Thermal Arc 181i Video

admin

Here is my second attempt at a youtube video. I have had several people message me with questions about the TA181i. So I put together this video. it is a little shaky, I am still learning how to do these videos so please dont be to critical of the quality.
Reply:For your video shake, be sure to keep the zoom in the Wide position and zoom with your feet (IE get physically closer to subject). If you stand back and zoom in, any movement of the camera is magnified. Just a helpful tip. Also, if your video camera includes image stabilization, make use of it.Seems like a nice machine though. Lots of folks here have been talking about it.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Thanks, I am learning about this whole video thing. I think welding is easier.
Reply:good job on the video..  nice machine too..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Good video, thanks! One thing I noticed however, is the right channel audio isn't working.  I heard a little distortion on the right channel and that's it.  Not sure what camera it is or how you're processing it, but sounds almost like it could be a bad mic if the camera has stereo mics.  Hoping to pick on of these 181i's up in the near future.  Thanks again!Lincoln SP-135 PlusParker Metalworking Plasma-Tec 40DVHF 4x6 Bandsaw
Reply:Great video. I noticed a few differences from your 181 to my 252. I don't have the inductance knob, I have an advanced features button. That opens up a menu to adjust burnback, inductance, and a ton of other stuff. Does your machine have the wire sharp option? It's a neat father that removes the ball at the end of the mig wire. It takes a little getting used to but it's nice not having to cut off a ball all the time. Aldo does your machine offer a purge setup? Mine will purge the leads by pressing the advanced features button and holding it down for a few seconds. Another thing to mention the 252 is much larger, with the cart that is sold by thermal arc the machine is as large as the miller 252 mig machine. Another thing to mention is that the TIG torches are diffrent. Mine has a spot for the gas line to attach to the front of the machine, I assume yours goes straight to the bottle. Another diffrence is your machine will accept a 1 pound spool and an 11 pound spool of wire, mine will Aldo allow for the larger 33 pound spool. A buddy of mine has the 181. And I have used both. They are great. There are just a slight few differences. But I don't see one being better than the other just diffrent. I have built a workbench as well as my CNC plasma table and shelving with it. I love the thing.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:Mine doesnt have the wire sharp feature you mentioned or an advanced mode button. I may not know about some things yet still learning the machine but i have not found anything like the stuff you said was on the 252. I also have not found a purge button or feature if it has one. I just purge through the gun and snip off what little wire runs out. Thanks for the good words on the video. Sporadic, I couldnt tell you about the mic. on my camera if its a single mic or a stereo mic. I am assuming its a single. I know more about the welder than the camera. which isnt saying much, LOL
Reply:I'll see about posting up a video this weekend about the 252. And I'll link it here, so that you will be able to see the differences. It's a good thing to know to help make a decision for the next guy. The more info about the machine the better.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:I will say one thing about something about having 30 ft of ground lead curled up on the machine. Nothing wrong with having more wire, but not a good idea to have it coiled up while mig welding. Just seems like it would add some inductance to your machine, and throw off your settings a bit.  My Thermal (Japan Sanrex) has a digital inductance set from 0-100 and a knob style like the 181 is generally more user friendly. Not more accurate, but way faster then stopping pushing bottoms to get to the inductance control. Little tweak, and you are good to go. So more advanced units, do not really mean more user friendly.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:Brand X, I nevre thought about that. I can simply unroll the lead or just take the extension out and put it in the box until needed. Thanks. NBDF, I look forward to seeing a video on your 252.
Reply:Thanks for the video! I have also just got the 181I but as luck would have I hurt my back on the job and haven't been able to play as yet. Maybe soon.