Has anybody used one of these???

[smithwrecker]

Hi everyone, I've seen these combination machines on ebay and was wondering if anybody has any imfo' on them? Do they work? How well? What's the quality like? Is the plasma side as good as a stand alone cutter?
I realise they are not upto proffesional standards but I only use my Tig and Plasma cutter for maybe 2 hours a month and this would free up some worshop space. I currently have an HOBART TIGWAVE 250 AC/DC, getting a bit old now but welds beautifully!! just worried that when and if it does break down, will I be able to get if fixed?
All help/advice gratefully received!!!!!!!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/160Amp-ACDC-TI...QQcmdZViewItem

[MicroZone]

How well does a $200 car or "buggy" work versus a new car from a reputable manufacturer?

[riley mcmillan]

That is a lot of dough to gamble with.

[Me!]

Think service, if it needs repair you are screwed!

[tapwelder]

Can you still contact buyers on ebay who have purchased the product in which you are interested.

I did that a few years ago for a product (Ready welder). I got replies from people who used the product. I just went down the sellers' customer list and waited for replies.

[Jolly Roger]

My understanding is that you can still get replacement parts for the Hobarts through Miller who bought them out. The thing about those old Hobarts is they seem to run forever. Hobart was good stuff, now it is just Millers retail line. As for plasma cutters if it's a Miller, Hobart or Lincoln most any welding supply will have consumables for them, not so for the imports. Miller and Hobart have a comparable unit to those ebay things with the compressor built in for only a couple hundred more.