TA 181i and a cart to haul it around

admin

Well we got a number of new machines for our program the other day. Some of the Thermal Arc 181i 3-in-1's. Since we don't use the small gas bottles, the carts needed to be large and stable enough to allow for this combination. Thought that some of you might enjoy some pics. All of the components are fabricated other than the caster wheels. So I guess we're being a bit "green" with regard to recycling and reusing components as best as possible.The pictures give some idea of individual components and finished assembly. As to the machines, love the arc on the wire. They have plenty of "umphf" to run the .030 solid wire that we have them set-up with. Not quite so impressed with the stick side, E6010 and E6011 are not a friend of these machines. They don't like to stay lit very well. E7018 and E6013 do run really well. Didn't get the tig kits yet so I can't comment on that portion of these machines capabilities, will do so once we have gotten them outfitted for that process. Best regards, Allan Attached Imagesaevald
Reply:how are those three in one's doing so far, and what were you using till got them for a comparison
Reply:I have the 252i and I love it. The lift TIG torch is a bit bulky if you ask me, do yourself a favor and get the foot peddle. I don't have one and it's a challenge to adjust amperage with the thumbwheel. So far though I am in love with it. Just wish it had AC capability, but I am planning on getting a dynasty eventually, so it's fine fir now.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:Hello Ron, we've only had them for about a week and a half, so any comments about how they're holding up wouldn't be very accurate. As to comparisons, we do have a Lincoln Power Mig 180C but even that comparison is a bit of apples to oranges. If I were to comment strictly on the wire portion of the two machines, I personally find the TA to have much better capability, a better arc, and more useable power. Since this machine has an inductance adjustment feature the arc can be tailored very well. I also like the drive roll system a lot, it's all metal construction and very beefy for a machine of it's size. The guns supplied with the two machines are like night and day, the TA has a much nicer gun than the Lincoln. Here again these are pretty short-term observations since we have not had the TA's very long at this point.Later on I'll try to re-visit my impressions on this machine and post it up on here. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Aevald, that's some heavy cart!  I like it!  Also like the bottle angle, makes the cart more stable with the weight distribution.  Been thinking about making a cart for my ArcMaster 200 with the angled bottle thing.  Bob
Reply:Nice cart design!  I like it!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Thanks rhunt, that's exactly why I opted for an angled bottle design. These smaller machines weigh very little so their weight doesn't help to stabilize a cart very well, especially when you have a large bottle on it. Tried to get the stance as wide as a door jamb will allow and keep the weight centered in relation to the four wheels. Angling the machine mount helps with  the operator's ability to see the controls and readily access them. Still need to consider the lead storage issue, will be considering that next. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Thanks Mondo, Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Would definatly be interested in a long term use write up.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:that is one serious damn cart. i think it would handle my bobcat on the top shelf. so far i am quite impressed with my 181i. haven't used the tig side with yet though. i bought the pedal with and haven't hooked it up yet.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Hi folks, I have made a few additional modifications to these carts. Hadn't addressed lead/cord/gun storage and other storage concerns so this is what I came up with. Here are some pictures. On one of the other forums that I frequent one of the other posters made a comment that just about all carts have issues with loading the bottles onto them. I had a "light bulb" moment and will likely address that challenge here shortly. Once I have, I will include pictures of what I came up with. Likely many of you out there might have similar thoughts and hopefully will share them. Best regards, Allan Attached Imagesaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by NoBigDeal Fab So far though I am in love with it. Just wish it had AC capability, but I am planning on getting a dynasty eventually, so it's fine fir now.
Reply:One of things I noticed is that the 201ts as well as the machine you have,is that they came with a much better ground clamp IMO than other machines and find that to be a plus.  Looking forward to updates on the machines.
Reply:Hello Ron, I was very satisfied with both the ground clamp and the electrode holder that came with the machine. Even the gas regulator was a really solid piece of hardware and not like so many of the pieces that come with comparably sized machines. Regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeFor a few hundread dollars more you can add a spoolgun to any of the TA 3 in 1 units. No need for AC and high frequency which would add greatly to the cost  of the machine.