Any Experience with a Thermal Arc 186 TIG?

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Gents--I have been thinking of purchasing a Thermal Arc 186 TIG, I believe these are fairly new to the market and it has most of the features I am interested in but its much less expensive than the Miller Equivalent.  It runs about $1700 through my local welding supply (with foot control).  Anyone had opportunity to use one and could share experience.  In advance thanks.Here's what it looks like:http://cyberweld.com/ta186specsheet.pdf
Reply:1625 through cyberweld.Just turned mine on for the first time today and made a thread about it. So far seems like a good machine for the money.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:Where about's did you post it?  Couldn't find. Thanks.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=234901Torchmate 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:Gamble--many thanks for the link, after reading about your problems, would you buy another one or has it been sorted out that it is inherent in the machine?  Again, many thanks, for me it's a big purchase, I appreciate your opinions.
Reply:I dropped it off so we will see what happens. Yes I would still buy it; they are a great company and have a hood reputation. Now if I got 2 or 3 bad ones I may not be happy but I understand crap happens so I give everyone another chance.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:I just bought the ta 186 yesterday welded with it couple hours today worked great i am impressed i wanted a dynasty but the price is what stopped that and my wife lol but so far so good stick welds good too but i keep ya posted the more i use itMILLERMATIC 212 AUTOSETMILLER BOBCAT 250MILLER DIALARC HFMILLER 15A SPOOLGUNMILLER S32P WIRE FEEDERTHERMAL ARC 186 AC/DCPAKMASTER 100XL PLUS
Reply:Best of luck.  I demoed (in the honest sense of the word) a 180A TA about 5 years ago and it was a nice machine.  That said, reading the recently locked thread has told me all I'd ever need to know about the TA 186 and (the gambler).Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:I bought one right before Christmas and I think it is a nice machine. I didn't experience any problems that was outlined in Gamblers thread. It works as intended and I think it was a good bang for the buck. We'll see in the future if it was a good buy or not! The only thing I didn't like is the BIG 26 torch that came with it. I wish Thermal Arc would give you a option of which torch you wanted, that wouldn't have been my option! I went and bought a CK Flex Loc, that is nice little torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by Hard TimesI bought one right before Christmas and I think it is a nice machine. I didn't experience any problems that was outlined in Gamblers thread. It works as intended and I think it was a good bang for the buck. We'll see in the future if it was a good buy or not! The only thing I didn't like is the BIG 26 torch that came with it. I wish Thermal Arc would give you a option of which torch you wanted, that wouldn't have been my option! I went and bought a CK Flex Loc, that is nice little torch.
Reply:Amperage seems to be constant, if it is varying I haven't noticed it at all. I will pay closer attention but like I said, it hasn't been something that has jumped out at me. I've only used DC so far, haven't got chance to weld on the AC side. From the one thread I read a week or so ago it sounded like your downslope was running on when set a zero, When I lift off the footpedal it stops instantly unless adjusted otherwise. I haven't racked up a bunch of time with it being so new but so far so good.
Reply:I'm looking into buying a TA 186 as well for practice when not in school. Just need the money.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleYou didn't experience the same issue I have with my arc going up/down in amperage? I found out it's actually normal for this machine. One you use it more and more it doesn't bother me as much as it did at first. Still a lot of features for the price. I will agree the torch is a bit bulky for my taste. I'm going to make a smaller one.
Reply:Here is the monster torch! For such a small machine with a low duty cycle I don't know why they coupled it with a 200 amp torch? It is nice and all but it won't get used!Got replaced with this little beautyLast edited by Hard Times; 02-17-2013 at 03:04 PM.
Reply:Let's see some welds!TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Hard TimesHere is the monster torch! For such a small machine with a low duty cycle I don't know why they coupled it with a 200 amp torch? It is nice and all but it won't get used!Got replaced with this little beauty
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Let's see some welds!
Reply:Originally Posted by Hard Timesmister B it is a number 9, I'm wishing I would have bought one earlier, not sure how long they have been out but I don't know how I did without it!This is the only thing I've taken a picture of and it wasn't for the weld!
Reply:Or you can buy a 20, buy some fittings at HD, hook it to the hose, and never have to use that club again.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Ya that is the flex loc. I make expansion chambers for 2 strokes so I'm always twisting the part around to match comfortbility to weld, with this I twist the head around and leave the part alone! I've had some weldcraft flex heads and I think this is the cats meow for what I do.
Reply:Originally Posted by goldfingerGamble  could you explain what you mean that the amperage going up and down is normal.  I thought you said you were having problems with the arc not responding quickly with the foot pedal.
Reply:Never seen a solid metal slinky before... I don't think it's going to catch on well... .No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWNever seen a solid metal slinky before... I don't think it's going to catch on well...
Reply:Hard Time, check it out. Just posted this in the other thread which I thought was this one.Small torch and superflex cable for $99http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...w=140919153454Torchmate 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:Originally Posted by Hard TimesHere is the monster torch! For such a small machine with a low duty cycle I don't know why they coupled it with a 200 amp torch? It is nice and all but it won't get used!What do you all think of this torch? Seems well priced and its a CK.http://www.ebay.com/itm/170848017561...84.m1438.l2649TA PAK 5XRTA 185Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I don't know where you read it's a CK, but HTP sells good stuff.
Reply:I messages the eBay seller and he said CK makesthe torch.TA PAK 5XRTA 185Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Amazon Gents $75 shamolies with Shippinghttp://www.amazon.com/CK-CK9-12-RSF-.../dp/B007MD48WY