ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- Situation: Overthinking Which TIG Welder to get. I went with the PrimeWeld and here's why.
VETERANS: PrimeWeld may offer you a discount if you call! - Thanks to Joe G for that tip!
Also right this second as I'm posting the AHP 203XI is down to $725, which may be a screaming deal if the torch isn't your thing.
======TIG. Finalists ======
PrimeWeld 225X (accessories and warranty) bit.ly/3eq5SAy
WeldPro (best accessories) bit.ly/3l8wION
AHP 203XI (the future) bit.ly/3rLoezW
===== Other TIGS I considered =====
Everlast 185DV (5 year warranty) bit.ly/3vgzO8d
YesWelder 250 bit.ly/3tcmM9M (use code MikeFestiva to get 10% off)
Lotos Tig 200ACDCP amzn.to/3rGIoe3
======. Discontinued ========
The AHP201 was discontinued just as I finished making this! It was a screaming deal at $600
AHP 201XD NO LONGER OFFERED
Good video. Like that you are to the point and don’t just talk to hear your self. Helping me choose!
Well it's been about 17 years for me since I have done any welding, but like you I have been checking them all out. I also have decided to go with this machine however it will be December before I order mine because I just put out for a Mig machine, well happy welding. I hope we made the right choice 😂. Keep us updated on any problems or concerns.
I'm really enjoying mine still! Weirdly it's also getting me to use my harbor freight cheapo mig welder a lot more too!
I recently got the weldpro and love it. I am new to TIG welding and don't have the knowledge to really compare it to anything but I love how small and light it is, fits in my garage shop really well with an 80cu ft bottle and small harbor freight welding cart. It's nice when shop space is a big factor.
Heck of a writeup, thanks for sharing. Glad you found something that works for you. The PrimeWeld is definitely big and I really like that WeldPro too.
I had a Hobart ac/dc machine for years and purchased the Primeweld ac/dc and I couldn't be happier' The welder runs really smooth. It also has a torch switch for the times you cannot use the foot pedal.
I really like the switch! Almost never use the pedal anymore
Grate video !!!! i was going to make this video to answer these questions but i don't think i can top how thorough you where so i will be referring people to this video. nice work .
I have had my primeweld since Jan.and think it’s hard to beat for the price with 225 amps. I put a everlast 300 water cooler and ck true turn head torch on it and just love it. One week later primeweld came out with a cooler. I believe you made the right choice. Enjoy
Man, you just missed that timing, but it happens. Glad to know when they added that, I was wondering. Their website still doesn't show the Cooler plug!
thanks for posting your comments , I'm looking for a nice entry level tig machine and your break down really sizes up the pro's and cons between these machines . I'm struggling with adding the new ahp 225xI machine with the flex head tig torch and analog controls on the panel!! This ahp machine is my hands down choice , except on the terms of return shipping being paid by the customer if it breaks down under warranty , and this is a big issue to me , perhaps the most important issue !!!!!! What good is a warranty if you need to pay large amounts of up front shipping costs to have your machine repaired if something goes wrong !!!! Without a doubt, I believe that the Primeweld machine is a good product from reading the reviews !!!! Thanks again for sharing your evaluation of these machines and I want to emphasize that I did not know about the repair shipping arrangements until I watched your video , so , I thank you especially for that tip !!!!
One call to Primeweld sealed the deal for me. The staff are willing to answer questions and are fast to call back without you leaving a message. Really surprised me. I purchased a 225 Tig at my local welding supply on 06/30 and was able to look over the mig 180 as they stock and display them . I spoke with Gene at Primeweld today 07/14 and ordered the 180 with a 15 foot torch and covers for both. Working on a cart with a US General 26" box. Next machine will be a CUT60 from Primeweld. Palmers welding uses the Mig 180 in their welding classes, Thanks for the video.
Fantastic video , I have drawn similar conclusions about primeweld. I’m getting ready to make my final decision on a welder and it is between 2 primeweld machines. Like you the warranty has made the decision easier.
Still haven't needed the warranty after 3 months! Hope you enjoy whatever you choose. TIG is fun.
Thanks for taking the time to share your research - very helpful! These full-featured, entry-level, TIG setups are great! I've got a 2015 AHP Alpha Tig 200x - I've upgraded to a genuine SSC foot pedal and a CK Worldwide model 17 torch with Furick accessories. Very happy with this setup although I've got a fair amount of $ into everything. Bought all of this after the main board failed on my Lincoln Precision TIG and Lincoln wanted over $1,000 for a replacement board - ironically marked "rev 2.0" so they CLEARLY knew that "rev 1.0" [which is the one that failed on my] was not up to snuff. I don't mind paying for the replacement board after the machine is out of warranty, but $1,000+ when you tacitly acknowledge problems with the board that was shipped with the machine. I purchase a lot of Miller equipment, but will NEVER purchase another Lincoln. Regardless, these inexpensive TIG machines are great and the Lincoln Precision TIG makes a nice welding cart to set the Alpha TIG on.
Lincoln Electric needs to read your post. $1,000.00 + for a board what BS, Miller does it too. Crooks!
The prime weld has amazing customer service and it is a really kick ass torch love the machine and seems to work for me as I’m learning TIG. Been everything I can ask for.
I made the same choice and was looking at all the same machines! Prime weld is sick!! I love it
I have thoroughly enjoyed mine....can't stop buying and making accessories for it.
Thanks much for the review and video. I'm on the fence too with the AHP and Primeweld.
Agree with your assessment and plan to get the PrimeWeld. I even have the same Harbor Freight welder as you, so the size comparison is useful. Also have an Eastwood MIG that can use gas which has been alright, but I really want TIG. I think the customer service and reviews of the PrimeWeld as well as the interface push the PrimeWeld to the top for me.
Great video. I too went through the same arduous task researching the same welders. I wound up going with the AHP 203xi after they dropped the price to $700. The primeweld 225 was tied for #1 in my book for awhile. Time will tell on the durability of the AHP digital display. I got it just the other day and haven’t been able to strike an arc yet but looking forward to it soon. Nice job and happy welding!
Yeah if the 203xi had been $700 when I was looking I would have done the exact same thing!
Hope you like it, I'm really impressed they can get it at that price point. In the future you might look at the CK flex torch, I love that thing. But on the other hand I don't know that I don't like the AHP.
Happy metal melting
hey bud. are you liking the 203?
Honestly I prefer the prime weld due to its interface. You can set the knobs on it and leave them be and it will continue to work the same even if you turn it off and back on. With some of the digital interface ones sometimes you have to go through and set settings every time you turn it on. And all the settings you can get to without flipping through menus. But that's just me.
I hadn’t thought about this, but that is an amazing feature
Perfect video lol, literally been overthinking which of these welders to buy for months, glad its not just me.
Yeah, I spent wayyyy too much time looking into them. Hope you find one you like (they're all probably fine). I do really like that CK flexi torch head now that I have actually held it and used it.
Oh, you're definitely not alone. Had my Syncrowave 250 ffry the transformer. I know I need a new machine, but couldn't pull the trigger. Finally just ordered the PW today...jobs stacking up. Hoping for the best!
I've been over thinking for months myself. I think I want to do a combo welder tho. Plasma, tig and stick
@@ajg4542 FWIW I thought the same thing. And then realized combo rigs do maybe one or no things really well. I bought the Vulcan OmniPro220 when it first came out, and I run it hard a a MIG machine (& love it). But it's not a great TIG machine and stick is just ok. Plus switching gas and leads is a pain, especially back and forth within the day.
I'm really glad I bought the PrimeWeld 225X for TIG. First machine was DOA, bu they were easy to talk with on the phone and sent replacement machine immediately, which runs perfectly. Hope this info helps. Best, Andrew @BranchAndFoundry
@@snaph how does the stahlwerks compare
I battled the same decision a couple months ago. I chose the AHP 201xd, shipped to me for 675$. It has been great I have no complaints.
Some of those amp requirement specs are talking about like max in rush amp draw at machines max power. I run my AHP all the time at 120-130amps on 120v with no issues.
They seem like solid machines. Right as I was making it they were clearancing out the 201 for $600. They even still list it for sale, but with a big DO NOT BUY on it lol
th-cam.com/video/p_BmUWsoDGU/w-d-xo.html
Great info. I went through the same process. Ended with the AHP.
Right on, it looks like a great welder too.
Very nice machine and i want to learn so this seems to be my choice as well. I liked your style and how you used the charts. Thank you
Thanks! Hope you enjoy. It's a lot of fun.
good for you bro! Anything to get you welding! I have the yeswelder 250p and so far love it. I will admit the interface is very small when you start using it daily. I really like their stuff, seems to ber the latest and greatest features that work.
They are definitely a good addition to the market. I really like the reviews and tips Mike Festiva does on their stuff. I definitely considered it, but wanted the CK torch. What do you think of the torch it comes with? I really like their multi-process welders.
I was gonna get yeswelder 250p too but the display was small and its only 220v, also you have to program the machine to recognize the foot pedal every time. So i got the weldpro.
@@snaph I got a ck torch and hose. The stock torch is just a backup
I just ordered the Weld Pro Tig200 ACDC. The Primeweld may have a better warranty but I wanted more repeatability with a digital interface. So far Weld Pro customer service has been amazing as well. I called them asking questions and they sent me 2 PDF’s on recommended settings, setup and where to get consumables. Very impressed so far.
Right on man, hope it serves you well. I do like the looks of the Weld Pro interface for sure!
@@snaph Thanks. I appreciated your video though. Have you been enjoying your Primeweld?
Absolutely. Spent about 6 hours with it this weekend. Finally getting a lot better with it…sometimes. Not dipping the tip as much at least!
Personally I would recommend the Ahp 203... the nova swivel torch it comes with would be more useful than a flex head. I would recommend prime weld if you need additional amperage or prefer analog controls. Weld pro would be 3rd in my book.
Thank you for the video. I was comparing those machines as well, but decided to get the weldpro. It used to be $798 before february. Weldpro is made by linlong, who makes eastwoods machines, one of them is, not sure if all their line up is made by linlong. I carbon fiber vinyl wrapped mine because i couldn't stand all the yellow. I like the large digital interface, the panel is angled up a bit, small and light. Its the only machine that i can order (amazon) and get shipped to my location, shipping was $41.50. The prime weld for me was big, I don't like the analog dials which does not have tick marks, and i have to use a freight forwarder to get to me. Yeswelders display is too small, its only 220v, and you have to program the machine to recognize the foot pedal every time. Everlasts machine has limited features.
Right on, I really debated on the WeldPro. It was in my cart several times, and that interface is perfect!
Have you used it yet? I'm really happy with the PrimeWeld, but the size of the WeldPro and the interface was really tempting.
Thanks very much for passing on your efforts!
This helps a ton.
Cheers!
Glad you liked it! Are you going to be getting one?
@@snaph Yessir! But I'm not ready for it until late Sept. so I only a did a cursory look here in Canada with no luck finding a source.
FWIW For more than a decade I repaired recreational and high performance boat propellers. Did a TON of aluminum TIG welding which was about 70% of what I welded. About 25% of it was Stainless, and 5% Brass or NiBral (god I hated grinding that stuff so much. It always left this awful tinny taste right at the back of my throat.). Anyway, worked myself to death doing it so I had to stop. Seriously, 80 hours a week to zero, overnight. Boy was I dumb.
20 years goes by and here I am, doing just great and looking for TIG to fix a few things on the vehicles and maybe make some cool shit for FUN.
Cheers!
Thanks for this video! I had an Everlast for about six years and sold it a few weeks ago. I had to upgrade the torch, the pedal and the flow meter. Right after I sold it two people asked me to do welding jobs so now I am back looking at welders! I had narrowed it down to the Weldpro and the Primeweld just like you! I am leaning towards the Weldpro because of CK torch, ground clamp, nice digital interface without a lot of buttons and the physical size of the machine.
Did you end up picking one?
Weldpro ground clamp is so stiff, i cant even open it. I might have to replace the spring or cut a coil or something. Weldpros digital interface is nice, scrolling through the menu left to right in order is not bad, theres not that many buttons only 6, Primeweld doesn't have tic marks on the knobs, cant find the exact values, and the knobs are arranged in 2 rows, there are 12 knobs, you have to follow the little arrows on the diagram. Which are you choosing?
@@toycoma98 Agree . That is only thing what bug me on my Primeweld to find exact value for knobs setting. Better scale around knobs would help lot. Not big problem for straight DC , but for AC and pulse it is PIA to find the value you want. Always a guess game
@@milosusa thats the thing thats pushing me toward the alphatig. not accurately being able to make adjustments is irritating even on a stick welder
The new primeweld comes with ck17 torch
I just received my weldpro and while I haven't been able to use it yet so far I'm very with the build and all it comes with. Will be welding some aluminum in the next few weeks so I hope it hold up!
Hey, hope it goes well! What matters most is that you're actually going to be welding. Get that seat time.
@strayarticle Good endorsement, and glad to hear. I'm glad these cheaper welders are holding up.
Thanks for the video. I had some welding that needed done at work and the welder gave me a quote of $6400. I used to have a TIG welder at my old job so I think next year my boss is buying me one of those. The nice thing is when I get done with that job I'll still have a welder to use :-) I used to have a thumb control knob instead of a pedal. That's just the way the machine was set up that I learned on and it's another $300 but I think that's what I'm going to get.
I really like the finger controls!
I went through a very similar decision tree and ended up with the same two candidates. They were so close and yet so different. After weeks of deliberations, I realized that regardless of which one I chose, I would regret not choosing the other, and in the end, the choice I made was not motivated by technical reasons. I lived in a small apartment and my welding had to be done in a very small kitchen, so I would simply have no space for the PrimeWeld device. The WeldPro inverter takes 3x as little space and is half as heavy.
I have used it for more than 2 years, and it does pretty much everything I want. The few peeves I have are:
1. Poor low-current performance. I hear, that's where PrimeWeld excels.
2. Related to (1): harsh and unpredictable ignition. Apparently, the trigger is not synchronized with the inverter clock, resulting in wildly varying ignition times and energy levels. In critital situations (thin metal, angular shapes) I solve that problem by igniting on sacrificial runners attached to the joint and moving into the real joint with the weld bead already established.
3. The absence of spot modes. My work-around involves using an external trigger timer, but again, because the trigger circuit is asynchronous, I can't use pulses shorter than about 30ms. Setting pulse duration to 20ms results in a misfire half the time and very long pulses some of the time. I have still been able to achieve everything I wanted with longer pulses, just not every time I tried.
4. The fan is very noisy and static. It does not care whether the unit is hot or cold -- it blows all the time.
So it was mostly trouble-free and whatever troubles I had were manageable, but I will note that I regret over-spending on the CK torch kit. The conductive hose is a marvel -- it was so beautiul I was afraid to touch it. Indeed, after a couple months in use, it began accumulating damage from random hot and dirty things it touched. To protect it, I put it in a leather sheath, which also covered the wires for the torch-mounted trigger (that trigger is an abomination -- it is so hard to operate that there is no use in having it). Once I had everything packaged in leather, I realized that neither the quality nor the price of the hoses / wires inside that leather mattered a single bit. I have since acquired another cable / hose pack for about $30 and I can't tell which one feels better. They both work great. But I definitely didn't like the CK torch body. It is too bulky and I cannot operate it with any precision. I replaced it with this very reasonably priced torch, which allows me to do everything I want while feeling comfortable: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F510X0U (caveat: the trigger switch had tremendous amount of bounce and wasn't even soldered to the board; I replaced it with the same type of switch that didn't bounce as bad).
Great writeup up. I'll check out that torch. Agreed the CK is a little large, even though I do like it a lot.
With the 185DV if you order from the Everlast website you can upgrade to the Nova torch and pedal for $75. They have nova pedal and torch upgrades for all TIG welders for $75 to 100.
Everlast is parts and labor for repairs after 30 days.
Still haven't fully decided on what I'm getting and where.
Thanks for the video dude.
Nice! Thanks for the additional information. For a while I was looking really hard at their multiprocess welder too, but ultimately decided I wanted the AC/DC in that ~1k price point. I don't think you'd go wrong with that Everlast.
I have never welded in my life but designed a product I have prototyped and I need to learn to TIG to do it all myself, as I currently want to do. Had my finger on the trigger for a Yes Welder for quite some time, but now I'm kinda liking the Prime Weld. Probably doesn't matter much being a newbie. I'll suck either way!
That's the attitude! And in reality yeah almost any will be fine for learning. Hope your product comes out the way you hope it will!
I have the Lotus that you featured and it came with a foot pedal. Nice one too.
It doesn't slack either.
Good to know, thanks. Glad you’re liking it.
Weldpro and primeweld were the 2 I narrowed it down to. The primeweld was the winner based on youtube reviews and all the positive feedback about the company.
Given this is a popular video for anyone in the market for a reasonably priced welder, it is worth mentioning that as of Feb 1st 2022, AHP offers paid shipping for repairs for the entire 3 years of the warranty.
I also don’t agree with the need for analog. The fact that every single one of us has digital devices we use every day, and I can’t tell you the last time one of them failed, I have no issue with a digital display of the AHP 203xi. I actually think that, as well as the size of the machine, and the price, makes it by far the best machine in this lineup.
For what it’s worth by agreeing to warranty shipping I think the AHP is a no brainer too!
My PrimeWeld is still kicking ass and I haven’t heard anything bad about the AHP!
Either would be fantastic choices.
WeldPro all the way. Saving up for one now. The amount of extras are too good to pass up. Size and weight is also great.
Right on man. The important thing is to actually get welding. I’m glad there is good competition out there.
I got the primeweld in august. It works well. It is big and the fan is loud, but neither bothers me. I have recently found that if you put it on 110v instead of 220v you can lower the amps to 24A instead of 36A at 200hz for welding thin aluminum like .030". The higher frequency helps for thin stuff. For some reason the amperage increases at the lowest welding amps and you increase the ac frequency. Also worth mentioning is that the ck torch is only rated for 150 amps, and AC welding heats up the torch more from the reverse polarity part of the AC cycle. However I have welded aluminum at 170 amps for short periods. The torch got smoking hot, but still works great.
Those are all really good things to know. I'm definitely having issues blowing holes in things when I'm practicing on the thin stuff. I haven't tried to play with the pulse and frequency settings yet, that's on my list. Hadn't thought of the torch rating, good to know.
If I really get into that, I'll probably get the torch cooler
I know its been a bit since the post, but was reading another thread talking about starting current. They talked to PrimeWeld and it seems that if you are using the pedal they recommend you turn down all the starting/delay/slopes to zero as it still has some interaction with the current even on pedal. Might help or not, just putting it out there.
I chose the Weld Pro because of it's weight/size and it is easy to set up the controls - very intuitive and straightforward.
AND... there is only ONE dial (penetration) that can get any debris behind the display board.
AND... it comes with everything except the filler rods and argon.
And... now it has a 3 year warranty (instead of two years).
i also really like the weldpro.
i think the foot pedal is nicer than the Nova from Everlast. and that's actually high praise. the CK torch is killer.
fantastic machine IMO especially for the money.
That was the other welder i was considering besides the primeweld but I got the primeweld instead because of all the testimonials about the company, they take care of ANY problems immediately and will send out a new unit if need be.
Honestly most of these are good welders. Alot will be based upon preferences. However, I absolutely love Lotos! I now own several of their machines, including the Tig 200, Mig 175, LTP7000, LTP5500D, & the CT250D multi- process machines , & I'm extremely happy with their products.
Agreed. You'd probably be fine with any of them. LOTOS would have been great if I had all the accessories.
@@snaph most come with the accessories, however that Tig 200 ACDC- P doesn't come with some, like a foot pedal, however you can buy one of course for around $80 I believe. Another misunderstanding, & mostly because Lotos, among many other brands, that consumables & accessories have to be by Lotos only. In other words, special made by them for them, which isn't true with most except a few minor things, & even with these you can get around it, especially if you're good with your hands & mind you'll figure it out.
And In fact can be bought from eBay, etc for alot cheaper.
@@corvettefever360 Right on man, happy welding!
Wow...this review was like it was for me. Amazing video. im going for the smaller unit as my Yeswelder250 DS( because Mike Festiva)...like it and has the lift tig. However I might get the Primweld 200.
I'm in the same boat, been looking at the same ones lately, so far my leader is the weldpro, right now the alpha Tig is on backorder till July however the Everlast now comes with a pedal and torch kit.
I was doing work in the maintenance tool room of large building downtown and saw a Primeweld sitting on a cart. It was interesting to see one in the wild.
That's cool! I saw one on FB Marketplace and was kind of shocked. Was gone before I could message the dude.
@@snaph yeah I was sitting on a generic handled rolling cart that you would use to move large items. for a while I was about to pull the trigger on a bi2000 on AliExpressbut shipping these things along with the tariffs turn $400 machines into thousand plus dollar machines. They seem to have pretty good reviews in Australia with modifications from SWS but I don't know the extent that SWS modifies them. Their instruction manual pretty much showed the original machine layout but then I think they switched the front IO panel. The unimig200 seems popular as well and I see a lot of people using that over in Russia as the JASIC brand. TheFabricationSeries kind of arrived at the PrimeWeld a solid machine for the price and he's currently doing weld along videos and it seems to be just happily performing. Like most things IE guitars I think buying the first is probably the hardest but probably the most important to just get something so you can get seat time and learn what you like and don't like. I've been deep diving on a machine on and off for 4 years, but I'm horribly indecisive. All this started because I have an MR2 that's a little crunched in the front and I got a sawzall and chopped off the front of an MR2 in the junkyard and now I need to drill out spot welds and just spot weld it so I'm probably even looking at the wrong tool but I always wanted to make small things like piping and intercoolers brackets etc. Well I'm off to go listen to more podcasts and TH-cam videos to try and pull that trigger. Haha
@@jinxtacy Ha, yeah I spent so much time trying to decide. Good luck!
i was in the same boat, I went with the AHP 203xi. Benn trying to teach myself how to weld for a few weeks on my lunch hour. it is slow going for me. I was really tossed between the AHP and Prime Weld.
Yeah finding time to do it gets to be tough! I'm still really loving the PrimeWeld though. Hope the AHP is treating your right
I also went back and forth for months...I chose the Prime Weld and am very happy with my decision...But AHP...Everlast...WeldPro....or Prime Weld..are all good decisions...🏁
Can't argue with that, all are good choices. I'm still loving the Prime Weld, try and use it every moment I can. Always a new project in mind!
I have the weldpro Tig. I’m a beginner at TIG welding, so I don’t have much to compare against. That said, I love the interface, the CK torch is great, and I have successfully run a few beads on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The one complaint I have so far is actually the ground clamp; the spring is so stiff that it takes all my hand strength to get the clamp open enough to hold a workpiece. If you only ever clip it to a welding table, that might be okay for you, but getting it around something like 3/4” tubing is almost impossible.
Glad you like it!
Got me a Weldpro...will update if have an issue..so far, so good. Thanks for the content. Maybe I should change my content to welding videos. Talk about a lot, but repair and reviews to best.
I would actually like to see them in action. Weren't a lot of videos on it when I bought my welder.
@@snaph I have some practice metals on the way and will definitely oblige you that.
@@TFitz Outstanding. Choosing the welder has been my most popular video. Lot's of us trying to make that decision!
@@snaph video did fantastic! Cheers to you. Going to check out these others!
I was in the same boat about a year or two ago. The prime weld and ahp201 were the biggest contenders as they were at the same price point. The prime weld wasn’t as popular then and the person I had getting me into tig welding and fabricating parts was using the ahp, I ended up picking it up with a discount code for a little over 700 shipped to me and haven’t had any complaints besides the weight.
Right on man. Glad to hear. The most important part is actually getting started.
@@snaph I can’t lie to you, I was also incredibly broke at the time and couldn’t spare the extra money for the primeweld and needed to get a project done asap, but the machine preformed flawlessly, it took me on the other hand, quite a bit to get used to tig
Been there money wise. Once had to pawn a Hobart mig welder. Hope it’s doing well wherever it ended up
Nice choice I have the primewelder 225x I love it
I'm ready to pull the trigger but I'm overwhelmed by the choices. My gut says cry once and get the everlast 210ext but the weldpro at almost half the price appeals to my stingy nature. Any initial thoughts after using the welder? Thanks nice video.
I hear really good things about the Everlast brand, but I honestly don't have enough seat time to make that judgement.
If you're leaning that way it's probably the right choice for you. I made way too many spreadsheets before I decided on this subset of welders and then the PrimeWeld specifically. I'm not sure which one the 210ext is, but I was considering the Everlast multi-process welder for a while, but with gas/helmet/table/stool it was just more than I wanted to spend and more welder than I needed.
So if the 201ext is exactly what you need, then it's still being stingy....right? That's what I tell myself.
Great video..im torn between the AHP 225XI and the PrimeWeld..
I really lile the AHP but you made a good case for the Prime! I was also considering the Yeswelder ac/dc but its 220v only
I’ve been doing a lot of 110V TIG with the PrimeWeld. As long as you’re under 110 Amps or so works great. Much easier than dragging out my 220V extension cord.
Enjoy, whatever you choose
@@snaph thanks for letting me know! My son is in 8th grade and joined FFA..so ive been teaching him to weld. Thinking about starting a youtube channel of his FFA welding projects and my fabrication stuff. I currently just have DC Tig but thought this might be a good time to upgrade to an AC/DC machine and hand him down my current one. I really do appreciate you video and response. Keep up the good work
Awesome man, for me YT is a fun way for me to keep track of the projects I do with my kids. Kind of wish I could have done this with my dad.
I don’t expect or even particularly want any fame/fortune from it, but it’s fun to do. It’s sort of like the smartphone era slide show, but for some reason sometimes people watch them!
@@snaph i totally understand that. I lost my dad 3 years ago...him and i were like best friends. All my project skills i learned from him. Would had loved to be able to make videos of projects with him and my kids
Great video. Presently I am on the hunt as well.👍
Good luck! It's a neat skill too learn
NICE REVIEW VIDEO, I AM LOOKING FOR A MP UNIT RIGHT NOW, MY TWO CHOICES ARE THE AHP ALPHA MIG190MP & THE PRIMEWELD MTS 200. I LIKE THE AHP FOR THE HF START, BUT HAVEN'T SEEN MANY REVIEWS ON THIS UNIT OR THE BRAND ITSELF COMPARE TO THE PRIMEWELD WHICH IS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK. I JUST WISH IT HAD A HF START, WONDER IF THAT FUNCTION IS EXPENSIVE TO ADD?
I am a bit surprised that you did not include a feature comparison. I too like the PrimeWeld for the reasons you stated, but really wanted the AC frequency and balance function. Fine tune your efforts on aluminum. My WeldPro, used in Thailand, was good for similar cost, but only had AC balance and frequency on pulse. (rarely used) This feature is often on $1500 to higher machines.
Good thoughts. I definitely need to start working in Aluminum. I didn't make it a deciding feature because I got it for steel. As I get more comfortable with it I do want to get into aluminum, and have begun to realize that yes its a great way to fine tune the skills.
@@snaph I am the opposite...do some fab in mild steel, which seems quite more forgiving. Aluminum, however, is more finicky...especially if you don't know what grade. It IS all about heat input, as the experts say.
WOW YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I APPRECIATED YOUR VIDEO..
IM DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. NOT IN CHARTS Like YOU DID.
Im between the same last 2 options. 🤔🍿😂😬🤔🍷
I like charts :)
In reality either one will probably be just fine, if you can't decide flip a coin. The welding is the really fun part.
I'm really enjoying the PrimeWeld, wish I could try the two back to back!
Two things you missed. First the better ground clamp, you can get at Harbor freight for like $10 so that should not be something to base getting the weldpro on, also in addition to the free shipping with the Primeweld, for the full 3 years of the warranty, something better is the world class customer service that is 7 days a week and in the U.S. Being able to talk to someone who speaks english 7 days a week is something you are much more likely to use then even the 3 year warranty. I've also heard that they will walk you through the problem, and if they can will send you replacement parts for free with free shipping as well. So if you are on the fence, that should definitely tip you to the Primeweld. I got my TIG 225x last year and it is fantastic! A friend of mine is a professional welder and when he used my Primeweld, he was amazed at how good it was, especially at this price point. Also during the supply chain delays everywhere last year, my machine arrived in 2 days!
Great information. Thanks!
One thing about the warranty. On these newer inverter machines your usually going to know if the inverter is going to fry out on you almost immediately. Within about 10 to 20 hours of use and you'll know. If it's still working like the day you unboxed it after roughly 20 hours of use. Then chances are nothing is ever going to happen to it. It's just the way these machines tend to be. It's usually something the manufacturer did that wasn't quite right is usually what causes them to fail and again your going to know almost right away if not right away. Alot of times they won't work out of the box. Just something to keep in mind. Usually if it goes 20 hours without any issues chances are it will last 20 plus years.
Good to know!
Everlast all the way been running their machines for 10 years now no problems and technical support is great
Good to know!
I wonder if yeswelder changed the warranty..now it say they pay shipping both ways for the duration of the warranty... I just read that 2 days ago
That’s really good news!
i know this video is a few years old,i'm going through this tig welder agony now but the Primeweld 225 Tig has been on the top of my list although i wobble and go look at others.i wonder what you think of it now after hopefully using it now for a while?thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I still really like my PrimeWeld. Still running great.
I think whatever you choose will be fine, but I don’t think you’ll be upset with the primeweld
I have a Miller Multimatic 255 with all the accessories and stuff as my primary home welding rig, i'm thinking about getting a little cheaper tig just for aluminum work... but i'm thinking i'm going to go with an Everlast PowerTig 200DV it has a ton of good reviews and it's pretty cheap. but i wouldn't have shied away from the everlast just because of the pedal? how expensive could it be? i do occasional side work, with your machine you could have made that back in no time... i made $400 bucks turning one pannel of someones steel gate into a fence that swings open... just today i made $180 doing a broken weld repair on someone's trailer gate hinge, and welding two lifting handles on the gate, and repairing the latch, took me like 1.5 hours to do and i made almost $200 bucks, they even brought it and picked it up from my house. I've done little repairs on other peoples gates and things at their houses for a couple hundred bucks here and there, bro with a welder, it's like if you even turn the mother fucker on you're somehow gonna go to bed with at least $150 dollars more than you woke up with haha. I'd trust the everlast, we've had one at my job for years, it's the Everlast 180 acdc, i think it's the one before the newer everlast 185, they don't even make this one anymore i dont think, it's a nice little machine.
Did you ever consider Harbor freight Pro tig 205. I've been really interested in the primeweld also but harbor freight is literally a half a mile down the road. But then you would have to buy a 3-year extended which I didn't like the idea.
What's your opinion on the pro tig 205 compared to the one that you bought.
I think warranty is what stopped me from considering them. Mike Festiva on TH-cam has tested those I’m pretty sure!
I bet it’s perfectly fine, but I think with the warranty and tig gun I didn’t feel it competed in my criteria.
AHP Alpha Tig 225xi is what my decision tree led me to purchase.
Enjoying it?
@@snaph Absolutely. The only issue was that I had to use the extra/external grounding to keep the HF start from interfering with the Roku in the shop. Aside from that I've had it for almost 3 years with 0 issues, and that's with welding 1/4" copper w/o preheating. If they were still available I'd highly recommend it!
My yeswelder ac/dc TIG went bad 1 year and 3 months after I purchased it. I called them and told them what was going on they sent me an entire new welder with a complete kit including an upgraded torch and upgraded ground clamp just like the one in your video that comes with the weldpro at no cost at all to me and told me I could keep my old welder for parts
I’m really happy to hear that! It’s a win for all of us if these affordable units have good customer support
Thank you for this video
You’re welcome!
I chose the AHP 203XI. I prefer the quick setting LCD readouts and tuning, and smaller size. A slight bummer that it won’t be shipping until after May 5th.
I know the feeling. I bought the prime weld a week or so ago and it's estimated to be shipped around mid May. Ugh
@@chodechotchney5331 Just got my AHP. Unboxed it, and setting up. Sure like the menu on this. Reminds me of my HTP pro pulse MIG machine. Last step getting some gas.
tried to purchase this welder from your sight but it failed,,, I will wait till tomorrow if u can fix it?
I'm missing where you think the water cooler is. But at any rate, nice review!
You have to buy the water cooler separately, but the Primeweld has a plug for it built in to the back that will power on, which is nice
Well-Done & Thks
Just had the same problem what one to get. I needed up going with the new alpha. The ones that they sent out to test didn't have up and down slope but I heard the ones there selling do. Just order it yesterday so well see. Got it for 700 shipped. Get the ck torche comes with the nova .
Yeah at $700 bucks I think that's a damn good deal! (They just lowered the price). If you like it feel free to post back or make your own video on it. It was $800 when I was looking. At $700 I probably would have gone that route too. Enjoy!
@@snaph Pretty excited not sure when it will arrive. But I will definitely make a video!
Let me know, I especially want to know if its as heavy as it is and what you think of the interface. I think the AHP is a huge evolution at this price point if they pulled it off.
@@snaph Got mine for $700 and it arrived last friday, but I was only able to test it on 120 volt stick since I don't have gas or 240 volt in my garage yet. Using 3/32nd electrodes I was able to go up to 80 amps without blowing a 20amp breaker, but I didn't push it any farther than that. I can confirm it really does weigh around fifty pounds by itself though. Also @Greg Tucker it does have both up and down slope for tig.
Hey everyone, just wanted to do a follow up for safety on the AHP 203xi since I did some current draw measurements, I'll copy-paste my comment from another video: "Be careful running your machine on 120 volt. The manual specifies a 40 amp breaker for both 120 volt and 220 volt, and I measured mine with a clamp meter pulling 25 amps continuously from the wall when stick welding with it set to only 70 amps dc (80 amps dc is the highest setting it will allow when on 120 volt), and pulling over 30 amps when set to max. Until I get 220 volt in my garage, I'm not gonna be using mine at full blast since I only have 20 amp 120 volt breakers. Stay safe!"
Agreed on Everlast. (Most of their models anyway). ? No Pedal ?
That's Nuts. I'd have owned an Everlast 3 years ago. If a hood pedal had been included.
Good choice
It's great
Where does the Everlast and good reputation come from. The forums don't seem too keen on them.
Forums are full of unhappy people, people that are happy with their purchase are not on forums. And their website has no place for reviews, only Amazon.
I love my everlast, but I also realize it's a foreign machine and has drawbacks. Power switch, ugly green, stinger is better than other welders but still should be upgraded, same with ground clamp.
I did get 200 amp output, decent pulse settings, dig, knobs feel quality, simple led display, and a nice tig torch, 5 year warranty, and the best breakdown of their specs on their website for 600 delivered to me. It was on sale for end of year sale, but these all go on sale around the end of the year.
Overall I just think for home users and smaller shops it's the best bang for the buck for everything under industrial use. Probably would want to go with miller, lincoln, esab for that type of work.
Yes welder isnt the company or factory. They are a customer of the Factory and they market the name. The color scheme is KeyGree factory. I encountered some dishonest dealings at "Yes welder."
primeweld for the win!
The AHP 203XI has a wireless pedal option now for 2024, I still can't decide between it and the PrimeWeld
Wow! For what it’s worth my PrimeWeld is still doing great. You’ll be happy either way I’m sure. Wireless means you gotta keep batteries around :)
I have been researching these for some time now. I hear so many horror stories about how these machines burn up after a short time and then it costs BIG money to ship them back and on top of that you will be without your machine for an extended amount of time. I don't like the Primeweld because it's so primitive, but I guess it's the safest bet and will have to settle for it.
Absolutely. This was my biggest factor in hindsight. Shipping is $$
I absolutely love my primeweld 225 sold my blue syncrowave... monte
Yeah I'm still super happy with mine.
Good video.
Foot peddle is a huge factor when buying a lower cost tig machine, other systems foot peddles are "on/off" which limits on the fly adjustment. Going with Primeweld from all the positive reviews and also all the features it offers 👌
That's a really great point! I'm actually starting to get decent at using the variable foot control.
i want to point out i bought a couple of yeswelder products. i have yet to receive a unit that actually WORKS right out of the box. The cut-55 had multiple bad crimps internally. the mig-205ds has contact problems with the gun connector. seems like the brass isn't quite right.
i bought one of their gas regulators and the actual tank end didn't fit.
i call them nowelder...
i ended up changing to the weldpro and an everlast 210ext. I'm spoiled with the Everlast. BUT... I think if i bought the weldpro before I ordered the Everlast i might not have bought it.
i like the pedal with the weldpro much more than the Nova pedal.
Wow, that's really something with the YesWelder stuff. I buy their consumables and they've been good. Good to know
@@snaph i agree. the consumables have been solid. mig tig and plasma. in fact that's their best range of products. it was terrible because they do a great job of presentation. and they'll answer an email. but my overall experience has been that I wish that they would charge me 30-50 more and go that little extra.
It’s funny you mention the lift tig because I am a contract welder and good welders learn to control the heat without a pedal it’s widely used in the industry the foot petal has its place but lift tig is king for versatility
Yeah I’m definitely learning that. I hardly use the pedal anymore. I like the trigger switch a lot more!
@@snaph hey if you get a chance check out the video I put out last night and for the tip maybe you could give my channel a shoutout
What would you choose from the prime weld 225 you got and the new AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi?
Id still go PrimeWeld for the warranty. The AlphaTig is slick. But if anything breaks you pay shipping on everything except the PrimeWeld.
But honestly they don’t seem to be having any major issues so choose what you like! AHP made a damn nice machine, but the PrimeWeld is a proven tank with the best warranty
@@snaph I already asked Santa for the prime weld then saw the AHP today so I started second guessing and over analyzing things. tks for taking the time to reply, I only subscribe to channels that take the time to reply. Happy holiday
Where did the 40lb weight come from for the Primeweld? Most show 90 lbs.
90 might be shipping weight. It used to have it displayed on the PrimeWeld website, but I don't see it anymore. Mine is definitely about 40lb. Not hard to carry one handed, but it is big and bulky.
Everlast all day. At least in southern Canada 🇨🇦
I bought a prime weld plasma cutter. It didn’t work out of the box. They sent another and it broke too. I don’t think I’ll give them any more money.
Man, sorry to hear that. My TIG has been flawless. I totally understand if you'd go elsewhere.
I picked up the AHP 203XI for $800 and when the dropped the price to $700 they sent me a $100 refund. I like the Roto head torch already had a Flex head. Glad you're happy with it, this was definitely a contender and the warranty almost clinched it.
im really stuck between the primeweld and alphatig 203. the Nova torches are actually good so thats not something im concerned about
Got couple of PrimeWeld's machines all have been great. My tig225 has be beaten and had the absolute shit used out of it never missed a beat. Got one of there new Tig325x's aswell see if it holds up to the same.
Glad to hear. These things seem well built. Mine is still kicking ass. Never had a problem
i have the primeweld tig and also the primeweld 60 plasma cutter
Man I want a plasma cutter. You like the PrimeWeld?
@@snaph yes i do and it will cut thicker than it says it does
As someone who gets to use dozens of machines from dozens of companies, you absolutely made the right choice. The primeweld is far and away better than all those other machines.
If my current machine dies, I will be buying a primeweld to replace it. You have to spend about 3 grand to get a marginally better machine.
Good to know!
Спасибо)
ahp is a great tig machine.
Right on. I do think this is definitely the future of TIG machines for a great price and size
Mine arrived 1 week ago.
Excellent! Gas it up and weld :)
There are a lot of T.I.G. machines. But there is a machine above other machines. Prime weld AC DC T.I.G. It has everything you need. Don't waste your money on machines that won't cut it and make you depressed. Remember, PRIME WELD .
How long is shipping for the ahp if you know
No idea, but they seem to have decent customer support. Maybe email them?
@@snaph alright thanks
Grabbed the yes for 650 shipped
Sweet! Enjoy, hope you like it!
Everlast 210ext
Does it pushing up to 220 amps at list?
I've honestly never gone above 100 amps with it yet.
@@snaph really dont mind mind about 225A exact but at least 200A 😁
I don't see any where that any of these have lift tig at all. I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Weirdly a lot of multiprocess MIG/TIGs out there are all lift TIG. None of the dedicated machines I showed are. I think there is an everlasting you can switch between but it was over 1k.
I just payed $620 for a Dual Voltage Canaweld 160amp Stick/Lift tig machine... 3 yr warr... Pricey i thought........
I would get a primeweld over any of those all day everyday day