Smiley info
 

I know a couple of you guys use smiley's, is there anyone using this particular model? http://cgi.ebay.com/Super160-40A-Pla...3286.m20.l1116

Can i get some feedback on it?

Re: Smiley info
 

if your going to spend that much you might as well get the new miller diversion165. I seen it on ebay for like 1275 shipped. I had one of those smiley cheaper units, and i wasn't impressed with it. The plasma was great but the tig... not so great.

Re: Smiley info
 

I'm getting that machine used for around 500, I just used the link as an example.

Re: Smiley info
 

If your expecting to lay down some full-race beads with this machine, don't buy it. If your a beginner and want an ok machine to start out, go for it.

Re: Smiley info
 

I am a welder at a shop that does work for long wall.

I just want a decent AC/DC machine so i can start doing some small aluminum fab

Re: Smiley info
 

if its an hf start youre going to hate not having heat control but i know csaddict on here did some pretty good work with one of those smiley junks.

Re: Smiley info
 

demo'd one and didn't buy it. i dont like the pedal... feels just as craptastic as my free dremel speed control pedal I swapped the pots in.
dont really like the controls. all those cheap analog chinese pots... set it by memory and be done with it, not play with scrap before every weld just to get it set in the general area.

still having good use out of my little 416d tho.

Re: Smiley info
 

That machine has HF start and an amptrol.

Re: Smiley info
 

How generic are these machines? Are the parts interchangeable with better brands, like if i wanted to switch to a better torch or amptrol?

Re: Smiley info
 

the amp controls are just pots inside a box. the torches you can retrofit whatever with some work.
the smilies are 100% generic. The primary welder is the Riland. Everything else is either a rebadge if its worth a ----, or a piss-poor clone (of things that are already suspect.) By piss-poor i mean there have been riland clones found with fishing line holding parts together. Atleast the real rilands have chinese quality hot-glue in them, bawahahahaha

the welder makes the machine, but i wouldn't have an expencive one based on my experiances. if all you want is a cheap strong plasma and DC tig, for afew hundred bucks then sure. but to ask me if i would trust $1000 on even a Riland piece of ---- at this point? Id say a big fat ------- no way.

Rather just spend the $1600'ish to get a Hobart Tigmate.