HTP invertig 221 or Thermal Arc 186?

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I'm ready to purchase my first tig welder and I've narrowed my search down to the HTP invertig 221 or the new Thermal Arc 186.  The Thermal Arc is about $600 less expensive than the HTP , I've heard great things about both companies. Any input or advice is very much appreciated, thanks.Bryce
Reply:Please state your intended usage:  what materials will you be weldingThickness of said materialsprofessional or recreational/hobbyistbreaker box capabilityThat said, I have experience with either, but others who have will likely want to know these things.
Reply:MisterB, I would recommend the HTP they are nice to deal with and very helpful...The HTP is a dual voltage machine or can be ordered that way..Like Oscar said more info as well help..Last edited by power; 12-25-2012 at 06:43 PM.Miller 250DX HTP 221 DV AC/DCHenrob O-A Miller 180 MigMiller 150 Inverter   Hobart 10,000 Welder-Generator   Have a good day!!!
Reply:I'll be basically welding thin gauge mild and stainless , and aluminium up to 5/16"... Maybe 1/4" mild steel as well.  It will be used as a hobby machine but I am looking at getting back into the welding field , just not using my own equipment. I have access to 230v.
Reply:I've owned a TA185 for right at 6yrs, its been a damn good machine.. I dont think i've ever read anything bad about a Thermal Arc 185, but the Thermal Arc 186 is a new model so its not time tested. I wouldnt be the least bit worried about the 186 as far as performance goes, But, If I had the extra money and were looking to buy a machine, I would have to go with the htp221 because it has more amps and better duty cycle.  ..Anyone that has posted about purchasing an htp221 have always praised htp's sales and service and were more than satisfied with the machine after the purchase..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by misterBI'll be basically welding thin gauge mild and stainless , and aluminium up to 5/16"... Maybe 1/4" mild steel as well.  It will be used as a hobby machine but I am looking at getting back into the welding field , just not using my own equipment. I have access to 230v.
Reply:Ya they both sound like they're great companies and produce a quality welder at a great value.  I like the extra 20 amps and 50hz ac frequency you get with the HTP.  I'm now just curious if I have to pay duty on it as well because I'm up in Canada and I know the HTP is made in Italy so that might be an extra expense since it will be purchased from the U.S.  I don't think we have an HTP dealer up here as of yet.
Reply:I weld eveyday with a T/A LT-300 and I love it, beat the hell out of it for 10+ yrs with no problems. I have really wanted a 185 when I found out they were discontinued, naturally, I check out the new 186. Seemed great at first being fully featured AC/DC with a "high duty cycle" for around $1500. After checking out the technical spec sheet though I found that the duty cycle was less than that of the 185 despite the "extra 15 amps" on the top end. After reading reading the HTP 221s duty cycle is much higher. My machine will be used most for production aluminum welding so the duty cycle is very important to me.Duty cycles I found are as follows:T/A 185 - 185a@30%, 160a@60%, 100a@100%T/A 186 - 200a@20%, 180a@25%, 150a@35%HTP 221 - 220a@20%, 165a@60%, 145a@100%Very interested to hear what others have to say and would really like to hear a user review of the T/A 186!! As it stands unless I hear good reviews of the 186 or can find a used, surplus or overstocked 185, I believe I'll be going with the HTP. Just my .02 hope it helps!-Rob
Reply:Originally Posted by misterBYa they both sound like they're great companies and produce a quality welder at a great value.  I like the extra 20 amps and 50hz ac frequency you get with the HTP.  I'm now just curious if I have to pay duty on it as well because I'm up in Canada and I know the HTP is made in Italy so that might be an extra expense since it will be purchased from the U.S.  I don't think we have an HTP dealer up here as of yet.
Reply:HTP without a doubtItaly>ChinaBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Who ships Thermal Arc too Canada?
Reply:Originally Posted by ironrailWho ships Thermal Arc too Canada?
Reply:Originally Posted by misterBKMS tools in B.C. and Alberta stocks Thermal Arc , but so far can't seem to find a HTP dealer.  I guess they only come out of USAweld.com?
Reply:The only place you can get HTP is thru them in the Illinois area.  Great people to buy from. Maybe try calling them, and see what they might suggest on shipping to Canada.  The 221 looks like a great machine, I'm thinking about upgrading from my 201 to the 221.
Reply:I have a  HTP 221 and just got a TA 185. I know .....why........tool junky!!!I think it comes down to your intentions. If hobby is all you want the 186 might be the way to go. The 221 is an awesome machine and their customer service is very first rate!!!HTP just had the 221 on sale........can't hurt to call and see if they can give you the sale price!!!
Reply:I never used the thermal arc, but am considering one myself. Based on what I have seen at HTP (took the class there and buy some things, and helped them out with stuff) I would go with them in a heartbeat. Jeff (president of htp) is awesome and really goes out of his way to help the customer.Does anyone know where the thermal arc machines are made anyway? I thought it was italy or china, but nobody knew for sure.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:Originally Posted by GambleI never used the thermal arc, but am considering one myself. Based on what I have seen at HTP (took the class there and buy some things, and helped them out with stuff) I would go with them in a heartbeat. Jeff (president of htp) is awesome and really goes out of his way to help the customer.Does anyone know where the thermal arc machines are made anyway? I thought it was italy or china, but nobody knew for sure.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI never used the thermal arc, but am considering one myself. Based on what I have seen at HTP (took the class there and buy some things, and helped them out with stuff) I would go with them in a heartbeat. Jeff (president of htp) is awesome and really goes out of his way to help the customer.Does anyone know where the thermal arc machines are made anyway? I thought it was italy or china, but nobody knew for sure.