I'm new to welding...Have always wanted to get into TIG welding but just recently have the cash to go out and buy one. There's a local guy selling a 185TWS(Part #: 10-3073-1) for $1400. It comes with everything including a pedal and a hand-control(That apparently needs a new potentiometer). It's 3 years old, but was just sent in and had the transformer replaced as preventative maintenance.

Anyways, does anyone here use this welder? If so, how do you like it? I'm assuming it would make a great starter-welder at the very least.

I'm asking on here because this seems like one of the few forums where everyone takes pride in weld quality and asthetics...as well as the quality of their machines.

Thanks.

 

I have one and it works everytime I use it, but its only on occasion really, I dont make my living off of it.


Marcus

 

I'm not looking to use it for heavy-duty production type work. Mainly recreational automotive use.

I've been reading around and it gets awesome reviews.

 

that machine doesn't use a transformer.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by robbbby &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">that machine doesn't use a transformer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yup , its a inverter style , I have one use it almost every day for about 10 hrs a day, works great

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by robbbby &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">that machine doesn't use a transformer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's what I thought, but he mentioned having the transformer replaced. Maybe he meant to say inverter.

 

So, this TA 185TSW...3 years old for $1400

Or a new Syncrowave 200 with the runner package for a little under 2 grand?

I'd have to get my garage wired for either...The TA 185 is definitely more portable, but the 200 with the runner package wouldn't be that bad to wheel around the garage if need be.

The TA seems like it has some badass features, is lighter, less current draw, etc...But there seems to be quite a few bad reviews when it comes to parts and service. Whereas with a Miller I can get parts from pretty much any welding shop.

So I'm split on it.

 

Or a new Arcmaster 185 w/ a 5 year warranty for a little under 2k (same thing as the old 185tsw).

http://www.toolsforless.com/pr...r_Kit

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by xxbulaxx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So, this TA 185TSW...3 years old for $1400

Or a new Syncrowave 200 with the runner package for a little under 2 grand?

I'd have to get my garage wired for either...The TA 185 is definitely more portable, but the 200 with the runner package wouldn't be that bad to wheel around the garage if need be.

The TA seems like it has some badass features, is lighter, less current draw, etc...But there seems to be quite a few bad reviews when it comes to parts and service. Whereas with a Miller I can get parts from pretty much any welding shop.

So I'm split on it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i had no trouble finding parts and getting service for this machine.... works great

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lamchop0000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i had no trouble finding parts and getting service for this machine.... works great </TD></TR></TABLE>

what kind of parts and servicing have you needed for your machine

 

i had service done to my unit by main board replacement because it wouldn't work in AC mode anymore.

and for parts, its all basic. watercooler, watercooled torch, gas lense, side gas dinse connector, and tungstens.

basicly all parts can be bought from welding supply stores just as if i had another brand machine [miller/lincoln/etc]. no need to deal directly with Thermalarc.


the way the handled my machine servicing needs[under warranty] was all i could of asked for. i did not have to send my machine back to them. but instead they had a qualified service station that was local to me. so they connected me to them and i dropped off my machine and they had it repaired and back to me within 2 weeks.



Modified by Lamchop0000 at 8:07 PM 1/25/2008

 

This is the TIG we have at FSM. Use it nearly every day for light to heavy work (heavy meaning the extent of its amperage range), being our intake plenums we sell for the toyota 2JZGE motors.
Only problem ever was when I clumsily tripped over the pedal cord and cracked the twist connector at the machine, now it hangs out of it but still works as if nothing was broken. So its not really a problem, just a broken piece of plastic.
I've done some research on it before we bought it and seems the best buy out of the other 2 185amp models (blie and red) on the market and supposedly has the best square wave technology out of the 3. Overall I would buy another if we had a need for a second machine