new thermal arc 186 coming my way

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i was in the market for a tig machine and after some looking around and getting a heads up from al (drf) i decided on the ta 166 package from indiana oxygen supply. there was a guy on craigslist selling basically the same thing but for a little more cash than his lowest price i can have brandy new in the box. no tax and free shipping doesn't hurt either.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Nice.  Post up your thoughts on it after you set it up. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:I think you will like it.  I have the Longevity 200EX which is pretty much the same machine.
Reply:congrats!!Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Nice! I'd be interested to hear your first hand experience with it. I got a thermal arc 201TS a few weeks ago, and I am thoroughly satisfied with it (it has surpassed my expectations). Seriously considering replacing my dialarc HF now with an inverter, leaning hard towards the HTP 221dvLast edited by sausage450r; 06-11-2014 at 12:12 AM.'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:Originally Posted by sausage450r leaning hard towards the HTP 221dv
Reply:I do a lot of mobile and teaching, they are thin A/C and DC repairs when I do them (civil aircraft stuff) DV would pay for itself fast, plus its only a couple $$ more. can a stardard water cooler, like a miller radiator 1 be hooked up to it without re-engineering the wheel? S'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:Congrats Joe. The TA185 I told you to grab is a bit different, but you did the right thing.  Nothing like a warranty, especially with an inverter. The 185 is a tough little Japanese unit.  I've been through two used 185's without a single issue.  My current machine is the big brother of the 185.  The 186 is like a cousin. Now we gotta find u a tank.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Congrats Joe. The TA185 I told you to grab is a bit different, but you did the right thing.  Nothing like a warranty, especially with an inverter. The 185 is a tough little Japanese unit.  I've been through two used 185's without a single issue.  My current machine is the big brother of the 185.  The 186 is like a cousin. Now we gotta find u a tank.
Reply:Originally Posted by sausage450rI do a lot of mobile and teaching, they are thin A/C and DC repairs when I do them (civil aircraft stuff) DV would pay for itself fast, plus its only a couple $$ more. can a stardard water cooler, like a miller radiator 1 be hooked up to it without re-engineering the wheel? S
Reply:finally the new welder is home. i don't know enough about electricity to attempt running a dedicated line so the electrician from work is doing it tomorrow. Attached Imagesi.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Awesome Joe!!!!   I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Excellent! New welding toys Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:my thought was to have the 220 outlet in the basement where i can heli-arc. if i need to do any stick welding i can run a heavy extension cord outside to the back yard or unheated garage. i'm not sure about having the argon tank in the cellar. i guess i could chain the tank outside and run the hose inside. does anyone have a tig set-up inside?i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by docweldermy thought was to have the 220 outlet in the basement where i can heli-arc. if i need to do any stick welding i can run a heavy extension cord outside to the back yard or unheated garage. i'm not sure about having the argon tank in the cellar. i guess i could chain the tank outside and run the hose inside. does anyone have a tig set-up inside?
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarYou'd have to replace the gas fitting on a water-cooled torch setup for a Miller.  So the cooler itself is not the problem, it's the gas fitting that Miller machines have on the panel.  Those [Miller] use a male B-size 5/8-18 thread (can't remember if it's LH or RH) at the end of the gas hose that goes into the machine.  The gas hose going to the HTP Invertig221 needs to have a female metric fitting that you'd have to get from HTP.
Reply:My tigs in my garage Joe.  No problem. Argon is an inert gas.  No issues with it being in the basement.  Nothing like fuel gas or oxygen. Just go for it.  No sparks with tig welding.
Reply:Me too Joe. TIG in the basement. No issues. I do keep a fire watch after welding though. will go back and check everything after an hour to make sure nothing is smoldering.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:thanks al and louie. i really hadn't given much thought about tank placement till last nite. this am i made a quick run to prest-o-sales on my chow break and picked up a 300cf argon tank so down in the cellar it goes. idk if a smoke detector down there would make me sleep easier, i probably couldn't hear it on the 2nd or third floors anyway but it couldn't hurt. the electrician comes thurs to run a 220 line and then i'll be good to go.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Nice.  Did you get a stubby gas lens kit or a short Pyrex cup kit for that baseball bat they call a wp26 welding torch? If not, it will make things more difficult in terms of torch kinematics.   1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarNice.  Did you get a stubby gas lens kit or a short Pyrex cup kit for that baseball bat they call a wp26 welding torch? If not, it will make things more difficult in terms of torch kinematics.
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelderthanks al and louie. i really hadn't given much thought about tank placement till last nite. this am i made a quick run to prest-o-sales on my chow break and picked up a 300cf argon tank so down in the cellar it goes. idk if a smoke detector down there would make me sleep easier, i probably couldn't hear it on the 2nd or third floors anyway but it couldn't hurt. the electrician comes thurs to run a 220 line and then i'll be good to go.
Reply:How the hell are you carrying that 300 down your basement?I'm in shape and have a tough time moving around/lifting/loading a 250 myself.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255How the hell are you carrying that 300 down your basement?I'm in shape and have a tough time moving around/lifting/loading a 250 myself.
Reply:Originally Posted by sausage450rthe only worry with argon in a basement is suffocation. say it leaks out of the bottle. argon is heavier than air, usually basements aren't ventilated low, could be a suffocation hazard. It would take a mass release to be a real issue.Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveYeah "mass release" is right Just to fill a 25' x 25' basement 1 foot deep with Argon would take 625 cubic feet of gas - mighty big tank
Reply:Originally Posted by Oscaror just do a 100% over fill on a 330 tank, lol.  Would be sweet if you could do that *safely*.  It's not like the regulators can't take it.  Most have scales that read upwards of 4000+ psi.
Reply:thats why I said "would be sweet if..."    mostly regarding the tank capacity for welding purposes, not to snuff someone, lolLast edited by Oscar; 06-18-2014 at 01:26 PM. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:IMHO......the 186 is a pretty good machine for the $$$.
Reply:Please forgive me as I now go into thread highjack mode. Why is the TA 186 considered a good machine (made in China) and the other Chinese stuff (longevity, everlast, eastwood, etc.) all considered junk?Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Please forgive me as I now go into thread highjack mode. Why is the TA 186 considered a good machine (made in China) and the other Chinese stuff (longevity, everlast, eastwood, etc.) all considered junk?
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleSome people like to bitch more than others about certain products.
Reply:I don't use a torch with controls.The 186 has a nicer pedal. The 200ex is better in all other ways. No jumping of the arc, added features for stick. Up to 250hz up to 100 amps. I think up to 150amps you get up to 200hz and over that you get 150hz.200ex with a SSC pedal would be the best bet. Wish it was possible.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:so how does the new machine work for you?'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:Originally Posted by sausage450rso how does the new machine work for you?
Reply:that's gotta suck.   I'm sure you're itching to try it out already.  I would have ran the wires/breaer for ya if I were closer (as in your neighbor), but not from Texas. lol. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by Oscarthat's gotta suck.   I'm sure you're itching to try it out already.  I would have ran the wires/breaer for ya if I were closer (as in your neighbor), but not from Texas. lol.
Reply:I find that the 186 is a fine machine...........had mine for about a month now. Just upgraded to a CK Superflex lead with a #!7 torch!!!
Reply:Joe,Check your pm and email.
Reply:Originally Posted by rahtreelimbsI find that the 186 is a fine machine...........had mine for about a month now. Just upgraded to a CK Superflex lead with a #!7 torch!!!
Reply:So, What's up DOC?  Any updates?
Reply:my electrician friend from work just left after looking at my breaker box. i have a short list of stuff to buy at home despot. it's frustrating when someone you know says," don't worry i'll hook you up and it won't cost you."i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:ok. i got power to my new welder this afternoon and i fired it up. using the operating manual i got a rough start with some old steel scraps i had laying around. there's a few features that i don't have the faintest idea how to set. like slope and wave balance. it all seemed so straightforward at zap's. it's going to be a long learning curve.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Is this your first tig welder?  If so, just stick to the basics, no need to adjust everything all at once.  Main amperage, pre-flow, post flow. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarIs this your first tig welder?  If so, just stick to the basics, no need to adjust everything all at once.  Main amperage, pre-flow, post flow.
Reply:It would do you much good to watch videos on youtube from "weldingtipsandtricks.com", especially the ones on inverter settings.  [Not that all the settings are exclusive to inverters, but he seems to go over them more so when not using inverters, which is rare]  There are also videos on www.weldingtipsandtricks.com that I believe are not on the youtube channel.  Those and the ones from Miller on youtube are very helpful.  The rest are hit-and-miss, some are great, some are not so great.Last edited by Oscar; 06-30-2014 at 08:54 PM. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Leave the slope alone if you use the foot pedal and 2t mode. That's what I use 100% of the time. Balance i set to 30 (plus/minus a few depending on the application)Pre flow .7, post flow 3 or 4 secondsFrequency I set from 70-98hz as I like the lower side. Freq and balance are AC functions only. For DC, set the pre & post flow, and amperage, that's it. Let me know if you have any other questions, I use this machine daily.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:Set your post flow with enough time to shield the tungsten from turning colors. Could be quite a bit more then 3-4 seconds. Most thin aluminum 120 hz is a good setting. How clean your aluminum, and rod will somewhat determine how much wave balance you can run.. I run setting of 20 to 25 quite a bit. Keeps the tungsten shape, and puts more heat(Time) into the work and out of the torch/tungsten.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:bx; last nite i did notice the tungsten turning blue so bumped up p.f. to 5 sec and it seemed to work.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleLeave the slope alone if you use the foot pedal and 2t mode. That's what I use 100% of the time. Balance i set to 30 (plus/minus a few depending on the application)Pre flow .7, post flow 3 or 4 secondsFrequency I set from 70-98hz as I like the lower side. Freq and balance are AC functions only. For DC, set the pre & post flow, and amperage, that's it. Let me know if you have any other questions, I use this machine daily.