Went ahead and bought the Eastwood TIG and plasma torch

[Elfmaze]

I'll let you guys know how it works out as I go.  I know there is a lot of animosity toward these machines and I had trouble finding accurate info about them.  So I'll post my experience.  I had a few welding jobs to do around the house,  and the "out of work" welder i contacted was high if he though I was going to pay his rate.

 So far I only played with the plasma.  I cut a piece of .25 inch diamond plate steel.  It is going to be the base of a brewery i'm building.  heavily corroded steel but I wire brushed it. Seemes like I was getting good contact.   Running on 110V DID NOT WORK WELL.  Note the 1/4 inch plate is larger than spec,  and this was my first time SEEING a plasma cutter.  But I got a few inches in sputtering, splashing back etc.   Then I blew my first fuse(in the house).......  Ended up on my neighbors 220V plug and the thing cut like butter,  but it was easy too go too fast and have to wait for the cut to catch up.  That said, it did a reasonably clean cut for my first time.    I had it set to 37 amps, But I think I may have turned it up to there when I got to the neighbors house.   



And here is the cut metal.  I started lifting too high and had bad arc control,  but i can't blame the machine for that.  nothing the grinder can't clean up quickly   

[redzgrider]

Animosity toward TIG? How is that possible? I've watched a few good TIG guys over the years, and would love to pick up the skill.
Personally, anytime a tool is dual voltage, I shoot for 240. Less current for the same power, always better in the long run.

[Boomer343]

Not sure if you've gotten the advice to get as dry of air as possible when using a plasma cutter. Moist air will have you consuming electrodes in quick order.

Have fun...and don't tell anyone you have that equipment or you'll be very busy.

[Elfmaze]

Animosity toward TIG? How is that possible?

Not toward the process.  but where this machine is made.  Some concerns over quality control,  or non standard parts.   But it looks like the consumables are the same ones at airgas.  And both machines had a 60 day unconditional return,  and a three year warentee.

I would have loved to support an "american" company and all.  But for the same capability I would be out four to six times as much.  The home team needs to offer something for us to work with.

Not sure if you've gotten the advice to get as dry of air as possible when using a plasma cutter. Moist air will have you consuming electrodes in quick order.
 

One of the first things I picked up.  The mist out the back of my cutoff tool is nice when its hot under a car.  But I figured it would blow the arc right out.  So i got a craftsman water and dust filter.  Worked flawlessly. 

[Boomer343]

You need dryer air than that filter system although it is a start .... desiccant system after your filter is one approach.

[redzgrider]

Oh. O.K., that makes sense. I, too, would rather buy U.S.A. products whenever possible, but I'm not certain there is a U.S.A. made beginniner level welder anymore. Miller and Hobart are still reported to be U.S.A. though -- I'll look next time I'm in Northern.

[Elfmaze]

You need dryer air than that filter system although it is a start .... desiccant system after your filter is one approach.

Cool thanks for the tip.   I'll add a descant filter just before the machine to get anything that made it thru.  I'm waiting for Airgas to approve me so I can take my 120cubic tank of argon home.