Tweco fabricator 181i thoughts, opinions, and advice needed.

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So, as the title states, thermal arc is now apparently tweco, I am considering saving up for awhile and buying a 181i (or maybe the 211i), the reason being is I need to upgrade my mig welder for future projects, and I need an upgrade in general. I might buy the tig torch as a long term thing but its not of much interest yet. On the stick welding side, its not really needed, so much as preferred. I say that because I need to repair my Idealarc, something is blocking the amperage control and limiting me to a 180 amps, and there is a lot of play in the wheel, which doesn't help. granted I don't need that much amperage anyway, but the accuracy problems mean if I switch welders or turn the idealarc off, I have to find that sweet spot for the rod... I don't need anything heavy duty, just something thats a good all around machine for sheet metal and light duty around 3/16ths and 1/4in (which is about where I would switch over to stick, or grind a bevel in).thoughts, opinions, advice, etc is appreciated.http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcfa18miw.html-HWHW, 1965 lincoln idealarc 250 ac/dcEastwood mig135And a bunch of other random stuff.
Reply:Perfect for what you are doing..This is a good place.. too. http://www.weldersupply.com/P/538/Th...Fabricator181iEsab/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:I own an ThermalArc Fabricator 211i and like it.  Have used it in mig mode on 18 ga and other thickness steel up to 3/8ths and did the job.  Buy a machine larger than you think you need if your finances provide, you can always turn the current down but on the high side, you are locked in to what ever the machine can put out.  Bigger is always better.  Just my thoughts.   Bob
Reply:I have a ThermalArc 181i. I bought mine with a TIG torch, foot pedal, and welding cart. I have since added a CK9 Tig Torch with Superflex Hose that I purchased from HTP. I have used it to MIG on several projects and learned how to TIG weld. I sold a Lincoln Mig-Pak 15 after I bought this machine. I have been very happy with it.Lincoln Mig_Pak 15ThermalArc 181i                               Lincoln Pro-CutEverlast 200DX Dual VoltageVictor Oxy/AceJackson Pro VariableJackson HSL10 Passive w/Phillips Gold #10Tweco WeldSkil
Reply:Here is the only thing I would say: I bought a hobart handler 190, which is roughly the same size machine, and now I wish I had waited and bought something bigger. If you plan on using a spool gun to MIG aluminum, you are going to need more horsepower and more duty cycle. I'd go for the 252i with the 60% duty cycle at 200 amps vs the 181i witha 20% duty cycle at 180 amps. It is a lot more money, but it may be worth it if you ever go aluminumMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Bigger is not always better. The lighter weight of the 141/181, is a advantage that none of the larger Thermal-arc (Victor) machines share. It also has handles to move it. 211 is a nice overall size machine for the home hobbyist, but the 181 should be fine with a 180 amps of stick welding power..That's what makes it capable of welding some pretty thick steel.. Shoot, I want a 141i just for a light weight machine to throw in my car now, and again..Esab/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:The 181i that I demoed was excellent. Both might and tig were smooth and precise. The might was very strong when needed. The foot pedal for tig had an excellent range.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I loved my 181i!  The only reason I don't have it is because someone decided that they should start a welding business by stealing my equipment.  I mostly used it for fluxcore, and it was great.  The few times I ran 7018 was really nice too.  I've been saving up for a 211 so I can plug into customer's 110 instead of always running off my bluestar.
Reply:I liked the 181i well enough, but I really prefer my Caddymig 200 for mig only welding. I will say the 12ft gun is nice on the 181i. I don't see why a 141i would not push 12ft too.. My 85s peewee is my favorite little stick welder. Hot arc, and runs on about any 120 volt circuit. Down a bit on amps from the newest 120 volt only machines, but it's hot arc burns in real good. Plus it's a 6 pound machine fits in your pocket.. runs 6010 too.. Japan Sanrex made with a contactor on, and two speed fan. I had every 120 volt only version, and the oldest model is the best of the bunch. Pic is next to the 95s model..The 141 would be nice unit to just tack things into place,and also freeing up a 240 volt line. Have a 20-30-60-100 amp/ 240 volt circuit in my shop, but it's never enough it seems.. I am always swapping a power cable here, and there.. Attached ImagesEsab/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:Because it's not recommended to push .023 wire further than 10ft.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:You can push .023 wire farther depending on setup. Did it many times with zero issues on arc quality.. 12 ft is certainly within reach with .023 wire. My first Migmaster  250 with a 15 ft gun MT-200 would run .023 excellent.. Probably never happen again though.. I have used a 12 ft/ .023 Binzel guns on many feeders and power sources, again with zero problems. What if you want to use a larger wire like self shielded and hate a 10 ft  guns reach. Seems like a cost saving issue more then anything else. Thought the fusion gun was real special?  don't sound like it.. Binzel for me on that unit..Esab/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:Originally Posted by Brand XYou can push .023 wire farther depending on setup. Did it many times with zero issues on arc quality.. 12 ft is certainly within reach with .023 wire. My first Migmaster  250 with a 15 ft gun MT-200 would run .023 excellent.. Probably never happen again though.. I have used a 12 ft/ .023 Binzel guns on many feeders and power sources, again with zero problems. What if you want to use a larger wire like self shielded and hate a 10 ft  guns reach. Seems like a cost saving issue more then anything else. Thought the fusion gun was real special?  don't sound like it.. Binzel for me on that unit..
Reply:Ive got a 211i and am very happy with it.  Save for the larvet machine, ive done stuff I didnt think id do.
Reply:Not sure who's made up the rules, but why does the 181i come with a .023 drive roll for it's 12 ft gun? The 141i is the same wire drive and it will push .023 just as well as a 181i will.. There are 12 ft guns you can buy with a .023 liner, so somebody does not think that rule applies.. http://www.scottgrossstore.com/servl...250-MIG/DetailAluminum is a just not a good example, because it sucks with a 10 ft gun running 5356-3/64. (in general)Esab/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:The HTP are pretty much Binzel copies. I know the back -end gun block has different threads, but I just bet the cable whip will screw into the Binzel ones? Jim had re thread the HTP block to get the  Binzel made Tweco 2/4 back-end to work. (From a Miller) I kind of like the Binzel parts for the real cheap liners on e-bay.. I also like the  MB-15 euro grip about the best of all guns..http://www.binzel-abicor.com/US/eng/...rip-15-ak.htmlEsab/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:I think you will be more than happy with the 181 I.I have used mine with 150 feet of extension cord and it runs fine. Works great with .035 wire and either Co2 or C25 . Used it on a few stair and railing jobs and it has enough power for welding stair stringers and other medium thick items. The spoolgun works fairly well for 1-8 or 3-16 or the occasional 1-4 inch stuff. With a 10 pound co2 tank its very easy to move around. I have 1 of the earlier ones with the Tweco gun and I like it considering most of the Tweco guns I have used are better suited for a hammer or a wheelchuck than actually welding. As mentioned earlier WWW.weldersupply has good service and pricing.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Thanks everyone! Looks like I will buy one whenever I get enough put away for a new toy. I think I will add in the tig torch just so one day I can teach myself how to do light tig welding for ornamental and other odds and ends.HW, 1965 lincoln idealarc 250 ac/dcEastwood mig135And a bunch of other random stuff.
Reply:If saving up $900 is going to take a while, at your age, it might be better to keep an eye on Craig's list or E bay for a good used Lincoln SP 175 Plus, or Hobart Handler 187. Stay away from a Hobart Handler 175 or 180 though.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleBecause it's not recommended to push .023 wire further than 10ft.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255I'm surprised by that.  I just did a pretty sizable trunk replacement job on a buddies car and pushed .023 through a 15' Bernard Q gun and I had zero feeding problems.  Gun not always straight either.  I did, however, use all the correct .023 hardware on the feeder and gun.  Burned around 5-6# of wire.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanIf saving up $900 is going to take a while, at your age, it might be better to keep an eye on Craig's list or E bay for a good used Lincoln SP 175 Plus, or Hobart Handler 187. Stay away from a Hobart Handler 175 or 180 though.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleWell it's not my recommendation. I think it was Lincolns.
Reply:Is that the gun that came with the 181i?did you get a foot pedal? It does really well on tig, even down as low as 20 amps.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:My machine is not showing up till next Thursday. The gun is a Binzel MB-15 AK grip.. (12 ft.) I thought the low end was 10 amps on the 141i ? The ft pedal is for my 186.( W4013200) With the switch mod, it's a 600285 in all practical use. I would use my hand control anyway, or rig up a button again.. Just have the ft control if I want to use it.Esab/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:Yes it does go that low. I mean even at that low of 20 amps (ish) it does wellTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer