[trackbird]

http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcfa18miw.ht...CFQ-raQod4_cC3w

Victor Technologies bought Thermal Arc, Thermal Dynamics, Tweco (and I'm not sure what else). They rebranded the Thermal Arc Fabricator series welders as "Tweco" machines. Cyberweld is clearing out the Fabricator 181i. It's an inverter powered Mig/Tig/Stick welder (36 lbs). The tig is DC only and the parts are optional. It comes set up for Mig/Stick. I haven't had a chance to weld with mine yet, but I purchased one (as a portable stick machine if nothing else). I may get to it tonight. I figured I'd mention it in case anybody else was looking for a 180 amp Mig. It's 220v only, that's the only thing it's missing (no dual voltage). The Tweco torch looks to be a good quality piece and the unit looks decent.

$599 until they are gone. Figured I'd share in case anybody else might want one.

[99TAToy]

I haven't welded in over a decade but this welder is tempting. If I decide to get back in the game - Any advice (wire, settings, etc) for basic 16 to 10 gauge mild steel mig projects?

[trackbird]

I haven't welded in over a decade but this welder is tempting. If I decide to get back in the game - Any advice (wire, settings, etc) for basic 16 to 10 gauge mild steel mig projects?

I'm still playing with that. The only issue I'm finding is that the setting chart inside the door seems to be a bit "off". I've been running some test welds and trying to adjust to settings I prefer.

I'd buy .030 diameter wire for the 16-10 gauge stuff. I'm running .035 in mine, but I have a spool of fresh .030 wire out in the garage and I think I'm going to switch it out. Looking at the settings on the door, I wonder if they are "off" on the .035 settings (they look "odd" based on the settings for .030" wire) and maybe that's the issue I'm currently fighting.

There's a handy Mig voltage/wire speed calculator here:

https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/weld-...ding-calculator

Edit:

I swapped to .030 wire and then I noticed that I had the polarity backwards on the machine (I know better....I've been Mig welding for years and I just finished a couple classes...so I'm just dumb). Once I swapped the polarity it is back to running great. The chart for .035 wire still looks a little "off" to me, but I'll have to try it before I say that for certain.