wire feed welder at an auction

SDE · Jan 17, 2015

Thermal ARC 190. Search shows that new it is a $1699 welder.

Here is a copy of the listed data.

Processes: MIG, Flux Cored
Rated Output:
Wire feed speed: 80-700 IPM
Product Type: Arc welders/Mig welders/Flux core welders
Duty Cycle Percentage: 15pct
Duty Cycle Percentage: 30pct
Maximum Voltage: 208
Output Amperage: 190
Work Clamp Included: Yes

Generic Specifications
145Amp at 22V, 30pct Duty Cycle
190 Amp at 23.4V, 15pct Duty Cycle
Amperage range: 30-190 Amp
208V/230V/60Hz/1Ph

The auction picture shows a tall tank mounted on the back.
Some have advised to only buy a Name Brand welder like Miller or Lincoln.
For a person who is not going to use it real often, would this be a good purchase and how much to spend on it also??
Thank you
Steve

jon f mn · Jan 17, 2015

I don't know anything about that one, but I had a thermal arc back when I had my shop and it was a great welder. Welded nicer than the Miller's but was a bit less in the duty cycle. Should be a good welder.

Clodbuster · Jan 17, 2015

Do not bid unless it is DIRT cheap, or you have been able to see it plugged in and working.

Check it out ahead of time if at all possible.

Not a knock on this welder, just advice from experience. I was lucky to learn from someone else's experience!

charlie n · Jan 17, 2015

Can't speak for the welder but they make a tuff plasma cutter.

504 · Jan 17, 2015

If you go to a store and buy a new one the name is now Victor. Sounds like they are a little high on the retail price quote, but still and good welder.
research

Stan in Oly, WA · Jan 18, 2015

Steve;

I've heard that Thermal Arc products are good quality, but I second the warning about buying a wire feed welder unless you can try it first. To buy it at an auction (all sales final, I assume) is a gamble to some degree, and I'm not much interested in gambling. But that's a decision a person has to make for himself.

Several online retailers sell that welder for about $1025, with free shipping. I've included one link.

Let us know what you decide to do, and how it is if you end up with it.

Stan
Cheaper retail price

Fatamus · Jan 18, 2015

The duty cycle seems too short for me.. I like a 35% or higher duty cycle

wire feed welder at an auction

SDE

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jon f mn

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Clodbuster

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charlie n

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504

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Stan in Oly, WA

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Fatamus

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