I bought two firepower machines. The tig 200 AC/DC and the MST 180i. It's hard to find any good info/reviews on them. Is Firepower owned by esab? It would be nice to here from people who have owned these machines.
Opinions on Firepower 200 AC/DC tig and MST 180i
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SpecKwelds
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The hot-start problem on the 186 is from the two switch pedal, and nothing more.. The piece of Mylar is all there is to having a hot start or not.. Needs took out of the system for correct arc starts.. You can solve most of the problems with the 186, but there are few, that bother some people more then others.
The 186 is excellent on a generator 200 amps output AC/DC tig on a 6000 watt genny. That's as good as it gets by anyone, and probably better..
Good quality Tungstens the 186 is plenty stable.. Like most machines some are better with certain types brands. (IMO) (Shape too)
The 186 is excellent on a generator 200 amps output AC/DC tig on a 6000 watt genny. That's as good as it gets by anyone, and probably better..
Good quality Tungstens the 186 is plenty stable.. Like most machines some are better with certain types brands. (IMO) (Shape too)Attachments
Gamble - See link https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....mioc.com/razorweld-200-ac-dc-digital-tig-inverter-welder-package-kumjrrw200acdc
This is what I was referring to in regards to the different model. Even some of the specs seem different.
Can you clarify what Jasic means when they say the 3-year warranty is limited to the "power source"? Maybe it's easier to list what they exclude from the warranty.
This is what I was referring to in regards to the different model. Even some of the specs seem different.
Can you clarify what Jasic means when they say the 3-year warranty is limited to the "power source"? Maybe it's easier to list what they exclude from the warranty.
That model isn't offered anymore.
Most companies give a 3 year warranty on the power source and 90days - 1 year on accessories. This is pretty standard in the industry but I'm sure someone may do it different.
Yes, now it is. It was originally a brand name used by Thermadyne (or Thermal Dynamics/Thermal Arc). Thermadyne acquired Victor Equipment Co., Tweco Products, Thermal Dynamics, Stoody and other companies. Then the whole shebang was renamed Victor Technologies. Then ESAB bought the lot. Apparently the Firepower branding languished a bit and is now being somewhat revitalized.
Here's the history if you care to read it: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/thermadyne-holding-corporation-history/
I recently bought a Firepower TIG 160s on closeout. It is all but identical to a Thermal Arc 161s. The only difference is in the case (color), front panel badge and included accessories. All the boards and internal parts use the same Thermal Arc part numbers.
Depending on which model of these small inverters you get, it could be branded Thermal Arc, TWECO, Firepower or ESAB. Pick your favorite color.
FYI, the small stick/TIG welders appear to be manufactured by SHANGHAI WTL WELDING Equipment Manufacture Co.,Ltd. http://www.wtl.com.cn/home.aspx Not sure about the MIG welders.
You can use the one off of a Tweco 181/211 SSC controls, or even a Miller pedal with it's 1K pot.. I use a SSC controls Miller 14 pin Pedal on my 8 Pin Esab 252i Just made a 14 to 8 pin adapter to do so.. Works perfect, and better then any machine with the two switch setups.. (trouble IMO)
Their stock pedal is made by SSC. Pretty much the best out there
I use this one, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G8CARG0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It does not have the preview function, you have to set amps on machine before connecting pedal.
It does not have the preview function, you have to set amps on machine before connecting pedal.
lcat0,
Since you have a Firepower 200 can you comment on the previous foot pedal problems as described in this thread? Is there any noticeable lag in response, or erratic jumps between the machine and the pedal when ramping up the amperage?
I do not have any problems with the foot pedal. Mine is Part No. 1442-0025 which I believe is the same as thermal arc 600285 works on the 181i, Firepower 200/Thermal Arc 186 and other thermal arc welders, does not allow preview of amps.
Thermal Arc Part No. W4013200 does allow preview of amps when pedal is connected and is the model some people have had problems with.
Thermal Arc Part No. W4013200 does allow preview of amps when pedal is connected and is the model some people have had problems with.
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It is SSC. I can tell by looking at it. SSC makes pedals for a lot of the Tweco, Thermal Arc, ESAB, Firepower etc. Machines.
Lcat0,
When you bought your 200 did you get (2) additional torch control modules? And if so, do you remember how they were packaged? The reason I ask is I just bought a 200 from NAPA. The outer box came unsecured (not taped). The accessory box inside looked like it had been re-taped closed. And there was only one torch module (on the torch). From all the Firepower product descriptions (and even the picture on the outside box) shows that the unit comes with the (2) additional modules. Trying to get NAPA to address this is going nowhere and when calling ESAB they say I need to go through NAPA. If your unit didn't come with the extra modules then I'll assume that it's the way it's sold through NAPA. But if it did come with the modules and I can't get NAPA or ESAB to make it right then I'll return this unit and request NAPA to provide a replacement.
The module supplied on the torch is the rotary amperage version. What I really want is the momentary on/off module. I'm a new tigger and using the units 2T/4T programs via on/off at the torch will assist me in focusing on my eye/hand coordination and puddle control. After I get that part down I'll change over to a foot pedal.
Any help is appreciated as I have been reluctant to use the welder until I know if I need to return it.
Thanks.
When you bought your 200 did you get (2) additional torch control modules? And if so, do you remember how they were packaged? The reason I ask is I just bought a 200 from NAPA. The outer box came unsecured (not taped). The accessory box inside looked like it had been re-taped closed. And there was only one torch module (on the torch). From all the Firepower product descriptions (and even the picture on the outside box) shows that the unit comes with the (2) additional modules. Trying to get NAPA to address this is going nowhere and when calling ESAB they say I need to go through NAPA. If your unit didn't come with the extra modules then I'll assume that it's the way it's sold through NAPA. But if it did come with the modules and I can't get NAPA or ESAB to make it right then I'll return this unit and request NAPA to provide a replacement.
The module supplied on the torch is the rotary amperage version. What I really want is the momentary on/off module. I'm a new tigger and using the units 2T/4T programs via on/off at the torch will assist me in focusing on my eye/hand coordination and puddle control. After I get that part down I'll change over to a foot pedal.
Any help is appreciated as I have been reluctant to use the welder until I know if I need to return it.
Thanks.
Where did you buy your 200?
I bought it at Autobody Depot in August 2016, I found it for a great price using this thread http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?627161-Firepower-200-ACDC-TIG-(-Thermal-Arc-186-)-question
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