View Full Version : Thermal Arc
MadMax
10-23-2005, 04:57 PM
NOPE, not another 185 thread :D
I'll have some extra cash in a little, and was wondering if anyone had any experiance with the 'fabricator 251'? I found a store on ebay selling them for $1200, same price as the MM210! I love the 210 at school, but an extra 40 amps never hurt anyone :p
-Max
unixadm
10-23-2005, 06:14 PM
This has been asked before - not a lot of people have exerience with the TA Fabricator 251. I've seen mixed reviews on the TA Fabricator 250. The features are pretty good on the Fabricator 251. I think they are blowing them out due to TA changing the color of the units and they want to push the old stock out first.
Another alternative in this price range is the $1299 HTP MIG 2400 which is a 240 amp unit. A few people have those including my buddy and it's a SWEET welder. 24 voltage settings and a really nice wire feed system.
MadMax
10-23-2005, 06:20 PM
This has been asked before - not a lot of people have exerience with the TA Fabricator 251. I've seen mixed reviews on the TA Fabricator 250. The features are pretty good on the Fabricator 251. I think they are blowing them out due to TA changing the color of the units and they want to push the old stock out first.
Another alternative in this price range is the $1299 HTP MIG 2400 which is a 240 amp unit. A few people have those including my buddy and it's a SWEET welder. 24 heat settings and a really nice wire feed system.
niiice. My only complaint about the MM210 is it only has 7 settings, and I am pretty finicky about the heat. I'll definitly look into the HTP..
-Max.
NOPE, not another 185 thread :D
I'll have some extra cash in a little, and was wondering if anyone had any experiance with the 'fabricator 251'? I found a store on ebay selling them for $1200, same price as the MM210! I love the 210 at school, but an extra 40 amps never hurt anyone :p
-Max
I've got one being delivered this coming week; I'll let you know how it looks.
The guy at IOC said the reason for the "blowout" price is because Thermal Arc is upgrading it to a full digital panel for the new model year to match Blue and Red.. Everything else - including the color - stays the same.
So, why did I decide to buy the "blowout", non-digital panel model? Let's see:
1. I've worked with digital equipment (computers, mostly) for 35 years.
2. I still use a microwave with a mechanical timer.
That should explain it... ;)
Kiv
Millermatic 175
Hypertherm 1000
Home-brew cnc plasma table
Brand X
10-23-2005, 08:12 PM
I still use a microwave with a mechanical timer.
That should explain it...
Only to Moody!! :D
unixadm
10-23-2005, 08:34 PM
Ah. Maybe that's where the whole 'color' issue came into play regarding that unit. But I read somewhere it was switching to a silver color - got me.
81Malibu
10-24-2005, 04:41 PM
I was talking to a salesman from Thermal Arc awhile back about the seemingly ever-so-popular TA185 and he said it wasnt CSA approved so it could not be sold in Canada :eek: needless to say i was a little disappointed
hankj
10-24-2005, 06:38 PM
Max,
"Heat" = "amps" = wire speed.
The taps are the voltage settings.
Hank
precisionworks
10-24-2005, 07:12 PM
As others mentioned, the HTP MIG2400 is a superb choice in this price/amp range. Free trial for 90 days. Selectable preflow & postflow, digital meters, four-roll feeder (that EASILY pushes .035 solid for twenty feet), etc.
Plus the best service & support I've ever found :D
I have welded with the Fabricator 251. It is a tap transformer design with the ability to adjust the voltage in 1/2 volt increments and ran every bit as good as my Fabricator 210 that my son and I have ran the last three years. The mig gun supplied is the Tweco Spray Master 250 and it has the following standard features - trigger hold, adjustable burn back, spot weld, and stich timers. The rating is 250 amps 27 volts at 50% duty cycle.
unixadm
10-24-2005, 08:52 PM
Max,
"Heat" = "amps" = wire speed.
The taps are the voltage settings.
Hank
Sorry - I made a typo in my post. Fixed. :)
MadMax
10-24-2005, 09:11 PM
Sorry - I made a typo in my post. Fixed. :)
Very true, I know it's voltage, but I commonly directly assosciate that with the heat..I'll be sure to change my ways :D
And people call TIG the most technologically advanced form of welding :rolleyes: :)
Though, the point remains the same, I'm not to fond of only 7 voltage settings on the 210, haha.
-Max.
EDIT: How is this welder on Spray Transfer? I have never done it, and would most certainly like to try :o
hankj
10-24-2005, 09:22 PM
Max,
Which one, the TA or the HTP?
Actually, it probably nakes no never mind. I'd guess either one will spray just fine with 90/10, and for certain with 98/2.
Hank
BurntOrange
11-02-2005, 07:30 PM
I've got one being delivered this coming week; I'll let you know how it looks.
Kiv
Kiv - any updates on your new Fabricator 251?