New Thermal Arc 181i Disappointment!

[kevent]

I purchased what I thought was a new unopened box. Funny thing after I opened and unpacked the 181i and ran it. Everything seemed to be OK. I got to looking it over and noticed a scuff mark on top of machine(no problem) then I noticed the screws that hold the cabinet together had a lock washer missing (still no problem) I got to looking at the rest of the screws and it appeared that a screw driver had dinged up all the screws. That tells me it was probably a repaired unit. I have sent Thermal Arc some email. I am waiting for a reply. Really I don't think I will purchase another of their products regardless of their reply. I am dissapointed. I have always purchased Miller products and i've never run into this.

[Jay O.]

You purchased this from a dealer and not directly from TA themselves,right? Could it be more of a dealer issue?

[Brand X]

You purchased this from a dealer and not directly from TA themselves,right? Could it be more of a dealer issue?

I would be more disappointed if it welded like a Miller.

The ones I have seen in person did not have those issues. In fact the built quality was real good. (two machines I looked at)

[Sberry]

I realize it isnt going to be in a demolition derby but I doubt I would lose much sleep over it. A guy could ship it back, send Miller 3 or 400 more and get one spotless,,, hahaha

[Brand X]

I realize it isnt going to be in a demolition derby but I doubt I would lose much sleep over it. A guy could ship it back, send Miller 3 or 400 more and get one spotless,,, hahaha

Miller had a 181i type that they were working on. Try about double the price for something similar. The 181i canceled that idea...

[Sberry]

I havnt ran one, does it weld better than the Miller?

[Brand X]

I havnt ran one, does it weld better than the Miller?

If it's like the Thermal I have, then yes. I have not used one, so I really have no clue as what it welds like. Lot of this is subjective anyway. I guess you would have to ask which Miller?

[mikecwik]

why dont you return it and buy a miller? i probably wouldnt be happy either but to write a company off from what you describe seems a bit hasty. im curious as to where your purchased from and what thermal arcs response is.

[philiprambo]

To treat this problem you must firstly gain full knowledge about it.

[kevent]

why dont you return it and buy a miller? i probably wouldnt be happy either but to write a company off from what you describe seems a bit hasty. im curious as to where your purchased from and what thermal arcs response is.

I spoke to the company I bought it from, they said that they got it from Thermal Ark just like that. The box had never been opened. I sent Thermal Ark mail and have not heard back from them. I spoke with someone else about this problem and was told that the plant they worked for had problems with Thermal Ark and would never use their products. I guess I will wait for a response. If I don't hear from them I will make someone a very good deal on the machine just to get rid of it.

[Hotfoot]

I spoke to the company I bought it from, they said that they got it from Thermal Ark just like that. The box had never been opened. I sent Thermal Ark mail and have not heard back from them. I spoke with someone else about this problem and was told that the plant they worked for had problems with Thermal Ark and would never use their products. I guess I will wait for a response. If I don't hear from them I will make someone a very good deal on the machine just to get rid of it.

Ken, How did this end up? I'm considering one of those machines....

[mikecwik]

no follow through, so from this thread i cant knock the company.
if i wanted to bash a company for sure id come up with more than this.

[Hotfoot]

no follow through, so from this thread i cant knock the company.
if i wanted to bash a company for sure id come up with more than this.

I agree, as to the scuff mark, etc...but he should have gotten SOME response from the company. I hate to think they just blow off customer complaints.

[vicegrip]

Ken, How did this end up? I'm considering one of those machines....

PM him, if he dunt reply, he's wurthy of the RED button.

vg

[BD1]

Where are they made at ? Anybody know ??