Possibly Dumb Question

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Hey guys,Looking at the Lincoln Precision tig 225 for ~1700.00 with torch or a Thermal Arc 185 for ~2050 w/ torch.  They seem very comparable in specs but I do not understand how the thermal arc can do the same thing and only weigh 37 lbs and the lincoln weighs 250 lbs? What am I giving up?Thanks!BTW this would be a general hobby machine for my personal garage.
Reply:Inverter technology Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:you give up portability.also the transformer type unit will use a lot more power.Some will argue that inverters are more trouble if/when they break.
Reply:I have the thermal arc.   Go for it.  It runs on a 30 amp breaker.  Look up the specs for the Lincoln.  MY Ta-185 puts out 199 amps on DC.  Couldn't tell ya on AC except it will just barely weld big pieces of 1/4" aluminum.  I have never seen the overtemp light.I can't believe I just said that  Everything else I own is Lincoln.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by hpfiendHey guys,Looking at the Lincoln Precision tig 225 for ~1700.00 with torch or a Thermal Arc 185 for ~2050 w/ torch.  They seem very comparable in specs but I do not understand how the thermal arc can do the same thing and only weigh 37 lbs and the lincoln weighs 250 lbs? What am I giving up?Thanks!BTW this would be a general hobby machine for my personal garage.
Reply:awesome! Thanks guys!
Reply:Go with the 225, I bought one and it is well built and works well. Inverters are prone to break downs where I live with the power fluctuations and storms and not cheap to fix. The 225 does not cause your elec bill to go up very much, mine was 5.00 more this month. 1700 is a deal especially if your getting the cart with it.
Reply:no the cart is not included- I would weld one up as my first project- I need it to be portable- maybe I can get some sort of line supressors to protect it?
Reply:I have the PT225 and when you get it new it comes on a wood platform that is bolted to the welder.  I want to build a welding cart for it because it weighs over 200lbs, but for now I have gone to Harbor Freight and purchased four caster wheels that I am going to screw into the bottom of the wood platform to roll it around.I will post some photos when I get it done.  I am going to try for this weekend.Just an idea to get you portable...Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Originally Posted by hpfiendmaybe I can get some sort of line supressors to protect it?
Reply:Originally Posted by hpfiend- I need it to be portable-
Reply:Originally Posted by hpfiendno the cart is not included- I would weld one up as my first project- I need it to be portable- maybe I can get some sort of line supressors to protect it?