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View Full Version : Couple refurb. Tigmate questions

maxyedor
03-13-2007, 02:06 AM
I bought the $200 HF tig welder a few weeks ago, used it twice, was dissatisfied and returned it, through a glitch in the system they gave me a refund for $225ish even though I paid $170ish, it may get fixed later, but who knows:cool2:

Anyway, that's not the point, I'm looking for an inespensive Tig as a second welder, I have a Lincoln sp135 Mig that will remain my main welder for most body work, sheet metal fab, and decorative iron work, so the tig/stick welder will be used for thicker plate, up to 3/16", roll cage welds and some minor Al. work, little tabs on skidplates and other oddball small parts. I think this size tig will be perfect for that kind of work.

I've found the Tigmate refurbished for about $1100 delivered and I'm leaning toward picking one up. Anybody bought a refurb Hobart machine before? It comes with a 6 month warrenty, but I'm looking to get a few years out of it at the minimum.

I've heard the internals are all Miller and know the Miller Econotig holds up well and is generaly considered a long lasting machine, are there any parts in the Hobart that make it less reliable?

How is the arc starting in Tig mode? It's a variation of HF start, but I can't quite figure out if it starts as easy as say a Miller Dynasty.

Thanks ahead of time for the help.
MicroZone
03-13-2007, 12:07 PM
In my opinion, the TIG machines are identical. Some say they aren't with no specific facts. From a company standpoint, it wouldn't make good business sense for Miller to put different parts in the Hobart. That would be like GM using a different frame, engine and transmission in each of their lines from Chevy, GMC and Pontiac. It ends up being very costly SO they DON'T do it.

My TIG starts extremely easy - very happy with it. I think you'd be happy with one as well.
enlpck
03-13-2007, 01:49 PM
The internals are essentially the same on some machines, different on others. They may be assembled in different factories.

For example the Hobart 150STi a Miller Maxstar150STL but for the color (unless there is something buried deep inside that is different). The Millermatic and the Handler (MIG machines), on the other hand, though similar in some ways, are most assuredly not the same.

See: http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/showthread.php?t=24135&page=4&highlight=Miller+Hobart
(post 55)
MicroZone
03-13-2007, 01:52 PM
Roger that, I'll have to check out the post. I'm sure Miller may have carried over a few pieces from the Hobart line. After all, before they sold off, they still had a great quality machine.
enlpck
03-13-2007, 01:59 PM
Roger that, I'll have to check out the post. I'm sure Miller may have carried over a few pieces from the Hobart line. After all, before they sold off, they still had a great quality machine.
Also download the manuals for the corresponding machines and compare. The 150STi and the Maxstar150TL have the same manual (except for the cover), so put that with appearance and function, you ge the same machine.
maxyedor
03-13-2007, 03:40 PM
Thanks for the input, now I just have to see what it's going to take to get 52amps to my garage, I have 220volt 30 amp, so I need to call my electrical guy.
MicroZone
03-13-2007, 03:57 PM
Just a 50 amp breaker...that's it.
Joe H
03-13-2007, 04:08 PM
Mine operates at max just fine with a 40 amp breaker.
Clay Walters
03-13-2007, 04:26 PM
Just a 50 amp breaker...that's it.

?

I'd want to know what gauge wire is between the breaker and the outlet before I'd venture so far!

:)

Clay
MicroZone
03-13-2007, 06:19 PM
True but he only mentions the breaker.
maxyedor
03-13-2007, 07:28 PM
True but he only mentions the breaker.

That's why I need to consult a profesional, I only know I have 30 amps because that's what's stamped on the breaker, what gauge wire would I need to run 50 amps through anyway?
out in the shop
03-14-2007, 04:32 AM
1100 bucks for reconditioned is a little steep imho.
a couple of years back i bought a brandy new one on ebay for 1100. that one came with a 3/5 year warranty. when i outgrew it i sold it on ebay and fetched a grand. 1 year later. i thought that dc was good on the tigmate but the ac was not so good. read the fine print!!! it is not a true squarewave or hf. it has a squarewave induced over a sine wave and has an (arc stabilizer) i was very dissatisfied with the ac. i know its apples and oranges but the lincoln squarewave 255 i bought BLOWS the doors off of the tigmate good luck, todd