Several of you guys appear to be using these kinds of "jewelry" welders. The results are fantastic. Looking for info and experiences. I had a little info exchange with a US brand, but our model making use is pretty niche. Production builders uses laser welders, but that's a bit extreme for hobby use.
I see a couple main brands:
Lampert PUK
https://www.lampert.info/en/products
Sunstone Orion
https://sunstonewelders.com/products/micro-tig-welders/
Import generic
random Ali express example
Most of the German forums tout the Lampert which makes sense since it's a German brand, but there are very few distributors in the US. I'm unsure if support would be an issue. Results are amazing which could be due to the operator's skill, or perhaps the machine really is that easy to use.
The Sunstone is US based and parts/service are easy to get from vendors or direct from sunstone. On paper it's an equivalent machine to the PUK, but as far as I can tell the model making world doesn't really use it.
The imports are unknown to me, but I have spotted a couple positive statements on the German forums and also our own Pufferfish possibly uses one.
I'm looking for guidance on what's important and what's optional:
Microscope vs auto darkening lense vs traditional welding eye protection
In stainless steel the best to weld on?
How much power do we need for materials less than 1.5mm .060" thick?
How many user setting are really needed?