Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i or ESAB Caddy c200i

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Hey guys,I currently have several welders but I want to get another small unit for my home shop.  I Have a MM 350P, Dynasty 300DX TIG Runner and a Miller Passport.  I'm getting tired of filling CO2 bottles and I've never been overly impressed with it's C25 performance.  While I do like the dual voltage it's not something I've really needed for a number of years. I'm looking at selling the Passport and getting something to fill it's place.  I've found a couple of options that interest me.1. Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i.  I like the price, multi-process, 12' Tweco gun, adjustable inductance, supports a spool gun and a free helmet.  I don't really need multi-process though.2. ESAB Caddy c200i.  The price is good, it has a nice display, Q-Set and adjustable inductance.  I don't like the looks of the gun though and it's 10'.Anyone have these or done some welding with them?  If so please let me know your thoughts.  I'll mainly use this for welding 1/8" thick mild steel and below.Thanks!
Reply:I have the esab and think it is great elder for the size weight and cost.  I have not run any dual shield with it but look forward to it.Ron
Reply:hard to beat the thermal arc 181i in that category, with the options it has.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:It doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of experience with either machine.  I'm going to order tomorrow morning one machine or the other. If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know.  I'm sort of split 50/50 so this is a tough decision.
Reply:Originally Posted by unixadmIt doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of experience with either machine.  I'm going to order tomorrow morning one machine or the other. If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know.  I'm sort of split 50/50 so this is a tough decision.
Reply:This brings the price closer..http://www.scottgrossstore.com/servl...G-C200i/DetailEsab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Have the 181i bought it for portablity also for the tig, sometimes i need both a wire welder and tig welder at the same time out on a job. You can download the manuel from their web site tells you what size generator to use.  I am very impressed with the welder i made a portable cart with folding wheels ,folding shelve to hold the welder and a cylinder mount that allows the cart to tuck behind my ladder service truck and not take up any room
Reply:I just saw the ad from Baker's Gas. I too have a Passport, and a Maxstar 150 STL. I'm thinking about selling both of them and getting the 181i. I've been using my equipt. to put a new bottom in my houseboat. The prospect of one machine and 3 processes is appealing to me. Beyond the work I've done on my boat, I'm a hobbyest/garage welder. I never weld anything thicker than 1/4". I'd like to see some reviews from users though. Thinking I could come out cash ahead after selling my current machines, and gain storage space too.
Reply:HelloI purchased a ESAB Caddy MIG C200i Welder this summer and used it for about 3 weeks before the little caddy burned up, Esab was very good about the warranty and offered me a new one or my money back I opted for my money back they even paid return shipping with no hassle! I,ll list my pros and cons .ProInverter,light weight 26 lbs,quick disconnect for gas ,small size,nice smooth arc~ mig weldConswill not take 4' spools of wire as 2' spool axle is molded into inside of case so you have to use 8" spools,I found that the Q set is awkward ~ maual settings are fine.no mig gun quick disconnect and only 10 ft gun comes with machine.Cannot use .045 cored wire,polarity changes are a pain unless you have tiny fingers ,will not take spool gun,wire drive is all plastic.RegardsBobThermal Arc T-Bird 270 Amp gas welder Thermal Arc Pro Wave 185PowerArc 200 Riland 60 PlasmaMiller suitcase 12vs wire feeder, 180 Amp Diesel Welder GenEllis 1600 bandsawImig 205 Mig,Eastwood 250 migLincoln 250 G9 Pro gas Weldanpower
Reply:Thanks for the feedback.  I think I'm going to go with the Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i.  It looks to me to be the better machine.  Lower volts and amperage for welding very thin material.  Metal wire drive and a normal quick disconnect gun.  The free helmet helps and the $799 price tag shipped is hard to beat!
Reply:I bought the Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i.  I would have gone with the ESAB but that weak looking gun turned me off.  $843 total with the matching cover.
Reply:I received the Fabricator 181i today.  The build quality seems good and I think it's going to be a nice machine.  My buddy called his buddy who works at a local welding supply to see if he could get me another C25 tank at a discount.  I ended up getting a brand new C25 tank for FREE!  Not bad for a 200 CF tank.  I should be burning some wire this weekend to see how it performs.  Overall everyone at work who looked it over was impressed.  Now I just hope it welds good!
Reply:Originally Posted by unixadmI received the Fabricator 181i today.  The build quality seems good and I think it's going to be a nice machine.  My buddy called his buddy who works at a local welding supply to see if he could get me another C25 tank at a discount.  I ended up getting a brand new C25 tank for FREE!  Not bad for a 200 CF tank.  I should be burning some wire this weekend to see how it performs.  Overall everyone at work who looked it over was impressed.  Now I just hope it welds good!
Reply:I have the Australian Version of this welder, Namely Cigweld Professional Transmig 175i. I dont know why theres 6 amps difference in the name, but I can tell you that this welder is great. Build quality is fantastic, I can get spray transfer with 0.8mm wire and it gives a very nice, smooth weld. Tweco torch is great: feels good in the hand. A great stick welder aswell with adjustable arc force, Haven't tried TIG yet but the torch that I got with it is of high quality, from all reports its a good TIG welder.My 2c.SkinWeld Engineering. Melbourne, Australia-All types of Welding and Fabrication-Miller Syncrowave 250Esab TopFlex 400EWM Hightec 162 Elite
Reply:Originally Posted by unixadmI bought the Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i.  I would have gone with the ESAB but that weak looking gun turned me off.  $843 total with the matching cover.