Parker 200 amp ac/dc tig?

[bluestreak]

I'm looking to buy a tig soon and can't help but wonder how these machines work for their price. I have searched and found that Parker has an excellent service reputation. Does anyone have experience with this particular machine? I am looking to use it for chromoly chassis and some aluminum work. I don't have much tig experience but have been mig welding for years. Any input?:confused:

[ROXROES]

That's the unit I have, so far very happy with it. In the same boat as you, done alot of mig welding but not alot of tig. I was taught a few years ago and seemed to pick it back up pretty good. The machine melts 1/4" wall chromoly tube very good.

Waiting for spring to do some work on the pontoon and see how it does on aluminum! :D

[bluestreak]

Thanx, Have you welded with other machines or is the first one you have used? Is it justifiable to spend double for a name brand?

[Twisted Minis]

I just bought a brand new Lincoln. It was only $600 more than the Parker. I have their plasma, and I have no problem cutting stuff up with their products. But somehow I just wasnt comfortable building something that will support peoples lives with a product that hasn't been around that long. Buying from one of the big names was a sense of security for me. I was in the same boat too, MIG welding for years, not much TIG experience. I picked it up within a matter of hours and have been getting better at a steady rate since then. I vot for spending the extra money.

[ROXROES]

Thanx, Have you welded with other machines or is the first one you have used? Is it justifiable to spend double for a name brand?

I was taught on some big ass Lincoln thing years ago. The Parker works for what I use it for just as good as that seemed to. Starts good, has good heat control and runs smoothly. I'm no pro, but I can tell when I'm getting good penetration. I wouldn't spend double mainly because Parker has great customer service, and if they made junk then they would have been booted off this site a long time ago.

Everybody has a different risk factor and way of looking at things. :D

[weldmonger]

Buy a used Miller Syncrowave 250 on craigslist or ebay. Look for one that comes with lots of stuff...torch, water cooler, regulator/flowmeter, foot pedal, etc. You can find them for 1400-1800 bones. Ten years down the road you will be able to sell it for same or more.

I am sure the Parker is fine, but a lot of people have never heard of it. Same will be true if /when you want to sell or trade it.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/miller-welding-machine.html

[bluestreak]

I have been looking on craigslist for quite a while and nothing has turned up in my area except some ancient Lindy welders which are 3 phase. I would love to find a Precision tig 225 or a Synchrowave. If you know anyone getting rid of one I'm in Cranberry, Pa

[DSW]

Buy a used Miller Syncrowave 250 on craigslist or ebay. Look for one that comes with lots of stuff...torch, water cooler, regulator/flowmeter, foot pedal, etc. You can find them for 1400-1800 bones. Ten years down the road you will be able to sell it for same or more.

I am sure the Parker is fine, but a lot of people have never heard of it. Same will be true if /when you want to sell or trade it.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/miller-welding-machine.html

I agree, in the long road its better to stick with a name brand if you want to sell it and upgrade. Local welding repair places get older machines in all the time that the owners don't want to spend the money to repair. You can usually pick them up for what it costs the shop to fix them in parts and labor. This is a good way to pick up a much larger machine than you might be able to afford otherwise. Most places will give you a waranty on their work so its not as big a risk as a regular used machine. I've gotten some sweet deals on an engine driven welder and a suitcase feeder for work this way. look like hell but welds like new and at almost 1/3 what it would have cost for a similar machine. Looked for a tig machine last month but they didn't have any at the time. Getting to know these guys dosen't hurt if you ever need parts or are trying to trouble shoot odd problems.

BTW I got a new syncrowave 200 for about $1800 because it didn't come with the wheels. That would have added about $200. Be sure the machine you get does both ac and dc tig or you can't do alum. Alum also needs a lot of power compared to steel so if you plan on doing alot of alum go bigger than you think you'll need.

[mondtster]

I agree, in the long road its better to stick with a name brand if you want to sell it and upgrade. Local welding repair places get older machines in all the time that the owners don't want to spend the money to repair. You can usually pick them up for what it costs the shop to fix them in parts and labor.

FWIW, around here none of the welding shops appear to be taking trade ins or else they aren't selling them to private customers. YMMV.

My big concern with the welders and equipment that is not one of the big names is parts availability in the future. ROXROES, I've been seriously considering a Parker tig and plasma, can you tell me if they use standard parts or if they are something special that would need to be ordered from Parker themselves?

[ROXROES]

FWIW, around here none of the welding shops appear to be taking trade ins or else they aren't selling them to private customers. YMMV.

My big concern with the welders and equipment that is not one of the big names is parts availability in the future. ROXROES, I've been seriously considering a Parker tig and plasma, can you tell me if they use standard parts or if they are something special that would need to be ordered from Parker themselves?

You can get cups, collets and electrodes for the tig units at your local welding store. The plasma consumables you can get from various venders on here or ebay.

Parker does a good job sourcing quality components for their machines, and making a tig unit isn't exactly reinventing the wheel IMO. They have great customer service from what I've experienced. Every company has to start small and grow, all the big name brands did it! :D

[DSW]

FWIW, around here none of the welding shops appear to be taking trade ins or else they aren't selling them to private customers. YMMV.


May be I was misunderstood. I was not refering to local welding shops. ie the place where you get your gas and consumables, I was refering to repair shops. They would be independent locations that specialize in repairing broken machines. My place also does hydro testing of cylinders. My LWS will repair machines, you drop them off and they are sent out for repair, ( they actually send some units to the guy I deal with) and they do their own in house hydros. It could be posible that no one in your area does this. Try to google welder repair, maybe you can find some one. My computer skills are too limited to refine the search but I got over 900,000 posibles to look thru. Just a thought.

Mondtster I'm not suggesting that you don't buy a Parker. I'm just trying to offer some options that might not have occured to you so that you can get the best machine for your money. When I got my 110v mig I got it because it was made by the same co. that supposedly made the Snap-on ones. When the machine died I found out that parts were imposible to get. That extra $200 for a miller that seemed so expensive and unnecessary at the time suddenly became a really good deal. Wish I had stuck to a name brand.

[X-Rated]

been there and done that. It is not just the cost of the tool, it is the cost and time required to get parts and help...

[divtec]

been there and done that. It is not just the cost of the tool, it is the cost and time required to get parts and help...

Phil Sr... owner Parker Metalworking Products

I've got to chime in here.

I realize it's very easy to express the "apparently" logical concept of "stay with a "brand" name. Ok... let me convey some logic using our PW200ACDC (acdc TIG/STICK) as a basis.

1) INVERTER TECHNOLOGY AT A REALLY AFFORDABLE PRICE. Currently $799.99 for 200 amps inverter design. Bonus.. you get a Stick function.

2) Price... $799.99 vrs... HOW MUCH for a Syncowave counterpart?

3) Come complete out of the box operationsal... all you need is the Argon. I've hear that Miller's... you have a hell of a lot of necessary stuff to buy to get it operational. Obviously may not be the case if you buy used... but I'm talking new machines here.

4) EVERYONE... that has bought our machine is SO IMPRESSED! I've impressed many pro-welders with the our machines over the years.

5) The consumables are quite standard... torch stuff... etc. So if you want to buy "brand name" replacements at excessive price you can... but we virtually always stock that stuff... very inexpensive.

6) Other reasons I forgot to mention.

Summary... so logically IF what I say is true... AND IT IS! (Check our feedback! other threads... thousands of views & posts over the years)... then one who decides to buy new "brand-name" machines will get quality and a feeling of security (in his mind)... but at WHAT COST! HMMM! DO THE MATH!

IT IS WHAT IT IS... our machines have GREAT performance, GREAT quality, GREAT warranty, GREAT toll-free tech support (hell we actually answer the pone... and you won't be talking with some fat ass'd chick with no tits and a page-boy haircut!!! HELL... WE'RE JUST GREAT!

Later... Phil SR

BTW... ANYONE that wants to come demo any/all our machines... and CONFIRM everything I say is true... then post-up your observations... has an extended invitation.

[fj40charles]

Phil Sr... owner Parker Metalworking Products

I've got to chime in here.

I realize it's very easy to express the "apparently" logical concept of "stay with a "brand" name. Ok... let me convey some logic using our PW200ACDC (acdc TIG/STICK) as a basis.

1) INVERTER TECHNOLOGY AT A REALLY AFFORDABLE PRICE. Currently $799.99 for 200 amps inverter design. Bonus.. you get a Stick function.

2) Price... $799.99 vrs... HOW MUCH for a Syncowave counterpart?

3) Come complete out of the box operationsal... all you need is the Argon. I've hear that Miller's... you have a hell of a lot of necessary stuff to buy to get it operational. Obviously may not be the case if you buy used... but I'm talking new machines here.

4) EVERYONE... that has bought our machine is SO IMPRESSED! I've impressed many pro-welders with the our machines over the years.

5) The consumables are quite standard... torch stuff... etc. So if you want to buy "brand name" replacements at excessive price you can... but we virtually always stock that stuff... very inexpensive.

6) Other reasons I forgot to mention.

Summary... so logically IF what I say is true... AND IT IS! (Check our feedback! other threads... thousands of views & posts over the years)... then one who decides to buy new "brand-name" machines will get quality and a feeling of security (in his mind)... but at WHAT COST! HMMM! DO THE MATH!

IT IS WHAT IT IS... our machines have GREAT performance, GREAT quality, GREAT warranty, GREAT toll-free tech support (hell we actually answer the pone... and you won't be talking with some fat ass'd chick with no tits and a page-boy haircut!!! HELL... WE'RE JUST GREAT!

Later... Phil SR

BTW... ANYONE that wants to come demo any/all our machines... and CONFIRM everything I say is true... then post-up your observations... has an extended invitation.




3) Come complete out of the box operationsal... all you need is the Argon. I've hear that Miller's... you have a hell of a lot of necessary stuff to buy to get it operational. Obviously may not be the case if you buy used... but I'm talking new machines here.


Are you assuming that most people just buy the power supply only from Miller?

Does your tig welders come with a helmet, gloves, filler material, tungsten electrodes, various collets, cups?

What accessories do you really need for an air cooled torch?

One point you failed to mention is resale value. How much resale will Parker have 10 - 15 years later? Will the unit even last that long?

You offer a "bonus" stick feature with your tig welder. Stick feature comes "standard" on most tig welders.

[divtec]

Are you assuming that most people just buy the power supply only from Miller?

Does your tig welders come with a helmet, gloves, filler material, tungsten electrodes, various collets, cups?

What accessories do you really need for an air cooled torch?

One point you failed to mention is resale value. How much resale will Parker have 10 - 15 years later? Will the unit even last that long?

No... my intended point was that I've heard that a lot of the accessories that one would need (if they not already have the stuff) is not included with the machine.

A 200 amp Miller Syncro is thousands... but doesn't come out of the box operational like our machines.

A lot of the people that buy our machines do not already have that "stuff".

Example: Our PW200ACDC (200amp ACDC Square-Wave TIG/Stick) comes with various sizes of gas lenses (cups), various sizes of collets, Tunsten electrode, rod (filler material), long and nub torch tail-piece, Argon Regulator & Flow Meter (Floating ball type) and a FOOT PEDAL!

I say again... our machines comes with a foot pedal. Oh... BTW... exactly the same as one Miller sells. (Note I saw it in a welding book... exactly the same with a Miller label. So much for made is USA... unfortunatly... or maybe a copy. But they work great.

Anyway... our machines really do perform as advertised... right up there with the big boy brands.... discounting any feature difference between models... etc.) Yes... at the really affordable prices I've mentioned.

We have threads... with over 100,000 views total... and a hell of a lot of posts by Pirate4x4 guys that have bought a Parker machine.

Do a search for Parker... and read... be amazed... and buy.

I just saved you a hell of a lot of $... I'm sure you can use on your projects.

NO BS! In a world of hype... the performance and reliability of our machines for the price is almost unbelievable... but IT'S TRUE!

Later... Phil Sr


All for $799.99 (to Pirate4x4 guys).

BTW... our Plasma/TIG/Stick combination...
Plasma-Tec40/160 (40amp plasma cutter Rated: 5/8" Sever: 3/4", 160amp DC TIG/STICK) for $599.99

Our Plasma-Tec40dv (40amp Plasma (dual-voltage 110/220) is only $399.99

[X-Rated]

make a 50 amp plasma with 200 amp tig all in one unit

[divtec]

I'm looking to buy a tig soon and can't help but wonder how these machines work for their price. I have searched and found that Parker has an excellent service reputation. Does anyone have experience with this particular machine? I am looking to use it for chromoly chassis and some aluminum work. I don't have much tig experience but have been mig welding for years. Any input?:confused:

THEY ARE GREAT! Performance & Reliability!

All I can say is I hope your in good physical condition... so you won't hurt yourself while doing back-flips with happiness!

Ok... I confess... this is Phil Sr... owner of Parker Metalworking Products.:shaking:

Everyone has been really impressed with these machines.

Hey... check out the post of a guy that is using our PT40dv and PW200ACDC TIG machines making bumpers... search for "Bought A Plasma thread". His got cool photos too.

Later... Phil Sr

BTW... questions of any kind will be answered by Phil Jr or James at the shop... toll-free 888.281.2820 or 480-983-6030

[divtec]

make a 50 amp plasma with 200 amp tig all in one unit
We make a PT40/160 (40amp plasma 160 amp TIG/Stick) However... if you get the Turbo Upgrade it becomes a 50/180. BTW... the 50/200 your refering too... assuming you've seen some look-alike machines. The are stretching the 180 to 200... not real.

Really... watch out... for all the "product dumpers" and general merchants on ebay. The machines are not of good quality typicall. You see... I was the very first to import these machine back in June 2004... and since then have seem Chinese nationals come over here and set up shop... everyone gone within a year. However... if you get snag'd by the lur of cheap cheap cheap... we're here growing our repair department.... and it's growing rapidly. ie- we take in their failed machines. So... we're here for you.

Later... Phil Sr

[Todd W]

We make a PT40/160 (40amp plasma 160 amp TIG/Stick) However... if you get the Turbo Upgrade it becomes a 50/180. BTW... the 50/200 your refering too... assuming you've seen some look-alike machines. The are stretching the 180 to 200... not real.

Really... watch out... for all the "product dumpers" and general merchants on ebay. The machines are not of good quality typicall. You see... I was the very first to import these machine back in June 2004... and since then have seem Chinese nationals come over here and set up shop... everyone gone within a year. However... if you get snag'd by the lur of cheap cheap cheap... we're here growing our repair department.... and it's growing rapidly. ie- we take in their failed machines. So... we're here for you.

Later... Phil Sr

So, these machines have only been in usage for ~4 years? No long-term tests have been done?

I`m interested in them for the TIG as I have a hypertherm already.

What is the maximum thickness it can do on steel? I want something to reliably weld tube with.

-Todd

[fj40charles]

No... my intended point was that I've heard that a lot of the accessories that one would need (if they not already have the stuff) is not included with the machine.

A 200 amp Miller Syncro is thousands... but doesn't come out of the box operational like our machines.

A lot of the people that buy our machines do not already have that "stuff".

Example: Our PW200ACDC (200amp ACDC Square-Wave TIG/Stick) comes with various sizes of gas lenses (cups), various sizes of collets, Tunsten electrode, rod (filler material), long and nub torch tail-piece, Argon Regulator & Flow Meter (Floating ball type) and a FOOT PEDAL!

I say again... our machines comes with a foot pedal. Oh... BTW... exactly the same as one Miller sells. (Note I saw it in a welding book... exactly the same with a Miller label. So much for made is USA... unfortunatly... or maybe a copy. But they work great.

Anyway... our machines really do perform as advertised... right up there with the big boy brands.... discounting any feature difference between models... etc.) Yes... at the really affordable prices I've mentioned.

We have threads... with over 100,000 views total... and a hell of a lot of posts by Pirate4x4 guys that have bought a Parker machine.

Do a search for Parker... and read... be amazed... and buy.

I just saved you a hell of a lot of $... I'm sure you can use on your projects.

NO BS! In a world of hype... the performance and reliability of our machines for the price is almost unbelievable... but IT'S TRUE!

Later... Phil Sr


All for $799.99 (to Pirate4x4 guys).

BTW... our Plasma/TIG/Stick combination...
Plasma-Tec40/160 (40amp plasma cutter Rated: 5/8" Sever: 3/4", 160amp DC TIG/STICK) for $599.99

Our Plasma-Tec40dv (40amp Plasma (dual-voltage 110/220) is only $399.99

Here is a Brand NEW Miller Syncrowave 200 with pulse feature. $1849.77 delivered. It has the foot pedal and regulator. I know it is not a flowmeter, but those made in China flowmeters are cheap (around $30). It looks like it is pretty much ready to go out of the box.

I'm not saying your products are not good. I don't have any experience with your product. I think your posts about Miller products being shipped without any "accessories" are very misleading.

While your products are less expensive than the Miller/Lincoln/Thermal Arc, I'd still lean toward buying a brand name. I like the idea of having resale value. Who knows, one might want to upgrade from a 200 amp TIG when they want to do some thicker aluminum.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-SYNCROWAVE-200-907308-NEW_W0QQitemZ160218873482QQihZ006QQcategoryZ113743 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

MILLER SYNCROWAVE 200 907308
BRAND NEW MILLER SYNCROWAVE 200 (907308) JUST RELEASED BY MILLER LIST PRICE $2336.00

Complete with, foot control, regulator and hose, tig torch . Built in pulser. Also stick elctrode holder cable and ground clamp.

Not rebuilt, not reconditioned, brand new, shipped direct from Miller or Indiana Oxygen Co, at sellers decration..

FREE Shipping to any of the contenental 48 states. ..

We accept Paypal, ALL major credit cards, cashiers checks and money orders..

Comes with full 3 year factory warranty.

You can call me at 866-854-7380 FROM 5:00AM-7:00PM PT, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Syncrowave 200 p/n: MIL 907308

THE POWER TO WELD MORE - More power, more features and more control in a simple, easy-to-use package at an affordable price.

Fan-On-DemandImproves power efficiency and reduces noise and maintenance by lessening the amount of airborne contaminants pulled through the machine.

Adaptive Hot Start for StickAutomatically increases output amperage at the start of a weld should the start require it and prevents the electrode from sticking and creating an inclusion.

Syncro StartAllows customized arc starts for more precise arcs and fine-tuning for each application based on tungsten diameter, material thickness and shielding gas mixture.

FeaturesNEW! Built-in pulse control enhances weld bead and puddle control for improved appearance and quality - reduce burn through, coordinate the addition of filler material, and reduce the warping effects of distortion by reducing the average heat input.

NEW! Cable Management System uses dual cable hangers and foot control storage convienently attached to the power source side panels to allow all weld cables and the remote foot control to be neatly stored, preventing torch, cable, or remote damage.

NEW! 115v auxiliary power receptacle is conveniently located on the front panel, allowing for operation of a Coolmate torch coolant system or other small tools.

NEW! Syncro Start allows the operator to choose from three different starting conditions to optimize the application (Soft/Standard/Hot).

NEW! Dual digital meters allow for quick and easy viewing of actual and preset values of amperage and voltage.

NEW! Auto-Postflow protects the weld end zone and electrode by optimizing postflow time based on welding amperage - for adequate shielding every time without waste and no need for adjustment.

Squarewave output with AC balance control features adjustable penetration and cleaning action while increasing arc stability on various aluminum alloys, and helps eliminate tungsten spitting and arc rectification.

Arc hour/cycle counter records actual welding time and number of arc starts.

DIG Control allows the arc characteristics to be changed for specific applications and electrodes. Lower the DIG setting for smooth running electrodes like E7018 and increase the DIG setting for stiffer, more penetrating electrodes like E6010.

TIG (GTAW)

Pulsed TIG (GTAW-P)

Stick (SMAW)

Industrial Applications

Light Metal Fabrication

Maintenance and Repair

Light Manufacturing

Hobbyist

Automotive

Vocational

Input Power Requires 1-Phase Power

Rated Output 150 A at 26 VAC, 40% Duty Cycle

Output Power Range 5 - 200 Amps

Net Weight271 lb (123 kg)

Syncrowave 200 with Torch Package (907308) comes with all of the following: Syncrowave 200 No. , Remote Foot Control (RFCS-14) * Completely Assembled * 12-ft, 150-amp air-cooled WP1712SFDI Weldcraft torch with superflex nylon power cable & Quick-Connect. Electrode holder with Quick-Connect 10-ft. gas hose Regulator/flowmeter

[divtec]

So, these machines have only been in usage for ~4 years? No long-term tests have been done?

I`m interested in them for the TIG as I have a hypertherm already.

What is the maximum thickness it can do on steel? I want something to reliably weld tube with.

-Todd

The actual design we import (as a base machine) that we apply our own technical modifications to... only ~4 years. However... we're talking over 5,000 machines in all areas of the country and all the uses the big boy's machines are used for. When I say over 5000 machines... although they all are not this model... they all use the same inverter guts... so the # is significant as a basis of reliability. BTW... we're running between 1 - 2 percent failure rate. THAT IS EXCEPTIONAL!

From a technical standpoint those great numbers make sense... because the Inverter design is classic high-tech electronics and well proven. So... our BRAND effectively gets a free-ride... with regard to reliability of the design itself... and I make sure of the electronic hardware and construction quality. Which is a really BIG DEAL due to all the bad quality copies of virtually every product coming from China. So... that negative does not apply to our machines. But there is some real crap look-alike machines being peddled these days.

I say to everyone... RESEARCH PARKER MP... don't lose out by following those feelings of quazi-logic and the adage of "too good to be true". That doesn't apply to us... REALLY!

Regarding TIG thickness... according to one of my shop tech's... James said 1/2" full penetration. But... you may want to call him toll-free for details... he also has Aluminum thickness real world specs too I think.

Oh... btw... at 200 amps out it draws less than 35 amps on 220 vots. Yeahhh... INVERTER TECHNOLOGY.

Hope the info. helps.

Again... any question technical or otherwise... CALL 888.281.2820 OR 480-983-6030

Later... Phil Sr

[divtec]

Here is a Brand NEW Miller Syncrowave 200 with pulse feature. $1849.77 delivered. It has the foot pedal and regulator. I know it is not a flowmeter, but those made in China flowmeters are cheap (around $30). It looks like it is pretty much ready to go out of the box. .....

Damn... I was a bit high when I said thousands... $1850.00 I stand corrected... IF that's list price... otherwise....:flipoff2::shaking::)

I think you kinda made my point. If you only need a solid Chevy... why pay for a Caddy?... UNLESS... as in your case... you just want it or NEED the extra features and/or can afford the (in this case) $1000+ extra... I can't knock that. One should buy what he wants.

I'm just stating facts about our GREAT performing machines at GREAT prices... intended to be affordable by fab guy's.

So... if we're in a pissing contest... I concede... you win. :p

Later... Phil Sr

BTW... I did say I've heard that often one needs to buy the "extra" stuff with Miller.

BBTW... Damn I wish you were close... I'd put a torch in your hand and turn you loose. I like seeing the expressions of amazement. THERE THAT GOOD!

BBBTW... I also misspoke when I said over 100,000 views of ParkerMP threads... it's more like 80+ thousand... with around 1000 posts. Good reading though sense people that own our machines talk about them.

[ROXROES]

One point you failed to mention is resale value. How much resale will Parker have 10 - 15 years later? Will the unit even last that long?

If I still have my units after 10-15 years, I'll prolly give them to some young aspiring fabricator. Since my ROI will have easily been attained long before then.

BTW... we're running between 1 - 2 percent failure rate. THAT IS EXCEPTIONAL!

That's a widely accepted industry standard, now you start getting into the fortune 500 companies and they shoot for .5%. The company I work for has $600 million in sales/yr and our department rate is unfortunately higher than that. But we're making it better with some new releases. :smokin:

Is there any way to do accelerated life testing on these units due to the variables? You can sit down and determine all your paramaters for the test etc, but in the end its all based off of assumptions and skeptics will still be able to pick it apart.

[jasonmt]

Regarding TIG thickness... according to one of my shop tech's... James said 1/2" full penetration. But... you may want to call him toll-free for details... he also has Aluminum thickness real world specs too I think.

Oh... btw... at 200 amps out it draws less than 35 amps on 220 vots. Yeahhh... INVERTER TECHNOLOGY.

A 200A GTAW machine and 1/2" full penetration in a single pass? :laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:
I needed that this morning.


I think you kinda made my point. If you only need a solid Chevy... why pay for a Caddy?... UNLESS... as in your case... you just want it or NEED the extra features and/or can afford the (in this case) $1000+ extra... I can't knock that. One should buy what he wants.

I'm just stating facts about our GREAT performing machines at GREAT prices... intended to be affordable by fab guy's.

To use your own analogy I can buy a Caddy from a local dealer and have it in my hands 5 minutes after entering his shop. The Caddy also has some features such as AC balance and frequency control that make it a much more useful bit of kit and the competitor from Tianjin will not run on 3 phase power unlike the Caddy. The Caddy brand also has a large well developed support network that can ensure that any repairs needed can be handled in under 48 hours.

[Big91RustyBucket]

I ordered a 50 Amp Dual Voltage Plasma From JR the other day. I called lots of places , as I do have a budget. I was very impressed with parker , their support and their product. ROXROES is a buddy of mine , and I have seen his machine in action. The product is very nice. Once I have the need for Tig I will be ordering that from parker as well. Their support seems unmatched , any issues send it back. I can handle phone support , and mail delivery in order to save a TON of money. As for my local welding supply , I have never bought anything from them besides a tank. They seem to be high on everything.

My plasma should arrive on monday , and I can't wait to see it , and put some time on it. :D

[silvrjeepr]

I ordered a 40a plasma with the turbo 50a upgrade yesterday. If it lives up to the hype, it's an unbeatable deal. I may try one of their TIG machines later just to see...

[X-Rated]

I am interested in what your response to the comments and pictures in this thread are.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?t=21037&page=2

Seems like some major problems not only with quality but service. I was really considering selling my hypertherm and getting a parker plasma and 200 amp tig, based on what I read on pirate, but I am not so sure now that I have read that thread

[Big91RustyBucket]

I am interested in what your response to the comments and pictures in this thread are.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?t=21037&page=2

Seems like some major problems not only with quality but service. I was really considering selling my hypertherm and getting a parker plasma and 200 amp tig, based on what I read on pirate, but I am not so sure now that I have read that thread


I sure , am not all that impressed with Giant Tech's. I decided on parker , after receiving a pm from Giant tech , about his machine , and cost. I didn't know why he pm'd me since I had only posted in the parker thread. To me that is bad ethics.
Giant tech also told me he is an electrical contractor doing it out of his garage. I would rather purchase from a full time outfit. I talk to Jim , at parker , and was very pleased, all in all about 2 hrs of talking about plasma's.

[ROXROES]

A wise man once told me: "don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see." Damn me to hell, but if somebody is on their 3rd piece of equipment I'm having a hard time believing they have a fawking clue of how to use the machine. :eek: As well, based on what you said, be my guest and refrain from buying ANY piece of equipment unless the manufacturer has a FLAWLESS track record, best of luck to you! :laughing:

Since I work in an Agricultural part of the market there is alot of operator error, as there is I believe with these machines. The customer gets to a point in their head where unless they get the answer they "think" is right, then the manufacturer is trying to screw them. Hell we have a case of this right now where I work, and we're dropping thousands of dollars trying to figure out the problem, and we're 99% sure its not even with our product, but we still want to know what is the RIGHT answer! But the customer thinks we're being pricks and are gonna give them the shaft because we haven't given them an answer yet. Hmm, maybe its because we're trying to find it out rather than jump to ASSumptions.

IMHO using a welder or plasma or Tig etc etc is like driving a race car. You can have the best car or piece of equipment in the world, but if your not smooth and don't know what your doing the results are going to look like a piece of shit when your done. :flipoff2:

I'm going out to the lab to see if I can snipe a piece of 1/2" Aluminum, I'll see if I can blow through that SOB when I get home. And I'll even use my cheapo shorty tips that don't cut the thick stuff as good. I could try to cut a chunk off my straight edge I use for long cuts but that is only 3/8" thick Aluminum and I don't wanna ruin it. :D

EDIT
I have a piece of 2x10 1/4" Al, I haven't plasma'd aluminum in years so I'm actually looking forward to trying out the Parker on it. I'm gonna cut it in half and test a 1/4" cut first then double it and clamp it tight together. Not "true" 1/2 but I can't see it'll make a significant difference.

[ROXROES]

I just want to state that I'm not trying to pick a fight, just very pleased with my Parker purchase. Alot of companies make great machines.

To clarify I have the 40 amp 220V machine. This was freehanded at 3/4 throttle and it's jagged because I was playing with speeds watching the blowout on the bottom. With more to play with I could get it alot smoother and dial it in. This was on 3/8, and after seeing how easy it went through there is no doubt it would do 1/2 at not even full throttle.

I tried to do 2 1/4 plates clamped together, BAD IDEA! I was picking little flakes of aluminum off my North Face jacket for 20 minutes with a knife tip! :flipoff2: Don't think it liked it not being pure 1/2 thick and I think I've heard it said before you can't do this. :laughing:

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/snopro007/My%20ZJ/JonsZR2299.jpg

[X-Rated]

i have never seen anything cut so poorly... I wish I had some steel laying arround, I would go cut some to show you what I am expecting

[Real Phil]

I am interested in what your response to the comments and pictures in this thread are.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?t=21037&page=2

Seems like some major problems not only with quality but service. I was really considering selling my hypertherm and getting a parker plasma and 200 amp tig, based on what I read on pirate, but I am not so sure now that I have read that thread

To answer your question:
The issue that you are referring to has been resolved roughly 1 1/2 years ago. Did you notice the dates on those posts? How many negative posts have you come across sense then? How many positive post have you come across? Also if you notice that from page 3 and on, it's nothing but Grappletractor(aka giant tec guy, our competitor) & our, then, customer(akruck) with the exception of a few posts from others. Each one of those machines were tested as soon as we received them back. No problems found. User error. Yes, the torches HAD issues back then. Plus, it's a Hobart forum. It's a dead issue. I'm not going to get into a debate over this. If you want to buy a machine, give me a call. I am a nice guy and hold nothing against you. I have the feeling you are the type of guy who just wants to make sure your money is well spent. The feedback from this forum alone should be testimony.

Phil Jr.

[ROXROES]

i have never seen anything cut so poorly... I wish I had some steel laying arround, I would go cut some to show you what I am expecting

:lmao:

I've never met a grown man who can't read. You expect perfection on the first try? Grow up, and how do you have a build going on and no scrap laying around? I've got fawking piles.

EDIT
To clarify even further, I was just showing that the machine could do 1/2 thick aluminum. And to add to that, I've nothing to prove to you. I've looked at your build thread, and I could pick your work apart as well if I wanted to stoop to your level. And by that I mean nothing against the fact that the rig will perform exceptionally well.

[X-Rated]

I've never met a grown man who can't read. You expect perfection on the first try? Grow up, and how do you have a build going on and no scrap laying around? I've got fawking piles.

A grown man that cant read? I have no idea why you would think that. I have been doing a ton of reading, aka why I brought up the forum I found on hobarts page. I have owned 2 plasma cutters and I have yet to see a single picture by anyone posted using a parker plasma that shows a cut quality that I have come to expect from my plasma. I am trying to figure out why? If you move the torch at a steady speed, the cut should not be all jagged, the metal should be pretty smooth and clean. I am in the military, and moved across country 8 months ago, deplyed 7 months ago, and got back last month. I still dont have 220V hooked up in my new garage, the buggy is broken, and I am still working on my honey do list from being gone for so long. I didnt bring ANY scrap metal with me across country b/c I didnt have any weight to work with in my PCS shipment, and I have not done ANYTHING since I have been here so I have bought no steel, which is why I dont have any scrap.


EDIT
To clarify even further, I was just showing that the machine could do 1/2 thick aluminum. And to add to that, I've nothing to prove to you. I've looked at your build thread, and I could pick your work apart as well if I wanted to stoop to your level. And by that I mean nothing against the fact that the rig will perform exceptionally well.


if the cut looks like that, you cant really say it can do 1/2" thick al at anything but a sever, which is not really how talk about plasmas. Most of the time you want to know the cut thickness and speed you can achieve a reasonable clean cut. You dont have anything to prove to me. If we were talking about my build, you could say whatever you wanted. I am not a professional builder, and I am only building that rig for myself. Keepy "ME" happy is the only thing that matters. Here we are talking about a product for sale and a product I am considering buying, so if you fault me for bringing up some of the bad to go along with some of the good to try and get a good picture before a purchase, the go to hell. I have no vested intrest in Parker metal works failing or succeeding. There is a lot of talk of great customer service here, and from what I read on the hobart thread, I asked for an explanation. I got a partial one, and not a good enough one, so my next move will be to call him and talk to him and try to get the real story on the customer service issues and product problems. Miller/Hypertherm are billion dollar companys with a lot of support. Before I sell my plasma and buy a plasma and tig, I want to know what my money is getting me.

Grow up a little. "stoop to your level" ? What are you talking about? I am asking legitimate questions about a potential product, and make coments on how I interpreted the pictures you posted. It is nothing against you, but the cut quality in that last pic is terrible, and I say so b/c I want to find out why, not to attack you. making it personal is childish....

[X-Rated]

To answer your question:
The issue that you are referring to has been resolved roughly 1 1/2 years ago. Did you notice the dates on those posts? How many negative posts have you come across sense then? How many positive post have you come across? Also if you notice that from page 3 and on, it's nothing but Grappletractor(aka giant tec guy, our competitor) & our, then, customer(akruck) with the exception of a few posts from others. Each one of those machines were tested as soon as we received them back. No problems found. User error. Yes, the torches HAD issues back then. Plus, it's a Hobart forum. It's a dead issue. I'm not going to get into a debate over this. If you want to buy a machine, give me a call. I am a nice guy and hold nothing against you. I have the feeling you are the type of guy who just wants to make sure your money is well spent. The feedback from this forum alone should be testimony.

Phil Jr.

Didnt notice the dates. What were the issues with the torches and how did you correct them with that customer, and in general? What was the problem? Using a plasma should be simple enough that you should have been able to walk him through set up and operation.... Does the inverter technology cause the cuts to not be as smooth in any way? What is the input current on the 40 without turbo and the 40 with turbo? I think I read you say somewhere the torch can be swaped out with any american torch. Can you elaborate on that and how it can be accomplished?

[ROXROES]

Your rather judgemental without paying attention to the details.

If you READ you would understand why the cut looks like that. WOW, you want me to write it on a 2x4 and beat it into you? :D You act like your an almighty fab god and your quality can't be matched. Your build looks bad ass and I can find more I like than dislike. Yet in the end, I see nothing that gives you the right to speak and act the way you do.

As well if you can't comprehend that it takes practice to determine where your settings need to be in order to get the optimal cut. Then I'm questioning how much you really know about plasma's or any other fabrication equipment in general, sorry.

EDIT
Until said awesomest of awesome hypertherm cuts are shown I'm an astronaut scheduled for the next mission.:flipoff2:

[X-Rated]

You are making me laugh now. you are attacking me personally because I have questions about a machine's quality??? I am not only NOT a fab god, but a fab newb. Why are you even bringing up my buggy. Hell, there are more things I dont like about my own rig that I do like, but it is mine and I will do what I want with it. My fabrication skills or lack there of have nothing to do with this discussion. Using a plasma cutter, in my opinion, is about as brainless as it gets. I set mine to 35 amps, havent changed it since I bought it ( because it just works right, every time), except once when I was cutting something really thick and I turned it all the way up. It cuts good every time. It has been my experiance that it is not like a welder where you "dial it in"...

I have never said anything about "my" quality but you have attacked me for some reason. I have mentioned the quality of a cut from a hypertherm plasma appears to be nicer than what I have seen posted here. I will go find something to cut and post a picture or 2 tonight when I get home from work.

Continue to attack "me" if you would like, but you are only embarrasing yourself.

[Real Phil]

Didnt notice the dates. What were the issues with the torches and how did you correct them with that customer, and in general? What was the problem? Using a plasma should be simple enough that you should have been able to walk him through set up and operation.... Does the inverter technology cause the cuts to not be as smooth in any way? What is the input current on the 40 without turbo and the 40 with turbo? I think I read you say somewhere the torch can be swaped out with any american torch. Can you elaborate on that and how it can be accomplished?

Well, go back and look at the dates. Also, look at the last posts date(3-13-08, as of today has been deleted for some reason) and see who that was posted by. Talk about reviving a dead post. Since that time there have been over a thousand posts, in two threads alone, here on pirate and almost everyone of them are positive.
At that time, the factory that we were using, was in fact using a fishing type line as a crimp for the hoses. Once this issue was brought to my attention, I personally went through each one of the 600 or so torches we received from this factory and fashioned a crimp system to fix that defect. Along with re-wiring 200 50amp plasma cutters with 10-3 power cords that came with 14-3 wire. We are no longer using that factory and the issue with the torches not being crimp properly has been rectified. As far as dealing with this customer, I did sit on the phone with him trying to explain to him how to use a plasma cutter, you would not believe how many customers buy our machines and have NEVER used a plasma cutter before. I am on the phone constantly with people giving them a plasma cutting 101 course. This guy did not get it. As stated before, there was nothing wrong with the three machines sent to this guy.

The input amperage of a 40 at full power without turbo on 220 is 22-24 amps from the wall. With turbo is 27-30amps. On 110v, it is limited to the 110 circuit your running on. Normally, 20amps, your looking at 1/4" sever, because you have to reduce you power to 20amps in. Does not matter if it's turbo'd or not. It could be a 100amp dual voltage machine, your still only cutting 1/4" on 110v.

For the cleanliness of the cuts, if depends on the person using the machine. What the inverter, does in short, is increase the efficiency of the machine. With non-inverter(transformer based) your looking at, what, 35, 40%? With this machine you've got 85% efficiency at full power from input to output.

Now, I've got work to do, so if you need any other questions answered, give me a call.

[silvrjeepr]

Now, I've got work to do, so if you need any other questions answered, give me a call.



That's exactly why I decided to try you guys. Your phone service is very impressive to say the least. If this plasma works as well as I hope, Rusty will be on the phone to order his own haha.

[Big91RustyBucket]

That's exactly why I decided to try you guys. Your phone service is very impressive to say the least. If this plasma works as well as I hope, Rusty will be on the phone to order his own haha.


You referring to me? I already have one on the way if so.:flipoff2:

[X-Rated]

fair enough. I will give you a call. Sounds like growing pains. As long as you are taking care of the customers that are effected, that is all you can really ask

[ROXROES]

Yah your right I feel so embarrassed, and if your taking anything personally that's your problem. :shaking:

Your jumping to conclusions if you think I was making fun of your fab skills or picking on your buggy. I was merely questioning your ability and knowledge, huge difference.

Here I'll even make myself vulnerable to criticism to show I don't care.

I was finishing up the front suspension and had the camera down there, here's a pic of a standard zip through 1/4. 99% of the time I hit stuff with a grinder to clean up pieces anyways so I "personally" don't try to make my plasma cuts perfect. Perfect is negligible IMHO if you design and execute something right.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/snopro007/My%20ZJ/JonsZR2305.jpg
Gotcha! :flipoff2: Sorry had to do it, that's just a laser cut from some extra pieces we had that I've made pieces out of.

Here's the real cut, not perfect, could it be? Sure.
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/snopro007/My%20ZJ/JonsZR2300.jpg

[X-Rated]

that is the best looking cut I have seen done with a parker posted up on pirate. It looks really good.

[Big91RustyBucket]

that is the best looking cut I have seen done with a parker posted up on pirate. It looks really good.

I have some 1/4 RoxRoes cut in the bed of my truck. I will see if it isn't rusty , and take a pic.

[ROXROES]

that is the best looking cut I have seen done with a parker posted up on pirate. It looks really good.

Thanks, I think if your happy with that then you'd be pleased with a Parker machine. It sounds like your more intricate in your work and I'm sure you could do even better. These machines really rip once you get your air pressure dialed in and use quality consumables. Knowing where your throttle needs to be really helps fine tune the cleanness, as I'm sure you know.

I have some 1/4 RoxRoes cut in the bed of my truck. I will see if it isn't rusty , and take a pic.

I don't know if I'd do that, I was too lazy to sand off the rust and it was catching on my tip. So I don't know how great it'll look. I know, excuses excuses. :flipoff2:

That's gotta be rusty as hell if its still in the back of your truck! :eek:

[Big91RustyBucket]

Thanks, I think if your happy with that then you'd be pleased with a Parker machine. It sounds like your more intricate in your work and I'm sure you could do even better. These machines really rip once you get your air pressure dialed in and use quality consumables. Knowing where your throttle needs to be really helps fine tune the cleanness, as I'm sure you know.



I don't know if I'd do that, I was too lazy to sand off the rust and it was catching on my tip. So I don't know how great it'll look. I know, excuses excuses. :flipoff2:

That's gotta be rusty as hell if its still in the back of your truck! :eek:

Yeah I am to lazy to take it out. When the plasma arrives tommorow I will pull it out. But it has snowed alot since then ;) :lmao: Oh well....

[ROXROES]

Yeah I am to lazy to take it out. When the plasma arrives tommorow I will pull it out. But it has snowed alot since then ;) :lmao: Oh well....

Take that Walter flap disc I gave you and clean it off outside. Just run it flat like your buffing paint and it'll turn into a red dust storm, it won't gouge the steel. :D

[Big91RustyBucket]

Take that Walter flap disc I gave you and clean it off outside. Just run it flat like your buffing paint and it'll turn into a red dust storm, it won't gouge the steel. :D

I have learned to really love the soft disc's rather than solid.

[Rockrunner86]

The Caddy brand also has a large well developed support network that can ensure that any repairs needed can be handled in under 48 hours.


I bought a Dynasty 200 DX it was DOA and I have been waiting just over 2 weeks for a replacement unit. That is complete BS.

[inked4life]

ive been lurking on here for a while and had to give my 2cents. as a professional welder/fabricator i would personally go with miller or lincoln. why? because i know they work and most importantly will continue to work for decades. ive used both lincoln and miller welders that were at least 50yrs old if not more and worked just as good as they day they were built. to me the extra money is worth it for not only the resale but knowing that the product will last as long as i need it to if not longer. personally id rather buy a welder that has a proven track record and know that i wont need to get it serviced compared to one that has only been around for 4 yrs and numerous products have needed to be repaired already. when my welder is down im loosing money plain and simple.

[Big91RustyBucket]

ive been lurking on here for a while and had to give my 2cents. as a professional welder/fabricator i would personally go with miller or lincoln. why? because i know they work and most importantly will continue to work for decades. ive used both lincoln and miller welders that were at least 50yrs old if not more and worked just as good as they day they were built. to me the extra money is worth it for not only the resale but knowing that the product will last as long as i need it to if not longer. personally id rather buy a welder that has a proven track record and know that i wont need to get it serviced compared to one that has only been around for 4 yrs and numerous products have needed to be repaired already. when my welder is down im loosing money plain and simple.

Good for you Mr 1 Post Wonder. :flipoff2:

[jasonmt]

I bought a Dynasty 200 DX it was DOA and I have been waiting just over 2 weeks for a replacement unit. That is complete BS.

You are not dealing with the right people/shop then, I have brought in a blown up Maxstar 200 and had a replacement unit in under a couple of hours before.

Phone their toll free number and let them know what is going on and that you are not happy.

[PDR John]

Good for you Mr 1 Post Wonder. :flipoff2:

:laughing::laughing::laughing:


Yep, it's a good thing Miller and Lincoln have been around for centuries. They missed all those start up problems, straight to first class never ever had a problem unit.:shaking:

By the way who the hell buys a welder for resale? I understand investing your money in good solid tools, but I never heard any techs say "no, no I'd better get the long handle wrenches they hold their value better". If your buying industrial then buy industrial, but for home/hobby use $3500 for a welder with resale only means it gets sold right before everything else.

[mondtster]

By the way who the hell buys a welder for resale? I understand investing your money in good solid tools, but I never heard any techs say "no, no I'd better get the long handle wrenches they hold their value better". If your buying industrial then buy industrial, but for home/hobby use $3500 for a welder with resale only means it gets sold right before everything else.

Well, that depends on the person. I know people who buy everything that way and quite honestly, they make a lot of money buying and selling shop tools as well as cars and the like. Another buddy of mine bought a Syncrowave 200 as his first tig and sold it within 9 months of buying it because he outgrew it. I'm not sure what he got out of it vs. what he paid for it, but he would probably do better since it is a Miller than someone might do with one of the Parkers.

My biggest concern with the Parkers and other Chinese built welders is future parts availability. There is always the possibility that in 5-10 years the source for consumables will dry up or you will need some part like a new tig or plasma torch and you can't find one. Granted, the same thing could possibly happen with a Miller or Lincoln, but I would just guess that it may be less likely.

So, are things such as the tig and plasma torches on the Parker units a common and/or universal style that would lend itself to easy replacement or are they special? How hard would it be to hook up a water cooler on one of the tigs (although I doubt I would ever actually do it).

[BumpyDodge]

My '87 Miller needed repairs last week. The parts were in stock, and a factory service tech installed them at a very reasonable rate with a warranty. All this about 1/2 hour's drive away from my house. Hopefully my old MM200 will provide another 21 years of service. Miller may not be perfect, but IMO their customer support and service is.

China knows can make silk and porcelain products like nobody else, but they haven't figured out how to consistently make reliable welders or plasma cutters yet. Consistency is everything when it comes to welding and welders. People often bash American made products because they're more expensive. Product support has no value to you? If you got paid based on whether or not a piece of equipment worked maybe you'd see things differently. If a welder is a luxury for your work and you only use it a couple times a year then you'll probably never see what you're paying for. OTOH, if high quality welds are a *necessity* for your work and you use your welder on a frequent basis, it's cheaper in the long run to start with a quality piece of equipment that gives consistent performance.

Initial purchase price is the only valid argument to buying a Chinese welder, because from all I have seen the quality's just not there. Miller's service has always treated me well and I've gotten 100%+ of my money's worth out of every machine I've purchased from them whether it be used or new. Resale value is a consideration if you regularly upgrade equipment (i.e. it pays to have the best available machine if it's making you a profit). Nobody wants to drop money on a piece of equipment that will be worthless after a couple years of service.

P.S. Rockrunner86, if your Dynasty200 is giving you problems I have the same machine and can assist with setup or wiring questions. If you need help, just drop a PM. 2 week wait for service is *not* typical, who did you buy it from?

[ROXROES]

Having used Miller and Lincoln plasma's, and a Lincoln Pro Cut 55 actually being the unit I was taught on. And having purchased and beating the tar out of this Parker for over half a year now, I see no physical advantage to buying a Miller or comparable unit over Parker.

I think we're beating a dead horse in going on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on about parts availability, warranty blah blah blah. Your Lincoln's and Millers, sure you can get the part if its on the shelf. Rockrunner86 should have gotten a unit from the nearest distributer rather than waiting 2 weeks for the factory to build one. That is unless no nearby distributor had one.

Resale? :laughing:

I think that if everybody paid closer attention, they'd see the Parker machines are geared towards DIY and home hobbyist. However I thrash mine just as hard as the Pro Cut 55 got it in the shop I worked at. :p Just like anything else you wheel & deal. There are certain brands etc that retain their value, I suggest you don't buy a Parker if your more worried about what you'll get out of it when you sell it, rather than the quality of work its actually going to do for you. :shaking:

I'm sorry, but I've got $400 something in mine. If it somehow would only last 3 years till it puked (which I don't see happening). I really wouldn't be that upset since I would have by far gotten the return on my investment. I'm half tempted to take a pic of the pile of scrap under my workbench as a testimony, but truthfully thats only a fraction of what its done. :D

Oh, and I'd be a hyprocrate if I bashed Miller, I've got a Millermatic 251. :flipoff2:

[Rockrunner86]

Rockrunner86 should have gotten a unit from the nearest distributer rather than waiting 2 weeks for the factory to build one. That is unless no nearby distributor had one.


I did drop it off at the local miller repair site, After it sat there untouched for over a week. I went in and explained to them that I was hoping to be able to finish this project I had been working on before my trip in April. That I would be happy to be able to use the syncrowave I traded in to them until my unit was replaced/repaired. Have you this unit wouldn't power up right out of the box. They told me that had already sold my syncro so I was pretty much screwed.

[mondtster]

I think we're beating a dead horse in going on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on about parts availability, warranty blah blah blah. Your Lincoln's and Millers, sure you can get the part if its on the shelf. Rockrunner86 should have gotten a unit from the nearest distributer rather than waiting 2 weeks for the factory to build one. That is unless no nearby distributor had one.

No, I don't think we are. Quite frankly, I am concerned with FUTURE parts availability, not current parts availability. I think that the Parker and other Chinese welders and plasmas are too new to know how long they will be around for or how long we will be able to get parts for them.

I'm a home user, not a shop. I honestly agree with you and am looking really hard at why I shouldn't buy a Parker tig instead of the Thermal Arc one I've been wanting. I went through some parts availability issues with an old Linde mig welder and I don't want to have to write off another machine simply because it would have cost too much to get the part I need 5 or 10 years down the road or I can't get it at all. The fact that some parts on my new Hobart welder are warrantied for 5 years tells me that they plan on keeping service parts available for at least a while yet and probably longer.

Ultimately, I'll probably buy both a Parker tig and plasma since I should be able to get both of them for cheaper or the same price as I could get just the Thermal Arc for and take my chances on future parts availability. You technically do that whether you get a Parker or a Miller or whatever brand you buy, but some brands are more established than others. :)

[silvrjeepr]

You referring to me? I already have one on the way if so.:flipoff2:


Nope not referring to you. :flipoff2:

[ROXROES]

I run into situations like these everyday at work and when it comes down to it you just have to make the best educated guess you can and hope it goes well.

I guess what I meant by "beating a dead horse" is that Parkers not going to set up a nationwide distribution anytime soon, or I don't foresee it happening. As well we can't fast forward time 20 years to see if they are still a reputable and thriving business, I hope they are. :D One thing I've caught onto is that Parker is looking to eventually be a "made in the USA" product, I think?

I would assume with all the talent on this board, that if for some reason parts did become unattainable we would be able to retrofit something. :D

[DRM]

No, I don't think we are. Quite frankly, I am concerned with FUTURE parts availability, not current parts availability. I think that the Parker and other Chinese welders and plasmas are too new to know how long they will be around for or how long we will be able to get parts for them.

For what I paid for my MiTech plasma, by next year I will be into it for a whopping $100 per year. To be perfectly honest - I don't care if it lasts any longer than that, I got my money's worth any way you slice it.

[mondtster]

For what I paid for my MiTech plasma, by next year I will be into it for a whopping $100 per year. To be perfectly honest - I don't care if it lasts any longer than that, I got my money's worth any way you slice it.

That's the reason why I will likely go with the Parker products. I'm just a cheap bastard however and would hate to have a unit that still works well but I just can't find a new torch or something else simple like that at some point.

Hopefully I'll be able to afford a Parker plasma and tig at the end of this year. :D

[Big91RustyBucket]

That's the reason why I will likely go with the Parker products. I'm just a cheap bastard however and would hate to have a unit that still works well but I just can't find a new torch or something else simple like that at some point.

Hopefully I'll be able to afford a Parker plasma and tig at the end of this year. :D


Well The plasma works awesome. I just got mine today , and well IT WORKS AWESOME !!!!FUCK the HATERS:flipoff2:

[PDR John]

The off the shelf parts argument is fine if you live where there is a shelf. But not everybody does. Last time I had the "big" Lincoln serviced it had to be loaded on a truck and shipped. Granted thats for anything big, :idea: like when Parker gets theirs back on UPS. Then it gets shipped back to you.

Just remember we're talking home/hobby use here, nobody was ever asking what welder to buy for industrial use.

I glad your friend can buy and sell top notch tools for profit, I couldn't help but notice your not claiming to do the same. Must not be so easy then or everybody would be doing it.

As far as parts availability or interchangeability goes only time will tell. Parker says their gearing towards a Made In USA label, that alone says plan staying around awhile. Plus lets be honest here for now there made in China, so all the other made in China plasmas part will interchange.

[PDR John]

Well The plasma works awesome. I just got mine today , and well IT WORKS AWESOME !!!!FUCK the HATERS:flipoff2:

Sounds like another happy sale.

[Todd W]

Is it just me or is everyone arguing, praising, and getting excited and mad about the plasma.... this thread title is oddly not even about that...

Parker 200 amp ac/dc tig

Let's see some pictures of your welds with the TIG. And hear some opinions on it.

[Big91RustyBucket]

Is it just me or is everyone arguing, praising, and getting excited and mad about the plasma.... this thread title is oddly not even about that...

Parker 200 amp ac/dc tig

Let's see some pictures of your welds with the TIG. And hear some opinions on it.

But if you recall the only thing I saw bitching about was the plasma. I plan to get their welder in awhile. I was told they had planes for a mig/tig/stick/ plasma all in one. I need to get a bender done before my need to tig arises.

[mondtster]

I glad your friend can buy and sell top notch tools for profit, I couldn't help but notice your not claiming to do the same. Must not be so easy then or everybody would be doing it.

I've done it/do it to a certain degree, but I don't have anywhere near the extra cash laying around that he does. He buys things and tools that he wants, but never has any problem letting them go if someone is looking for something like what he has since more deals can be found. A great example would be his tubing bender. He had a really nice setup, but someone came along looking for one so he sold it. Now he's looking at buying or building another one.

Now back to the questions about the tig. :flipoff2:

[ROXROES]

Is it just me or is everyone arguing, praising, and getting excited and mad about the plasma.... this thread title is oddly not even about that...

Parker 200 amp ac/dc tig

Let's see some pictures of your welds with the TIG. And hear some opinions on it.

Mmkay, here is the only pic I have of stuff I did with the tig (link to builder ball), let's be constructive on the criticism. :flipoff2: Tig is prolly what I'm least experienced in and the most eager to get better at, well that and gettin' funky with tubing. :laughing:
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg18/snopro007/JonsZR2308.jpg

EDIT
I forgot my opinions! :laughing: It starts and welds just as easy and smooth as the machine I was taught on years ago. If anything the weak link is me but "practice makes perfect". I know this isn't about the stick, but I played around with that and it strikes easier than most stick welders I've used.

[tim_zr2]

I too would appreciate any more opinions and/or pics regarding the Parker Tig unit, or the Parker Tig/Plasma unit.

I'm really considering purchasing one within in the next couple weeks.

Thanks,

Tim

[Bushwhacker]

I've got the Parker 160 amp plasma/tig/arc welder. We've used the tig on a few cages and other projects now and seems to work pretty good for the price. The torch will get pretty hot so you have to take a break every once in a while. I didn't spend the $160 on the foot control so we are using the cheap switch on the torch. I've had to have it rewired because it fell apart because the wires are so small and there was hardly any solder on them. I've been pretty happy with the performance of the plasma also. Pretty good deal for a non production environment.

Some tig pics.

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/34424/2729881460046050694S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/5499/2301295870046050694S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/36170/2032564160046050694S600x600Q85.jpg

[tim_zr2]

Excellent review Bushwacker. That's the unit that I'm leaning towards, as it will only be used occasionally in my garage, and it'd be nice to have a plasma also.

Thanks,

-Tim