Thermal arc 95s/LE 140pro

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Thinking about buying both machines above (new of course) just to get some practice in and run some beads... Opinions? Need 120v capable machines, won't be welding anything that will become under stress... Just to get beads down that's all
Reply:The TA95 is a great little machine.  It's very tiny and light, but it is a bit underpowered.  Was my go to machine for most repairs around the house. A TA161S is a better machine and dual voltage.  They've unfortunately gone up in price since I bought mine new for $450.ESAB makes a 161 that's around $450.  Supposed to be great.
Reply:Houston, why do you specify buying new? Nothing wrong with that, I just think you could get a better welder used.  The only time I buy new is when I know EXACTLY what I want.I agree with D. The TA is nice but a little bit underpowered. I'd look for a 140-160 amp machine with dual voltage input. That's something you can grow with.Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln 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:In a 110v only machine, I think the TA 95 is one of the better units. I'd have to agree with the comment on used. If you have a bit of experience, or have a friend who can go with you to test, buying used isn't a bad option. I picked up my Maxstar 200dx used, sight unseen, from a member here a while back. It was almost new based on the hours on the unit, so I was very confident based on the reputation of Miller machines and it's low hours that I was getting a good machine even though I couldn't test it out in advance. It's probably the nicest 110v stick or tig unit I'd tried. No big surprise considering what they normally go for. I didn't pay anywhere near what it would have gone for new.I've been very happy with my Maxstar and it will run bigger rod on 110v than the TA 95 will. The TA 95 3/32" is about the biggest 7018 rod that will run well. I've run 1/8" 7018 at 125 amps off a 20 amp circuit with the Maxstar. You can tell it doesn't run as hot on 110v power as it does on 220v power though. I was pretty much set at the time on finding a TA 95 for occasional portable work when the Maxstar came along. It was a lot more money, but I think worth every penny I paid and I bet I could easily get 85-95% of what I paid for it today if I wanted to sell it..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:I have a thermal arc 95s. I keep it around for small repairs in situations that I think might put a more expensive machine at risk. I'm not so worried, because I paid 150 bucks for it basically brand new on craigslist. Around your average household there isn't a whole lot of metal thicker than 1/8" and it does fine with that type of stuff. I think the last thing I welded with it was something on a buddies nordic track elliptical machine that was loose and creaking. For just running beads for practice it will work well and the smaller the rod that you use the better you will become. I burn mostly 7014 with it. Make sure that you have a 20 amp breaker, though, because it will flip a 15 amp breaker every 30 seconds or so if you run it maxed out with 3/32 rods.Thermal Arc 211iThermal Arc 201iThermal Arc 95SEverlast 200DXEverlast Powerplasma 50Victor OAVictor portatorch
Reply:Thanks but I've called an electrician to come instal a 230v outlet by my breaker box so I can run a extension from that to my garage. I'm currently in the market for a thermal arc 181 I or 211i....
Reply:I have a 211i as well. I chose that over the 181 for better TIG features.Thermal Arc 211iThermal Arc 201iThermal Arc 95SEverlast 200DXEverlast Powerplasma 50Victor OAVictor portatorch
Reply:The 211 is a good all around machine. All processes run smooth and easy to change functions. The only thing I wish I could do again is not but the Ta tig torch. Don't get me wrong it works well but a ck flex loc with superflex cables would be really nice in comparison. Go for it you won't be disappointed.Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Originally Posted by Austin BennettThe only thing I wish I could do again is not but the Ta tig torch. Don't get me wrong it works well but a ck flex loc with superflex cables would be really nice in comparison. Go for it you won't be disappointed.
Reply:I have been shopping around and I'm pretty sure what I want but $$$ is an issue right now. I would be ok just replacing my torch head and keeping the old handle for now. I need the valve and switch on the handle for lack of a pedal. But I am thinking of fabbing up a simple on off switch foot pedal so all I need would be a valve. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter