First welds with Thermal Arc 202

[SBK]

Well not exactly welds but beads !

2mil ally using 1.6 ceriated Tungsten 1.6 filler.

My first go with with a Tig.

Let the ribbing commence.

 

[justmental]

if thats your first attempt on aluminium its good.

 

[SBK]

thanks its actually my first at welding anything.
Had a sip mig welder for 6 years and it looks like new.! Never used it.

 

[Seano]

Top weld, third of the way down your "dimes" are stacking really well, that kind of consistency is what you are aiming for, keep at it mate, it will come, well done.

 

[SBK]

Thanks, I was just getting the feel for it when I contaminated the tungsten and missus called time on the fun and games.
Will get some more laid tomorrow.

 

[FranV8]

Nice work. So many of us seem to have our first aluminium experiences on some dodgy extrusion we have lying around!

Looked up that machine. Looks like a bargain with a huge amount of functionality. Do you have the thumb wheel current control on yours? (pics of the machine and torch would be good if I could be so cheeky!)

 

[Mid Wales welder]

You be a natural if that's your first go at welding! Does help that you have a good machine but I wouldn't let that take anything from it. Keep at it.

 

[SBK]

Nice work. So many of us seem to have our first aluminium experiences on some dodgy extrusion we have lying around!

Looked up that machine. Looks like a bargain with a huge amount of functionality. Do you have the thumb wheel current control on yours? (pics of the machine and torch would be good if I could be so cheeky!)

Cheers.
Yeah it was going to be this or the R-Tech and although there are good reviews
for the R/T I went with this as thermal arc are a well known and long standing brand.
I think it worked out a bit more also as I paid extra for a Pedal but Adam at United welding in norwich did me a good deal and included some consumables
Top man

Pics as requested Bud.

 

[SBK]

You be a natural if that's your first go at welding! Does help that you have a good machine but I wouldn't let that take anything from it. Keep at it.

Thanks very much, I think the machine takes the credit though and Jody and Mr Tig.

 

[FranV8]

Thanks, that's a super looking set up. I'd have considered it against the Rtech I bought. Rtech a super unit, but for a few more pounds you do get more on the Thermal Arc. Compared to their other models that looks a lot more value.

 

[SBK]

Thanks, that's a super looking set up. I'd have considered it against the Rtech I bought. Rtech a super unit, but for a few more pounds you do get more on the Thermal Arc. Compared to their other models that looks a lot more value.

If you decide to make a change your more than welcome to come test drive mine mate.

 

[Badger1bear]

That thermal arc 202 looks like a definite toy for the future might have to have a word with the boss

 

[FranV8]

Cheers SBK, we can't be that far apart for a chinwag sometime.

 

[SBK]

Cheers SBK, we can't be that far apart for a chinwag sometime.

am near st neots.

 

[SBK]

A few more pics

Had a go with my new gadget at a Fillet weld on 8mm steel using a 2.4 2% lanthanated Tungsten.Is the colour of the weld indicative of too much heat?
Also how many more passes would you make on this thickness on steel if it
was for a proper piece of work ?

Second pic is an old drive shaft which i cut in half then beveled each piece and stuck together (over did it with the grinder though).

3rd a few more beads

4th is a bike frame which had a dent in the side and thought it would be good practice to try and fill it with weld rather than Filler.
It surprised me just how much weld it took to bring up enough to grind back
to flat.It wasnt nice stuff to weld at all.

I am using the standard supplied 26 torch but its a bit unweildy If thats a word ? Is there a slightly more flexible torch that will cope with up to
200amps?

Thanks All

 

[overload]

SBK, don't know if it's any help to you but there is lots of discussion about the machine on Weldingweb.com, they call it the TA 186 over there.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

looks good, will keep it in mind if i ever need to weld ALLI

 

[SBK]

SBK, don't know if it's any help to you but there is lots of discussion about the machine on Weldingweb.com, they call it the TA 186 over there.

Thanks I will check it out.

 

[antonio costa]

Hi.
After owning the 202 for more than one year how well did it work? Any problems with it? I'm asking because I'm trying to decide between the Thermal Arc and the parweld 202.
Regards,
Antonio Costa

 

[Richard.]

Hi.
After owning the 202 for more than one year how well did it work? Any problems with it? I'm asking because I'm trying to decide between the Thermal Arc and the parweld 202.
Regards,
Antonio Costa

This is quite an old thread, you might have more joy sending SBK a pm with your question.
I've seen some of his recent welding in the cup walking thread and if he is using the same machine I'd say he is getting on very well with it.