Europe

If you are considering a TIG machine, ARC welder, multi-process machine or plasma cutter its not so stright forward. 25+ years ago almost every type of these was transformer based which means many are still around working today! Transformer based machines are usually rugged, reliable units built to last, & are great when designed for CV (MIG) applications but transformer based TIG & PLASMA machines have limited welding & cutting performance, also as these are all 'constant current' (CC) types, efficiencies & power factors are low, so power consumption is high. They also tend to be large heavy machines. Today there are not many machines on the market built the old way. The development of inverter based machines over the last 25 years has had the largest impact in the TIG, PLASMA & STICK (ARC) machine market. Inverters solve the issues of the older type machines, performance is superior, power consumption is low & size & weight very low. However virtually everyone in the industry knows reliability & lifespan can be poor, even the best German made inverters often go bang! This means there is still a demand for the older transformer type machines, particuarly for low usage applications where power consumption is not an issue or for use in damp & dirty workshops where reliability is number one concern. However, OXFORD WELDERS now have a much better solution & no compromise! - [Read More]