amount, and theres an issue a month or 2 down the road, how easy is it going to be to get it back up and running if it at all and how much more money is it going to cost to fix. im well aware there are quality chinese products, but if you cant get a replacement part or a consumable part, its sort of a moot point.
local welding supply houses and craigslist can be a good source for a quality used machine. cost might be a little higher but, the possibility of it costing you less in the end it pretty good, and you get to actually handle the machine before buying it

 

[gte718p]

Just for fun here are some of you. Chinese Oems

http://m.alibaba.com/product-gs/444317579/Welding_machine_tig_ac_dc_pulse.html?s=p

The cut 60 that gets rebranded by a bunch of folks
http://m.alibaba.com/product-gs/486253433/CUT_series_plasma_cutter_60.html?s=p

Basic 3 in 1 machine
http://m.alibaba.com/product-gs/446978564/CT312_3_in_1_plasma_cutter.html

 

[Elvenhome21]

Chinese plasma cutters such balls. You go thru consumables really fast. Also the cut is UGLY. They also really lack power to cut anything thicker then sheetmetal. If its something your only going to use once in a great while they probably would get you by in a pinch, but if your going to use it anymore then that go with something better. Hypertherm is THE BEST you can get, but id assume the hobarts and millers will work for most applications without spending as much, as long as you stay under 1/4". I have a HT powermax 45 and Im kicking myself for not buying a HT years ago. They are the Cadillac and worth every dollar.

 

[HTGTS350]

I have a chinese plasma cutter, ultrasonic cleaner and a tig welder, all three combined are not worth half of their scrap value, save yourself the pain and buy a decent brand.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would go with one of the company's that has been around a little longer and has a more reputable warranty.

And that have web sites where you can buy consumables !

 

[pipsters]

These are cheap on eBay. Seems to be able to cut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qD9nf1N9zHI#t=384s

 

[kc-steve]

Does anyone have any experiance with the chinese tig welders and plasma cutters on ebay. I would like to have both of them but it makes me edgy how cheap they are. If you have had one or know about them please help me decide. I am trying to determine if it would be ok to get those or if I should save and get name brand.

Thanks for the help.

I don't have experience with Chinese stuff but your question implies that you don't have experience in welding techniques. I have always taken the route of using a tried and true machine in order to learn how to weld, otherwise, you won't know for sure whether your technique is wrong or the machine is a POS. And TIG welding is the most difficult to master IMO.

It is best to start off with Lincoln, Miller or Hobart (the lowest price of the 3). Once you have learned then you can branch out.

Steve

 

[gte718p]

Chinese plasma cutters such balls. You go thru consumables really fast. Also the cut is UGLY. They also really lack power to cut anything thicker then sheetmetal. If its something your only going to use once in a great while they probably would get you by in a pinch, but if your going to use it anymore then that go with something better. Hypertherm is THE BEST you can get, but id assume the hobarts and millers will work for most applications without spending as much, as long as you stay under 1/4". I have a HT powermax 45 and Im kicking myself for not buying a HT years ago. They are the Cadillac and worth every dollar.

Quite frankly that is as dumb as saying you need Snap On to wrench on your lawn mowers. I've used the Cut 45 and Cut 60 and they make great cuts. I have a friend using one on his CNC machine and doing production work. It makes great cuts and doesn't go through consumables any faster then my Hypertherm. I'm by no means claiming the Chinese machines are perfect. It did take Steven three machines to get one that works.

For the big name companies your paying for the name, the QA, and hopefully a local distributor for parts. If that is important to you, by all means get a big name brand. Don't write off the import machines for xenophobic issues. If you do go that way do it with your eyes open to the risks and have a mitigation strategy.

 

[91bronc300]

I have a chinese plasma cutter, ultrasonic cleaner and a tig welder, all three combined are not worth half of their scrap value, save yourself the pain and buy a decent brand.

Other than the ultrasonic cleaner I've walked a mile in this guy's shoes and share his opinion.

 

[HellaFab]

I have an Everlast welder and its build quality is on par with my Lincoln that I sold to buy it.

My only complaints are the accessories that come with it.

 

[Elvenhome21]

Quite frankly that is as dumb as saying you need Snap On to wrench on your lawn mowers. I've used the Cut 45 and Cut 60 and they make great cuts. I have a friend using one on his CNC machine and doing production work. It makes great cuts and doesn't go through consumables any faster then my Hypertherm. I'm by no means claiming the Chinese machines are perfect. It did take Steven three machines to get one that works.

For the big name companies your paying for the name, the QA, and hopefully a local distributor for parts. If that is important to you, by all means get a big name brand. Don't write off the import machines for xenophobic issues. If you do go that way do it with your eyes open to the risks and have a mitigation strategy.

I use the HT for cnc work. I wouldnt want anything but a HT. Jim Colt is the main reason I bought the HT. He is on just about every forum helping solve guys issues with there plasma cutter.

I AM NOT a brand name person by any stretch. I dont buy into the snapon or miller hype. Yes they are great tools in a production enviroment and serve there purpose well, but craftsman and hobart get the job done just as well for the most part.

Biggest reason I am so pro HT is because it truly is the best, and worth every penny for my application. I used it every week since I bought it before I got my cnc table. And not having BIG dross buggers to clean up is a major time saver.

 

[gbfan10]

I've had the China 50 amp plasma for 2 years now, no problems. Cuts very nice fine lines. I have cut 1/4 inch easily. I bought it to replace our 20 year old Thermal Dynamics.

Take a look at some of the threads on Pirate about them. I trust their reviews..
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/shop-tools/649179-chinese-plasma-cutters.html

 

[jimcolt]

I thought I would join this forum.....as a lifelong home shop person with a metal fabricating shop in my garage....complete with cnc plasma, hand plasma and multiple welding technology. I am a 36 year employee of Hypertherm....the leading producer of plasma cutters in the world.....yet I am not on this site in any form of sales mode. I am available to answer any questions on any type and brand of plasma cutters....from the small 120 volt units all the way up to 1000 amp industrial systems that can cut 6" stainless steel. Jim Colt

 

[AirJunky]

I have a flux/MIG welder from HarborFreight. I'm sure it's a POS compared to the more expensive welders. But get some descent Lincoln wire & some tip dip & the thing does a pretty descent job. If I were a pro, I'd get some pro quality equipment. But this thing works fine for the once a month or two jobs I've done..... modified a UTV cage, built a surfboard rack for my truck, basic repairs, etc.

THey have a plasma cutter for like $600. Haven't used it but have been tempted a few times.

 

[jimcolt]

The low cost import plasma cutters (and there are a lot of different brand names....but only a few differences when you open up the ower supplies) generally will cut metal with ease.....but when you pick up one of the major brand plasma's of the same power level....such as the ones from Hypertherm, Miller, Thermal Dynamics (now known as Victor) and Esab.....you will first notice the difference in power (cutting power is not simply based on the amperage, rather is is amperage x load voltage combined with the torch technology), and the more you use it you will notice lower operating cost through better consumable parts life (the nozzle and electrodes in the torch wear with use) and better cut quality (less grinding).

The low cost imports may be an acceptable solution for the occasional hobbyist type user, however you will not find many shops that rely on their welders and plasma cutters to earn a living...using the low cost imports. A good alternative to low cost offshore units is the used equipment market....Craigslist occasionally offers great deals on used major brand welding and plasma cutting eqyupment.....good commercial grade units at import prices! If you do decide to go the import route...I suggest buying from established outfits that have a rputation of backing up the warranty on the items they sell......stick with Eastwood, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool for low cost import welders and plasma's over the companies that operate out of warehouses.

Jim Colt

 

[quattrojon]

I thought I would join this forum.....as a lifelong home shop person with a metal fabricating shop in my garage....complete with cnc plasma, hand plasma and multiple welding technology. I am a 36 year employee of Hypertherm....the leading producer of plasma cutters in the world.....yet I am not on this site in any form of sales mode. I am available to answer any questions on any type and brand of plasma cutters....from the small 120 volt units all the way up to 1000 amp industrial systems that can cut 6" stainless steel. Jim Colt

A warm welcome to you Jim, and I will no doubt have some questions for you, as my brother is wanting a plasma cutter for his shop.

 

[Goobzilla]

I've had a Parker Metalworking 40 amp plasma cutter for years. Cuts metal and replacement consumables are readily available. Not sure what else I'm "missing out" on.

 

[03protege]

Thermal Arc would probably be the only Chinese brand I would consider especially if you are looking for a Tig and plasma.

http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcwe.html

Just remember that in order to weld Aluminum your welder needs to be capable of AC current (AC/DC) most all Chinese Tigs I have seen are all DC current.

 

[farmall400]

A good alternative to low cost offshore units is the used equipment market....Craigslist occasionally offers great deals on used major brand welding and plasma cutting eqyupment.....good commercial grade units at import prices! If you do decide to go the import route...I suggest buying from established outfits that have a rputation of backing up the warranty on the items they sell......stick with Eastwood, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool for low cost import welders and plasma's over the companies that operate out of warehouses.

Jim Colt

I agree with this. I just picked up a thermal dynamics pak master 38xl plasma cutter on craigslist for 250 bucks and he threw in a whole bunch of consumables for me. So far I've been very happy with it.

 

[jimcolt]

Cut quality like this...these are cut on a small 4 x 4 cnc machine with a Hypertherm air plasma.....is not possible with the low cost imports. These are as cut. Consumables will typically last for thousands of feet of cutting on 1/2" steel, roughly 10x the life of counsumables on most low cost imports.

Jim Colt

I've had a Parker Metalworking 40 amp plasma cutter for years. Cuts metal and replacement consumables are readily available. Not sure what else I'm "missing out" on.

 

[My2boys]

Thanks eveyone for all the advice. I should have put more info in the original post just didn't have a lot of time. I was looking at the 3 in 1 units for a few reasons. I have a project car that I am working on. I thought I could use the plasma to cut out for the patch panels, plus other small cutting jobs around. The next one is I don't know how to tig and I thought that would be a good way to learn and not spend 1500-2000 on a tig. The last reason is like a lot of people with the project car and all the other stuff I dont have a lot of room, one machine better than 2 or 3. The biggest reason is I don't want to spend a arm and leg to get what I want.

I have been on here for a while. I have seen a lot of good advice and ideas. I thought this would be a good post for one of my first ones.

Love the site. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[ADSR]

The low cost import plasma cutters (and there are a lot of different brand names....but only a few differences when you open up the ower supplies) generally will cut metal with ease.....but when you pick up one of the major brand plasma's of the same power level....such as the ones from Hypertherm, Miller, Thermal Dynamics (now known as Victor) and Esab.....you will first notice the difference in power (cutting power is not simply based on the amperage, rather is is amperage x load voltage combined with the torch technology), and the more you use it you will notice lower operating cost through better consumable parts life (the nozzle and electrodes in the torch wear with use) and better cut quality (less grinding).

The low cost imports may be an acceptable solution for the occasional hobbyist type user, however you will not find many shops that rely on their welders and plasma cutters to earn a living...using the low cost imports. A good alternative to low cost offshore units is the used equipment market....Craigslist occasionally offers great deals on used major brand welding and plasma cutting eqyupment.....good commercial grade units at import prices! If you do decide to go the import route...I suggest buying from established outfits that have a rputation of backing up the warranty on the items they sell......stick with Eastwood, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool for low cost import welders and plasma's over the companies that operate out of warehouses.

Jim Colt

Jim, welcome to the board. And thanks for coming over here. The boys on this forum are junkies for all american made tools. So HT will fit right in

 

[shovel]

Another welcome to Mr Jim Colt! It is always good to see the knowledgeable folks help out here. That is why I read this board. I wish there was a way to separate the experienced from the fanboys, but that a whole 'nother topic. Thanks for your input.

 

[sunsation288]

Cut quality like this...these are cut on a small 4 x 4 cnc machine with a Hypertherm air plasma.....is not possible with the low cost imports. These are as cut. Consumables will typically last for thousands of feet of cutting on 1/2" steel, roughly 10x the life of counsumables on most low cost imports.

Jim Colt

Welcome Jim , just a question , how tick is the metal of the two motocross sign ?

...can't wait to have my PM30

 

[bpankratz]

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/no-homework-no-reason-to-complain.html

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/riland-tig-weldersuperb-results-satisfaction.html

Read these 2 reviews, it might sway you in the direction that it did for me. I now own a TIG-250 welder, and I love it. Mind you, I would love to have a nice Miller, but for the home hobbyest I cant justify it. I got mine from here: http://river-weld.com/

 

[jimcolt]

Those signs were 18 gauge. I did them as a fundraiser for the families of the two guys featured on the signs....they collided with each other in mid air on the bikes.... and were both killed doing what they loved.

Jim Colt

Welcome Jim , just a question , how tick is the metal of the two motocross sign ?

...can't wait to have my PM30