Let's hear about the thermalArc 95s

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Looking at a TA5S.... What do you guys that have them or have run them think?  I'm a hobby welder and don't do anything over 1/4". Heard they are better than the HF 90A inverter welder, but I'll admit the price of the HF is I little more inviting lol.  I already have a  Lincoln weldpak125 flux core so basically looking at adding a halfway decent stick welder that runs on 110vLincoln weldpak125 flux core welder. 30gal craftsman 6hp compressor.  $h!t load of HF air tools.
Reply:Your going to be pretty much limited to 3/32 rods but other than that I dont know that I have heard any major complaints. I have a Miller 140 (basically an early version of the maxstar 150) that I use for field/portable work and provided you are close to an outlet it will manage 1/8" rod on 110v but it is a lot happier running 3/32. I mainly burn 7014-7018 and some 6010 with it on both 110 and 220.
Reply:You might want to take a look at the Everlast and Longevity 140 amp dual voltage machines.  Almost certainly not as nice as a used Maxstar, but it does split the difference (with regard to price at least) between the two machines that you've mentioned.  It would also provide a bit more oomph when 220 is available.  A quick look at ebay suggests that you might also consider a used Maxstar (140 or 150).  There's a pretty good chance that you can find one for close to the same money that a 95S sells for new.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dereks don't do anything over 1/4"..... I already have a  Lincoln weldpak125 flux core so basically looking at adding a halfway decent stick welder that runs on 110v
Reply:I do multiple passes with the Lincoln on 1/4" stuff.... Just meant it as I don't do any heavy metal work... Usually 1/8" stuffLincoln weldpak125 flux core welder. 30gal craftsman 6hp compressor.  $h!t load of HF air tools.
Reply:I have one and it's great.  I've welded a bunch with it and never hit the thermal overload, but it was cold as hell that day.  I've burned 1/8 6011 with it turned up to 11.  It will work if you have the 20 amp outlet.  3/32 run easier though.   Everyone has the same opinion when they see you arc welding with this 10# box.  I wouldn't part with mine.  Being able to run over to a buddies to fix something and just tossing that tiny case in your car is invaluable to me.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I've got a Forney 100 (as well as a HF 80 & bigger machines) which is similar to the TA95 and I wouldn't take anything for it and damn sorry I didn't buy 2 (just in case).I usually pick up 7014-- 1/16" rods at Harbor Freight ($10--2#) for them it'll run 3/32 wide open,but the 1/16" rods at 50A run real well for most things I use them for. They have another small rod,but don't recall the number.. I tried 1/8" rods(all I had) when I first got them and almost sold them off immediately...got the correct rods and haven't given selling either machine another thought. Just too dang simple and lightweight.I bought the Forney on closeout and the HF version to compare to the Forney and then bought a 1930's AC version (40#) to set on the workbench just because.... All are 100A or less and totally fun and easy for anything light duty.The TA95's were give aways with larger machine purchases a while back and there seem to be a lot floating about.. probably unused. Don't know about 1/4" on anything "structural" but 3/16" maybe and anything smaller for sure. At 8# in a briefcase that fits behind the seat I took two. The Harbor Freight model is "almost" as good as the Forney 100,but the Forney has just a bit more juice on high.I've got quite a few different welders,but most of the time if it's just tacking or a minor repair one of the "small" inverters gets the job done with little hassle.If you can get the TA95 for less than an arm & a leg it should be quite servicable to down right handy...For light duty stick welding. I wouldn't give $300 for one ,but $200? probably... At least I would to see if the TA95 is actually similar to the Forney...LOL (but then I'm a tool-a-holic).Good Luck... let us know your impression if you purchase one....
Reply:So no big complaints on the HF welder other than slightly less power?  They are on sale for 149 this month and seem to have a decent duty cycle....Prices on eBay seem kinda high on the TA95s... So leaning towards the HF oneLincoln weldpak125 flux core welder. 30gal craftsman 6hp compressor.  $h!t load of HF air tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255I have one and it's great.  I've welded a bunch with it and never hit the thermal overload, but it was cold as hell that day.  I've burned 1/8 6011 with it turned up to 11.  It will work if you have the 20 amp outlet.  3/32 run easier though.   Everyone has the same opinion when they see you arc welding with this 10# box.  I wouldn't part with mine.  Being able to run over to a buddies to fix something and just tossing that tiny case in your car is invaluable to me.
Reply:The TA95S is a nice little machine. I've run one once a few years ago, and have looked at buying a one or two when I found them listed on CL cheap ( unfortunately I've always been a bit too late). Given a choice I'd opt for the Maxstar 150 over the TA simply because it's got more amps and duty cycle than the TA does on 110v, as well as being a 230v capable machine as well. If it came down to a need to have one for a job and the budget was tight, I'd have no issues going with a used TA95 to keep the price down..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 DereksWhat is the opinion they all have?
Reply:Kinda where I figured you were going . Watching eBay for a decent priced one... Looks like I'll be just under $300Lincoln weldpak125 flux core welder. 30gal craftsman 6hp compressor.  $h!t load of HF air tools.
Reply:I have a few  inverter welders but do not currently have a Thermal Arc 95s...yet! I do however have a Lincoln Invertec v100s, a Century 120, a Forney at 100 sp, a Longevity stickweld 140 and an Everlast powerac 140st.stick /tig unit.  I have been very impressed with all these little welders but would recomend a dual voltage unit if I were to own just one. The lincoln v100s is a 115v only unit and the clear winner of the 115v units that I currently own. I have used the Lincoln v100s hard welding 3/32" 6013 for days and hours on end at about 70 amps in hot extreme conditions using less than ideal power sources at the end of a long curcuit run plus long extension cord with never a hiccup or duty cycle issue. I would rate the Century 120 115v inverter second in the 115v only class as it welds super smooth equal to the lincoln invertec  however have not really had the chance or need to put it to a real test in the field. The Forney AT 100 is third on my list in the 115v  only class... it welds great but  I have exceeded the duty cycle more often when turned up full power running 1/8" 6011. So that brings us to the dual voltage Longevity and everlast 140 amp units. All I can say is boy howdy!   I  have been extremely impressed with both of these welders. Super hot for for 115v unit with more than enough power on 220 v for a larger array of work. I most often use the Longevity stickweld 140 and have also put it through its paces with no issues. The Everlast is nearly identical to the Longevity but has a lift tig switch so I use it less mainly just for tig. I have actually run 7018 5/32" on full power with fairly decent results but 1/8" 7018 is the sweet spot for the Longevity. I guess what I am trying to say is that you will not be disapointed with any of these little inverter welders for under $300.00 and if you are not careful you could become addicted like this other guy I know.  I have heard nothing but good things about the TH 95s but if the price seems a little steep then I would highly recomend one of the aforementioned dual voltage units as they run about 50 bucks less than the TA 95s plus have the added feature of dual voltage and thus higher amperage. Both dual voltage units are made in China but both companies offer good warranties. Basically you cant go wrong with any of them so just take your pick!  None of mine are for sale if that tells you anything.Last edited by weldtex; 03-07-2012 at 07:03 PM.
Reply:I was sent the following link this morning http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...tline=&market=  from Northern Tool.I have no idea how this unit works or it's quality,but Northern usually stands behind their tools. It's probably similar to the Harbor Freight units just thought I'd include it in the conversation.
Reply:I've got the TA Dragster85 and love it, love it, love it.  I've ran 7018, 6013, 309L, and Harris 26 (aluminum..tricky) and am really impressed.  Tigged as well, but it is a basic machine.  I use it 1-3 hrs/day and have yet to hit the thermal overload.  You can tell when it's on a long extension cord though (100' and I think 8 guage).All the electrodes were 3/32 or smaller.  Definately buy QUALITY electrodes with any inverter of 110v.My next machine is gonna be a dual voltage unit though, for some of what I do the 85 is a little light.Last edited by dubl_t; 03-10-2012 at 06:36 PM.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:i have a 95s machine, and ive made more tig and stick welds with it that people said couldnt be done. Its a nice little machine for what it is, I pretty sure i paod 360 for mine through the lws but i had to play the call around and well this guy gave me this price game. lws is an airgas. for heliarc, the machine is very smooth, for stick, a 3/32 rod is a pain to light sometimes. but once it is runs very nice. I wouldnt be scared to purchase another one, but if i were you i would see if you could demo one, to test your llikings. but for the money...... very nice machine.
Reply:ramblerx15 connected a 1k pot Foot remote to the 1k pot Knob in post #13 in the link below .... kinda cooler , i think if i was to hav onehttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=8436        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3