Hi Searching for a good Thermal Arc tig welder. Understand they were made from about 2005 on up to the Arc master models came out. They bring in good money and hold their value. I know they were bought out and am wondering if they can still be serviced in case they break down like circuit boards? And who services them. today. Is it under ESAB now? Thanks.
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Thermal Arc welders
- Thread starter Orca
- Start date
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I have had one for about 15yrs now. I've never required service, but they were made by Sanrex if that helps.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I believe you're right. I too think that they were bought by ESAB.
Hi Well been kicking tires to find a good Thermal Arc tig welder. Most that are for sale are not able to be tested. So I decided to call Sanrex and got one of their engineers. He was great and worked for Thermal Arc for 20 years until they got bought out. Bottom line is he said almost all the boards are no longer available so used is only source if yo can find them. He referred me to the Sanrex AP 180 which in his estimation is just as good. Prices are friendly too. Only issue I would have is you have to buy a foot pedal separately as most of the line comes with a thumb wheel on the torch. He said Airgas is the distributor of Sanrex units. Thought I would share this info. Thanks.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
That's bad news. I hoped Sanrex would have me covered. *knock on wood*
The rep was excellent on the phone. Answered all my questions. He said to purchase one you have to test it out. Just plugging it in may not show a fault with machine. He said many have issues when they warm up so you have to work it to see if everything is operational as built. He gets calls all the time about them. He said they were built from about 2004 thru 2015 then production stopped. The new Sanrex units do not share the same 9 boards in the 185 up to the Arc master unit. A guy in Canada sells used boards when he can get them. i found one on Craigslist for $2200.00 . Think it will set a while. Yes had my heart set on one but will end up with the new Sanrex unit. Going to my Airgas rep. to see what it will cost me.
Update, I broke down and purchased a new Sanrex 180AP Tig welder to replace my ancient circa 1985 Daytona Mig tig 100 welder. It has served me well but the scratch start is just inconsistent. Tried everything to make it better but at a loss to do anything to make it work better so gave up on it. On the new welder I am a bit confused with the torch head assembly. It is a Pro Grip Torch X model. Uses WP-17 consumables. This torch is air cooled and has controls on the handle. Not clear as to operation of it. Manual shows a fuzzy photo of another model so not helpful. Does anyone know about this torch as to who makes it? I just today purchased the optional foot pedal assembly in case I do not like the torch control style. Also I looked into the power plug they supply for 110volt operation. Plugging in the adapter cord for 110 volt operation Sanrex supplies, I plugged the adapter cord into a 110 volt outlet and discovered voltage coming out of the female end of the cord (6-50P) as follows. Ground lug to shorter spade hole calling it #1 leg has 34.8 volts AC on it, ground lug to longer spade hole calling it #2 leg 50 volts AC. Measuring across #1 leg and #2 leg i get 120 volts AC. A little confused on these readings. is this adapter something more than just wires connected to each assigned end? Thanks.
Hi, I was able to contact Sanrex in Port Washington NY today. They sent me by email a 4 page quick setup guide sheet so I can start using the tig welder. Was transferred to another dept. that verified the ground / neutral wiring necessary to make the welder run correctly. Great support. Thought I would post this. Thanks.