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Hobart Tigmate

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6.9K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  Migmaniac  
#1 ·
Hi,

I have read the various threads on the Web discussing the Hobart Tigmate.

Usually they go..."for a little more you could have Brand X so why buy it?"

Well the question I have is when would you consider the Tigmate a good purchase?

For a hobbyist who welds occasionly on a variety of metals, would it be a good fit?

As for its welding (stick and TIG) capability, just how good is the Tigmate REALLY?

Several posters mention that they consider it to be overpriced.

At what price would you consider it to be a good buy for its capacity?

Thanks in advance for any information you can offer.

TMT
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#2 ·
The tigmate or the econotig arnt good deals. Like everyone says for a few $$ more you can get twice the machine. I to was interested in the tigmate untill i started looking at better produtcs for damn near the same price.
Tigmate, 1500.00 compare to lincolns percision tig 185 with pulser 1600.00 check it out you'll see what i meen.
 
#3 · (Edited)
percisiontig 185

Base Unit Includes: Torch Parts Storage Compartment, Torch Hanger, 10 ft. Work Cable and Clamp, Removable Lift Eye, 9 ft. Input Power Cord, NEMA 6-50P Plug, TIG Slide Rule, and GTAW (TIG) Handbook. Shielding gas sold separately.

The Best Weld Performance:
• 5-185 amps is the widest welding range in its class.
• Patented Micro-Start™ Technology delivers extremely stable low amperage starting and welding.
• Auto-Balance mode with manual adjustment provides the simplicity and flexibility to make great looking aluminum welds.
• FREE! Built-in TIG pulser helps you make great welds.
• Great Stick Welder — Including Fleetweld® 5P (E6010).

Simple Controls & Ease of Use:
• Digital Meters, and simple, well-spaced controls.
• FREE! GTAW (TIG) Handbook and TIG Slide Rule.
• Ready-Pak™ Models include a Pro-Torch PTA-17 air-cooled 150 amp torch with new Ultra-Flex™ cable.

More Convenience and Value Features:
• Standard torch parts storage compartment and cable hanger keeps you organized.
• Add an optional understorage cart for extra storage and portability.

Superb Quality:
• Fan-As-Needed™ (F.A.N.) prevents thermal cycling.
• CSA C/US certified.
• Lincoln Three Year Warranty on parts and labor.Rated CC AC Output Amps/Volts/Duty Cycle Rated CC DC Output Amps/Volts/Duty Cycle Output Range
185/27/15%
90/24/100% 185/27/15%
90/24/100% 5-185A DC
7-185A AC
 
#4 ·
Hobart tigmate

The TIGMATE™ is a complete AC/DC, TIG and Stick welding package. All you need is a bottle of argon shielding gas or your choice of Stick electrodes and you're ready to start welding.

In the TIG mode, the TIGMATE™ offers superior performance: 18 gauge to 3/16 in. (1.2 to 4.8 mm) steel and stainless steel; 14 gauge to 3/16 in. (1.8 to 4.8 mm) aluminum. For thicker metals, take advantage of the Stick mode using 3/32 and 1/8 in. (2.4 and 3.2 mm) electrodes.



Comes complete with: 150 amp TIG torch with 12-1/2 ft (3.8 m) cord and flow-through quick-connect
25 ft. (7.6 m) TIG torch supplied with finger tip control models
Fingertip or foot-operated amperage control
12 ft. (3.7 m) work cable with clamp
Electrode holder and 15 ft (4.6 m) cable with quick-connect
Gas regulator, flowmeter and shielding gas hose
"How-To" DVD

Power CC
AC/DC
1 Phase

Processes TIG (GTAW)
Stick (SMAW)

Material Thickness Welds 18 gauge up to 3/16 inch stainless steel and steel, 14 ga up to 3/16 in aluminum

Skill Level High

Applications Maintenance
Construction
Auto Repair
Farm/Ranch
Rental
Home



Upgraded circuitry gives you finer TIG output adjustment with the remote foot or fingertip control. If you need more output while using the remote control, simply increase the setting of the front panel amperage control.
AC output for superior aluminum welding, DC output for mild and stainless steel
Four-position polarity and range selector switch offers two AC current ranges, DC electrode (-) for TIG, and DC electrode (+) for Stick
Special arc starting circuitry eliminates high-frequency starts
Built-in arc assist stabilizer for AC TIG on aluminum
Built-in arc assist starter for DC TIG
Process switch automatically sets machine for TIG or Stick
Unique "flow-through" shielding gas TIG torch connection allows removal of torch without tools
Preset automatic postflow timer protects tungsten tip, workpiece and torch
Automatic high temperature shutdown



RCC-14 Remote Contactor and Current Control #151 086-01-1
A fingertip control can be used instead of the supplied remote foot control. This rotary-motion fingertip control fastens to TIG torch handle using two Velcro strips. Includes 28 ft. (8.5 m) cord and 14-pin plug. Allows complete current and contactor control.
RCCS-14 Remote Contactor and Current Control #043 688
Up-and-down rotary-motion fingertip control. Great for applications that require a finer amperage control. Includes 28 ft (8.5 m) control cord.
RHC-14 Hand Control #129 340-01-7
Miniature hand control for remote current and contactor control. Dimensions: 4 in. (102 mm) x 4 in. (102 mm) x 3-1/4 in. (82 mm). Includes 20 ft. (6 m) cord and 14-pin plug.
RFCS-14 Foot Control #043 554-01-1
Foot current and contactor control. Includes 20 ft. (6 m) cord and 14-pin plug.



Stock Numbers #500 424 230 V, 60 Hz with Fingertip Control

#500 425 230 V, 60 Hz with Foot Control

Rated Output at 20% Duty Cycle TIG: 150 A at 15 VAC
150 A at 15 VDC

Stick: 150 A at 25 VAC
130 A at 25 VDC

Welding Amperage Ranges
AC Low / AC High / DC TIG: 20 - 50 / 50 - 165 / 30 - 160

Stick: 20 - 50 / 35 - 165 / 25 - 130

Max. Open-Circuit Voltage 78
Amps Input at Rated Output 230 V: 52 A
Dimensions H: 18 in (457 mm)
W: 13 in (330 mm)
D: 25-1/2 in (648 mm)
Net Weight 140 lb (64 kg)
List Price (US$)* #500 424 $1,581.00

#500 425 $1,568.00


Upgraded circuitry gives you finer TIG output adjustment with the remote foot or fingertip control. If you need more output while using the remote control, simply increase the setting of the front panel amperage control.
AC output for superior aluminum welding, DC output for mild and stainless steel
Four-position polarity and range selector switch offers two AC current ranges, DC electrode (-) for TIG, and DC electrode (+) for Stick
Special arc starting circuitry eliminates high-frequency starts
Built-in arc assist stabilizer for AC TIG on aluminum
Built-in arc assist starter for DC TIG
Process switch automatically sets machine for TIG or Stick
Unique "flow-through" shielding gas TIG torch connection allows removal of torch without tools
Preset automatic postflow timer protects tungsten tip, workpiece and torch
Automatic high temperature shutdown