Thermal arc fabricator 252i

[Kent]

Anyone used or owned one of these 3 in 1 machines. Seems to have all I want with regards duty and power requirements portability, features etc. in fact all it wont seemingly do is AC TIG but that wont ever be a big earner for me and it does have a spool gun interface for the MIG side UK service centre is listed as Chorley (only about 30 miles from me) so decent repair turnaround if required shouldn't be too stressful .

The only bit that scares me is the longer term durability especially with all that built in electrickery in the field but research of the main company seems to suggest the 2 yr warranty will be backed and after that it will have more than paid its way in life and it is IP23s rated for outdoors.

 

[Mr shiney]

I have the 181i and have used it extensively for the last two years. Can't fault it.

Only failure was a microswitch in the Tweeco gun. Fixed for £2 but actually £40 as I bought a Binzel Ergo 250amp as the consumables are easier to get and the Binzel is lovely to use.

 

[Kent]

what level of performance can you get out of your 181 as regards real world duty in the shop? Also do you ever use it on 13 amp supplies, is it effective enough on the lower supply? I am just thinking on about a pair if I can wangle the right deal as the 252i is quite a hefty unit to move about if there is no requirement for higher power or an adequate supply is not available

 

[Mr shiney]

what level of performance can you get out of your 181 as regards real world duty in the shop? Also do you ever use it on 13 amp supplies, is it effective enough on the lower supply? I am just thinking on about a pair if I can wangle the right deal as the 252i is quite a hefty unit to move about if there is no requirement for higher power or an adequate supply is not available

The most I have welded single pass is 6mm. I have welded multiples thicker stuff but I am really only welding in the .8 to 5mm region with it. It is really easy to transport, I use a PD size cylinder with it and a 16amp to 13amp converter plug when I need to run it from a 13amp socket. In my metal thickness range it has run fine.

It produces level even welds with proper penetration and is dead easy to set up. It has a setting chart printed inside the wire feed door which is bang on and I used it a lot in the early days. Now I just know what works as I have used it often enough. It takes the 5kg drums of wire and the feed is suberb. I am running a 4m Binzel torch on it as I mentioned and its as smooth as anything.

 

[Kent]

Thanks, just got an invite to test the machines in question all looks good on the tech numbers .