The PowerArc140ST as a Tig welder

[Cobrajet]

I am considering buying the PowerArc 140ST to use as a TIG welder. I stick weld better than I Mig weld and I can stick weld 18ga steel. For general sheet metal I have been using a Lincoln SP-100 mig welder. Once I get the wire speed and heat right I can lay some beads. I want to start tig welding. I would be tig welding my body work on a '66 Bronco.

How good of a stick welder does the Everlast PowerArc 140ST make compared to the PowerTig 185micro? I know that I would need AC for aluminum and magnesium. Aside from the welding of aluminum and magnesium is there any advantages to the PowerTig 185micro for the welding of thin steel and cast iron?

[Titan winch]

The PowerArc 140ST is a nice little machine but if i wanted to use primarily TIG i would get the 160STH . This has both hf and lift start for tig , built in gas solenoid with front panel connections for the gas line.
Regulator is also included
The option of adding a foot control pedal is also a added plus.
In addition it puts out higher amps on both 110v and 220v . And of course you have the Tig /Stick to 160 amps on 220v
It comes supplied in a similar black plastic carry case to that of the 140ST

Cheers
Duncan

[Cobrajet]

The PowerArc 140ST is a nice little machine but if i wanted to use primarily TIG i would get the 160STH . This has both hf and lift start for tig , built in gas solenoid with front panel connections for the gas line.
Regulator is also included
The option of adding a foot control pedal is also a added plus.
In addition it puts out higher amps on both 110v and 220v . And of course you have the Tig /Stick to 160 amps on 220v
It comes supplied in a similar black plastic carry case to that of the 140ST

Cheers
Duncan

So the 160STH has these additional features that the 140ST lacks. What am I giving up to your line of tig welders as opposed to stick welders that convert to tig?

[Cobrajet]

http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/...cpZZ2QQtppZZ16

[Rodsmachineshop]

the old Lincoln buzz box to me is the best stick welder ever made . still have my old Lincoln over 30 years old and still working

[SeanMurphy265]

I use my Power Arc 140st more than any of my other welders. I mostly use it to stick weld, but I do like to tig with it every now and then. It's a handy package to take out and be running fairly quick. The only downside to a touch start setup like the Power Arc 140st is you can waste gas if you forget to turn the gas off. I could see where having a gas valve is needed if you are going to be using it as a tig welder. Everyone who has ever seen me us that welder has always asked where I bought it and how much it cost.

[Rodsmachineshop]

its funny i turn off my valve,s with out thinking but forget to turn them on when i weld lol

[EchoSixMike]

Can't speak to the 140, but was using my 160STH last night for a stick weld repair and setup/take down is 5 minutes. Can't figure how you'd be significantly faster with the 140.

If you plan on doing any significant amount of TIG, I wouldn't even think about skipping HF start and gas control via solenoid with the 140. S/F.....Ken M

[Rodsmachineshop]

I think getting a tig would be better like a 200dx then to stick weld is fast to switch .

[Cobrajet]

I am used to scratch start so I don't know what I would gain from having the "HF-start".

What does the built in gas solenoid do?

On my mig welder I habitually turn the gass off when I am done welding and double check that the valve is closed.

While welding, in between laying beads am I wasting more gass with no built-in gas solenoid as opposed to having one?

I am associating the foot control with a reostat. I use one for my drills and die-grinder. When porting cylinder heads and intake manafolds I absolutely need to throttle my cutting-bit down. Sewing machines have reostat foot-pedals.

What are the additional controls on the Tig machines that the better stick machines such as the 160SHT lacks?

[Cobrajet]

200:
-adjustable 2T/4T
-up/down slope
-fully adjustable pulse function, up to 250hz
-compatible with cooler

185micro:
-automatic preflow and post flow
-true square wave eliminates need for continuous HF

200DX:
-pulse

250EX:
-high pulse frequency .5-500hz
-expanded AC cleaning range

What do these features mean for the welding of steel?

[performance]

I would point out that nearly all TIG welders also support stick with the exception of our PT 185 and the Diversion series. The process is nearly identical, and even the old Syncrowaves would make a fairly good stick welder. And nearly all DC stick machines make a good tig welder if you'll settle for a lift or scratch start, which is what you'll likely use in a commercial, field situation anyway. If you want good DC output, and portability, without a lot of extra things to go wrong, the 140 is an excellent choice.

[everlastsupport]

200:
-adjustable 2T/4T
-up/down slope
-fully adjustable pulse function, up to 250hz
-compatible with cooler

185micro:
-automatic preflow and post flow
-true square wave eliminates need for continuous HF

200DX:
-pulse

250EX:
-high pulse frequency .5-500hz
-expanded AC cleaning range

What do these features mean for the welding of steel?

None of those features are really required for steel. Some give more control and aluminum capability. All of our TIG units will do steel and like Mark said all list have MMA/SMAW capabilities.

[Titan winch]

If you are more interested in the TIG functions from the two Welders then hands down the 160STH is the way to go.
While you still have the small compact design the 160STH has a lot more to offer for TIG function , and stick if it comes to that
Operating on 110v it performs a little better at 93.5 amps output and 160amps on 220v gives a bit of punch for thicker materials.
the option of adding a foot pedal while not really necessary for this type of portable unit , still adds a nice upgrade if required.
The option of either HF or Lift ( HF is the preffered method by far ) is also a big plus.
Cheers
Duncan

[everlastsupport]

I just posted a couple pictures here. 15th post.

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...8869#post28869

[undercut]

Doesn't look like the manual for the 160STH is up on the website yet. I remember EchoSixMike mentioning he liked the post flow from his unit. From what I've been reading, it looks like the gas flow on the 140 is pretty much controlled from the manual gas valve on the TIG torch as the unit doesn't have its own gas solenoid. To stop welding, you need to pull away and break the arc. If you don't have a foot pedal for the 160STH, how do you stop welding and take advantage of the post flow and gas solenoid stopping the gas?

[everlastsupport]

If you don't have a foot pedal for the 160STH, how do you stop welding and take advantage of the post flow and gas solenoid stopping the gas?

You let go of the trigger and it stops the welding process and post gas will run. Just like the pedal.

[undercut]

You let go of the trigger and it stops the welding process and post gas will run. Just like the pedal.

But with the trigger, it is on/off and doesn't control amperage, right? Need the pedal for that? Sorry for all the questions but certain individuals in these forums have got me looking at the 160sth when I really shouldn't be ....

[performance]

Correct, it is always on/off, with no amp control on the torch with this model. Foot pedal always controls from 5 to160 amp range without any limit from the panel.