Thoughts On The Thermal ARC 185 TIG ???

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Thinking of getting a new TIG machine. I was going to go the transformer route with a Lincoln 225 Precision or a Miller Syncrowave 200. Then ......I was told of the Thermal ARC 185 TIG. A little more money but a better unit???I am a serious hme hobbyist with the possibility of starting a small home based fab shop. I want a machine with AC/DC, pulse and AC balance. Kust welding carbon, stainless and aluminum. Is the Thermal ARC 185 TIG a better machine???
Reply:The TA 185 has a lot of history here and has shown to be a solid machine. You can find plenty to read if you do a search. Look under TA 185, Prowave 185, Arcmaster 185 same machine just newer versions.The TA 185 has more bells and whistles especially when it comes to Al. The TA 185 is very easy to use no hidden menus.Last edited by Jay O; 12-24-2011 at 09:29 PM.Reason: More info
Reply:Many here have one.  DavidR is a pro and swears by his.  I don't have as much experience as many here, but I sold my Synchro 250 and got a used TA185.  I'm very happy with it.  You also get the ability to change AC frequency with the inverters.  You cannot do that on a transformer machine.  As a hobbyist, I love the fact that it sits on top of a fridge in my garage instead of being the same size as it.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I've had a ta185 for almost 6 yrs, its been a fine machine..  As far as it being better that depends, the thermal arc is an inverter, so it weighs around 50lbs, and will use less energy than the transformer machines.. The ta185 will have more features.. You might look into the TA200 or the HTP221.  I have yet to hear anything bad about either of these units, the ta200 is same thing as the ta185 just a bit more power..  I have never used one of the htp machines, but I've heard nothing but good reviews of them.. If i'm not mistaken the htp221 is selling for around $2500..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:My TA-185It has made me a lot of moneyI has never broken. I have never seen the over temp light.  I only tig weld with it using a water cooled torch.  I have better stick machines.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The 185 AC/DC as it is now called has a 200 and 300 in the family priced way under the Miller Dynasty with a nicer arc and a lot quieter. You can turn up the frequency and create a narrow heat effected zone. That means you can weld thicker material with less amps. Take the 185. 1/4" Aluminum..No Problem. Try it with a Lincoln 185. Aint happening. Tons of 185 and 200's in Aero Space applications. Check out the newer Lower Prices.
Reply:I have one it has  worked flawlessly for me in 2 years have yet to stick weld with it.Last edited by nikodell; 12-25-2011 at 08:31 PM.