I'm deciding between the two. They're very similar cept the TA 185 is smaller and that's a good thing since I don't quite have that much space for it. Both have a pulser which is good. Bigger machine vs smaller machine.... Let me know what you guys think. I'm gonna buy one of these two by next month or so.


Modified by Pikachu at 4:28 PM 8/13/2004

 

I vote for the TA185, but I might be a little bias since I own one One thing I will ask you is what your plugs amp capacity is where you will be using the unit. FOr the lincoln unit to reach max amperage you need at least a 60amp electrical feed for the plug. The Thermal Arc unit since it is an inverter you wil only need a 40amp feed to hit max amperage on the unit. I personally think the TA185 is a nicer unit since it has a bit more features than the PT185. This allows your skills to grow, but you wont outgrow the unit in a year.

If you are looking for a TA185 at the best price try here. I talked to bill and he gave a me a nice deal and also answered all my newbie questions patiently!
http://www.aaaweldingsupply.com

Hope this helps,

John

 

Here is a pic of my unit up close


Some of my first welds with it (I had never done TIG before)

 

Yea, I think i decided on getting the TA 185 since it looks very very nice and it looks like pretty small package. Thanks man and good luck with your welding.

 

the TA185 sounds good. but how about the low amp start from the PT185, is that a really good advantage feature over the ta185?

 

and btw. does TD offer any torch options?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lamchop0000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the TA185 sounds good. but how about the low amp start from the PT185, is that a really good advantage feature over the ta185?</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can adjust the start amperage on the TA185TSW. I was playing with mine saturday and sunday it has alot of different functions. The HF start is stellar I love it. Now as far as Torch options it comes with one..as for different ones I have no clue. It's a nice Torch I see nothing wrong with it.

 

so they dont offer optional flex heads and water cool torches?

 

The TA-185 comes with an industry standard CK-17 Torch. You can pretty much plug in any TIG torch if it has a dinse connector on it.

http://www.ckworldwide.com/

John

 

The TA185 Has all the features the PT185 has and more!

http://www.thermadyne.com/news...d=220
__________________________________________
The new PRO-WAVE 185TSW from Thermal Arc® handles just about any TIG welding job while generating True-Square wave AC/DC output with full range capability from 185 amps down to 5 amps.

Weighing less than 42 lbs., the PRO-WAVE 185TSW packs outstanding value and performance into a highly portable, surprisingly compact design. Standard features include Current Sloper, Current Pulser and variable frequency, wave balance control, and Lift or HF assisted starting. The 185TSW also has a digital AMP/volt meter, gas solenoid valve and remote control capabilities. Thermal Arc backs the 185TSW with a three-year warranty.
__________________________________________________ _______

John

 

thanks for the reply