Nice review Tim. It’s amazing how fast welders are evolving these days. When I started welding in 1973, we were using welders that looked more modern than the ones from the late 1950s, but it was mostly new case designs. In fact, until inverters came out, little was done. Lincoln had their transformer Squarewave machines, and a few other relatively minor new features came out from comoanies, but not all that much that made a real difference. But now, you have a machine for three years and it seems obsolete. When I bought my ESAB Rebel 215 it was at the head of the pack. But then the 205 came out and that’s what I’m using. What will be next?
Wow, those features are very impressive. I dont think I can justify it in my home shop, but I enjoyed watching and it is good to know what is available out there. It seems that if there were a readout recording of the V and A off the Dynamic power feature, one could use that to see how steady their hand was during the weld, e.g. by looking at a graph over time of the V and A. Thanks for sharing, Tim, very cool tool, and very well done video. I appreciate it.
Thanks! Even without dynamic power, you can tell how steady someone is by watching the voltage output because voltage correlates directly with arc length on any machine.
I have and use a HTP Maxi Mig my dad bought new in the early 80's. Still works great. Don't think I'll pull the trigger on the 251 but I'm leaning hard toward buying the invertig 221 DV.
Very well presented and explained. Having owned both an Invertig 221 and 400, and instructed with both, the simplicity and clarity of the screen display of the Invertig 251, as compared to the Invertig 221 with all its drop down menus and sub menus should make this the ultimate professional level welder in this amperage range. I am looking forward to getting one to replace my 221. Nicely done as a TH-cam Video
Thanks! I completely agree. The menus on the 221 takes a little getting used to, as did all the machines released in that era. The 400 is a lot easier, but the 251 is on another level completely; it's really an awesome machine.
While I always appreciate options and features especially when it’s done to this level of quality, does the manufacturer provide an additional in depth suplemental information packet that explains not just a definition of the features but a practical explanation for when it might be helpful to use … if i can’t leverage all these interesting waveforms and features then I’d be better off picking a simpler package and paying less. I think this video is an excellent example of what a good feature explanation could look like or at least take some notes from. While options and features are almost always better to have available than not, the more that can go wrong the more points that a failure may adversely affect the systems function. What i wish manufacturers understood was keep it simple and keep it fast and easy to access. If you want to include extra features using a single rotary encoder knob it gets ridiculous to operate once you’ve gone past 4 sub menu deep. If i have to hunt for an option it’s too deep, somewhere out there a balance exists between readily accessible & over-cluttered + over simplified & difficult to access(options & features). It doesn’t have to be all analog/toggle switches or one single digital display w/ rotary encoder. (IMO) Make the most common and useful features readily accessible immediately by toggle switches or no deeper than 1 submenu past opening screen & make a section off to the side boxed off called User Profile #1, 2 , 3 for single button press customizable settings/modes that wont erase even after power removal. That way I can pull up setting to cover 98% of what i will encounter and the other 2% I’ll remember to send a thank you card after realizing i didn’t have to exert special effort/attention to utilize the extra features that were made for these very situations,
This is a great comment, and I agree. HTP actually hired me to create a 6 part video owners manual series that you can find on the HTP TH-cam channel and they will probably link it in the product description as well. In these videos, I walk through the setup of the machine and the settings for every feature that it offers, so you can see exactly how the menus are operated and some practical applications. The menus are pretty straightforward on this one, and there are 5 buttons below the screen in addition to the rotary encoder knob. I get what you mean about the deep menus, because I've lived that for years and it's a real pain. I was at a shop the other day and was talking to one of their welders who was struggling to weld some very thin aluminum. I asked if he had tried triangle wave and reduced the start amperage, he had no idea that you could even do those things (it was a different brand of machine, not HTP). I was familiar with the machine and walked him through about 25 button presses to set that stuff and I still wonder if he was able to get back out of those settings when he finished the job. This machine is much more intuitive. There is a series of menus that walk through the main settings for a given process to make sure that you address them. Beyond that, nothing is more than 2 menus deep. One of the best things they did is add a basic interface setting, so you can set it to basic mode and just have the essentials. This simplifies things and makes it a very easy machine to run, then when you need the advanced features, they're available. It does have the ability to store jobs, so you can do what you're describing and store the settings for the different jobs you do, then it's just 2 button presses to recall everything for whatever type of job comes up.
I love the HTP’s. They run as good or better than the Dynasty’s. My only gripe with mine is no scratch start and the wireless foot pedal set up is a bit “aftermarket”. Other than that I love mine
I agree 100%. I have a Dynasty and 2 Invertigs besides this one and I've also demo'ed Fronius, Lincoln and others. The HTP's honestly run as well as or better than any of them at a much more reasonable price. This one has a live lift start option, it's called lift pipe mode and it works great when you don't want to use a pedal. I haven't used one of the HTP wireless pedals, but I've seen them and they don't seem quite as well integrated as the Miller. I might buy a Miller wireless pedal for the Invertig 251 since it's compatible with Miller accessories, but I'm not sure if it's worth it for me since I plant myself at one spot at a workbench for almost everything I do and the wire isn't a big deal in that situation.
Hey Tim Could you do a video with the SMAW capabilities with this machine? Want to see especially 5/32 7018 and 1/8 6010 or even 5/32 6010 Would be grately appreciated sir 👍
Very interesting review, thank you. If I didn't have two Everlast MTS welders I'd think about the HTP. One thing, as I watched the video it looked like you used two different torches, one water cooled black and the red one that came with the welder. Any reason why? Just wondering, no big deal. Thanks again your videos.
Thanks! When it first came in, I switched the box out onto my Invertig 221 water cooled setup to get a feel for the machine on a few projects. I didn't unpack the accessories until I made a set of video manuals for HTP, which show the setup of the machine. When I made this video, I thought it would be interesting to include some of the actual project work that I did when I was kicking the tires, so those are the clips that have the water cooled torch. It's available with that torch and a cooler in a different package you can get from HTP.
Ok Tim, I just found your channel and really appreciate your candor in evaluating this welder. Finding your video is also just in time to add to my confusion on buying a premium TIG machine. Currently looking a Miller's new Dynasty 210 and Fronius 230i, wondered if you've had any experience with either? I must say the HTP is very impressive and the pricing is a component of that impression, but like the Fronius, this is a foreign manufacturer and support is part of my concern, also can other torches such as CK products be used on it? Thanks again for your review and you've got another subscriber!
Great questions! I have a Dynasty 200 that I bought brand new in 2010 and it's a great machine. The new ones have a nice interface and a few more features, but the performance feels similar to me. I've spent about 8 hours running a Fronius Magic Wave, now the iWave. They're both really nice machines. This one performs every bit as well and has good US support by HTP based in Chicago. It's completely compatible with CK torches, that's what I run. It's also compatible with Miller foot pedals. HTP usually includes CK torches with their machines, but the air cooled one on this is a heavy hitters with a higher amperage rating. You can call them and they'll customize the package to include whatever torch you want.
Thoughts on this vs just going to the Revolution as an all in one? My 15 year old Hobart MIG is as basic as you can get and I'm looking for a new MIG, but I wouldn't mind trying a new TIG as well. Currently running an Everlast 255ext, and I struggle with low amperage arc stability.
This one has a lot more features like independent waveforms, fast tack, soft pulse, etc. The TIG performance is just as good on the Revolution 2500, from what I understand it shares a lot of the same electronics. The Revolution has all the basics such as 2 waveforms, AC and DC pulse, tunable starts, etc. If you don't need the fancy features and could use a wire feed welder too, the Revolution is a great deal. If you want the extensive feature set or if you don't need wire feed, I'd go with this one. The low amperage arc stability is great on both.
@@TimWeldsmy main concern with a multi process is that if it goes down then I'm stuck without a MIG and TIG. We use both types in my shop, sometimes at the same time. Probably try out HTP with a MIG unit (which apparently they all do DC and stick). And if I like it, add a TIG later.
It's a great machine. The arc starts are very similar to the Revolution 2500. Both machines have the option to set a hot start amperage and start amperage independently to fine tune it if you want. They also both TIG weld very well, but the feature set is much more advanced on this one.
@TimWelds Hello Tim. As you know HTP was bought by Stel. So in Europe we get Stel T300 which is identical to the DV 251. So my question is, since you have the unit, does your machine give an error when you turn it off and then after 1-2 seconds the machine starts the power down cycle or are the italians bull@#$ me and mine has a problem. It is a brand new machine. Thanks!
Out of curiosity, how does this compare to the Primeweld Tig225 or Tig325? From the beginner hobbyist it seems this HTP has too many features that can serve as a crutch for learning the right technique. If you are experienced, and this improves your efficiency I can see where that would matter.
That's a great question. I have used the PrimeWeld 225 quite a bit, but I haven't tried the 325. I wouldn't say that any of the advanced features really serve as a crutch for bad technique, with bad technique you'll get a lousy weld no matter how nice the machine. The advanced features just allow you to fine tune the process and do different things. A few examples that I use regularly: Asymmetric AC waveforms-I almost always run my electrode-positive side lower to keep a sharp point on my tungsten and give a very narrow etching band Waveform Control-On thin metal, triangular wave gives better penetration without burning through More Waveforms-If I want a really shiny bead, soft square wave reduces the amount of aluminum spitting (not a technical term) from the puddle, leaving the the bead more shiny (you can see the more dull speckled appearance on aluminum beads from most budget welders if you look closely) Adjustable Hot start-Most welders start the arc at a much higher amperage than the setting. Notice review videos of budget machines on thin metal/razor blades/pop cans almost always start off the side of the material or on filler metal, then move to the joint after the arc is established. This machine allows you to fine tune the starting characteristics and start right on the material. Advanced features aside, the reality is that higher end machines like this just weld better than budget machines. They're just built differently. Don't get me wrong, I think the PrimeWeld is great for the money and I recommend them often to the right person, but I like the feel of the welding arc on the HTPs much better even without the fancy features. I still use my HTP Invertig 221 quite a bit, it's also an awesome machine with fewer features that's still available around $2k, though the user interface is pretty outdated as it's been on the market for about 15 years. I also have a Miller Dynasty which is right on par with the HTP machines, but at twice the price, I think the HTP is a better value with equivalent performance. Both the PrimeWeld and HTP are a great value for what they offer, it just depends on whether you're in the market for an entry level or professional level machine.
@@TimWelds Thanks for the very detailed and thoughtful reply. I would love to get the HTP but can't really justify it my use case as a hobbyist that welds a couple of hours a week. I figure the Primeweld will be more than plenty for me and give me a chance to get more welding time in since I can allocate more of my budget to the overall setup like a water cooler.
@@MegaMajormax if you plan to continue welding for a long time you may want to consider the htp anyways. its a safe bet it would still be working 10-15-20 years down the line. i wouldnt hold my breath prime weld could last that long
Sir. Doesn’t appear in some shots you’re using the torch it came with but you are describing features it has.. Why the CK in some shots and water cooled it appears at that. . Confusing. Can you elaborate how heat even with a bigger air cooled torch might affect the tungeston vs water cooled over time and keeping the tungeston at a consistent level of heat. Trying to learn and understand. I don’t know..
Great question! I can see how that would be confusing. You can buy this machine in a water cooled package that includes the same CK torch that I was using and a water cooler. I just looked at the prices they have listed for the water cooled package and it's actually a really good deal for that upgrade, though the air cooled torch works really well too. The reason that both appeared in the video is that I've had this machine for a few weeks and when I first got it, I dropped it onto my cart that already had a water cooler to use on a few projects and get familiar with it before I made any videos. When I started filming specific videos about the machine, I set it up with the stock torch. I figured a few clips from those initial projects would be useful in the video, so I included them even though I hadn't unpacked the stock air cooled torch at that point. As far as water cooled vs. air cooled torches go, using a water cooled torch has 2 advantages. First, you can use a smaller size torch for a given amperage which makes it easier to handle. Second, the torch body doesn't heat up after long runs like it does on air cooled torches. It doesn't have much of an effect on the longevity or consistency of the tungsten electrode itself, though overheating collets can cause them to deform a bit. While I would generally grab a water cooled torch given the option, I often use an air cooled torch when I'm on the go or in the shop if I'm not making long runs at high amperage in order to avoid the noise from the water cooler.
Stel owns HTP and the design of the last few machines (Revolution 2500 and Invertig 251) was largely led by Peter Zila and the HTP team in Chicago. They are some of the best built and best performing machines on the market.
It depends on the package you get. The machine alone is $3k, which just for context is half what you’ll pay for some comparable machines with less amperage. As tested, $4k.
It really depends. I started off with Miller machines that I used for my own work because that's what I had heard of before the days of internet videos and the like. Early on in my channel journey, I bought a lot of lower cost machines to get a variety of experience and several companies sent machines out as well. Many of them never appeared on the channel, but it gave me a body of experience to speak from. I sent some of those back, gave some away and sold some. In the last few years, I have done very few machine reviews. I turn down almost all of them because as fun as it is to open new stuff and as profitable as promoting cheap machines can be, it's a lot of work and feels awkward to me to promote something different than what I personally use. The few that I do make videos about now, I keep and use.
Nice review Tim. It’s amazing how fast welders are evolving these days. When I started welding in 1973, we were using welders that looked more modern than the ones from the late 1950s, but it was mostly new case designs. In fact, until inverters came out, little was done. Lincoln had their transformer Squarewave machines, and a few other relatively minor new features came out from comoanies, but not all that much that made a real difference. But now, you have a machine for three years and it seems obsolete. When I bought my ESAB Rebel 215 it was at the head of the pack. But then the 205 came out and that’s what I’m using. What will be next?
Wow, those features are very impressive. I dont think I can justify it in my home shop, but I enjoyed watching and it is good to know what is available out there. It seems that if there were a readout recording of the V and A off the Dynamic power feature, one could use that to see how steady their hand was during the weld, e.g. by looking at a graph over time of the V and A. Thanks for sharing, Tim, very cool tool, and very well done video. I appreciate it.
Thanks! Even without dynamic power, you can tell how steady someone is by watching the voltage output because voltage correlates directly with arc length on any machine.
htp are good solid machines. had one for almost 10yrs.
I have and use a HTP Maxi Mig my dad bought new in the early 80's. Still works great. Don't think I'll pull the trigger on the 251 but I'm leaning hard toward buying the invertig 221 DV.
That is a very fully featured and impressive machine. The amp varying by torch height feature is an eye popper!!!
Good little welder, great demonstration, thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones
Thank you!
Very well presented and explained. Having owned both an Invertig 221 and 400, and instructed with both, the simplicity and clarity of the screen display of the Invertig 251, as compared to the Invertig 221 with all its drop down menus and sub menus should make this the ultimate professional level welder in this amperage range. I am looking forward to getting one to replace my 221. Nicely done as a TH-cam Video
Thanks! I completely agree. The menus on the 221 takes a little getting used to, as did all the machines released in that era. The 400 is a lot easier, but the 251 is on another level completely; it's really an awesome machine.
While I always appreciate options and features especially when it’s done to this level of quality, does the manufacturer provide an additional in depth suplemental information packet that explains not just a definition of the features but a practical explanation for when it might be helpful to use … if i can’t leverage all these interesting waveforms and features then I’d be better off picking a simpler package and paying less.
I think this video is an excellent example of what a good feature explanation could look like or at least take some notes from. While options and features are almost always better to have available than not, the more that can go wrong the more points that a failure may adversely affect the systems function.
What i wish manufacturers understood was keep it simple and keep it fast and easy to access. If you want to include extra features using a single rotary encoder knob it gets ridiculous to operate once you’ve gone past 4 sub menu deep. If i have to hunt for an option it’s too deep, somewhere out there a balance exists between readily accessible & over-cluttered + over simplified & difficult to access(options & features). It doesn’t have to be all analog/toggle switches or one single digital display w/ rotary encoder.
(IMO) Make the most common and useful features readily accessible immediately by toggle switches or no deeper than 1 submenu past opening screen & make a section off to the side boxed off called User Profile #1, 2 , 3 for single button press customizable settings/modes that wont erase even after power removal. That way I can pull up setting to cover 98% of what i will encounter and the other 2% I’ll remember to send a thank you card after realizing i didn’t have to exert special effort/attention to utilize the extra features that were made for these very situations,
This is a great comment, and I agree. HTP actually hired me to create a 6 part video owners manual series that you can find on the HTP TH-cam channel and they will probably link it in the product description as well. In these videos, I walk through the setup of the machine and the settings for every feature that it offers, so you can see exactly how the menus are operated and some practical applications.
The menus are pretty straightforward on this one, and there are 5 buttons below the screen in addition to the rotary encoder knob. I get what you mean about the deep menus, because I've lived that for years and it's a real pain. I was at a shop the other day and was talking to one of their welders who was struggling to weld some very thin aluminum. I asked if he had tried triangle wave and reduced the start amperage, he had no idea that you could even do those things (it was a different brand of machine, not HTP). I was familiar with the machine and walked him through about 25 button presses to set that stuff and I still wonder if he was able to get back out of those settings when he finished the job.
This machine is much more intuitive. There is a series of menus that walk through the main settings for a given process to make sure that you address them. Beyond that, nothing is more than 2 menus deep. One of the best things they did is add a basic interface setting, so you can set it to basic mode and just have the essentials. This simplifies things and makes it a very easy machine to run, then when you need the advanced features, they're available.
It does have the ability to store jobs, so you can do what you're describing and store the settings for the different jobs you do, then it's just 2 button presses to recall everything for whatever type of job comes up.
I love the HTP’s. They run as good or better than the Dynasty’s. My only gripe with mine is no scratch start and the wireless foot pedal set up is a bit “aftermarket”. Other than that I love mine
I agree 100%. I have a Dynasty and 2 Invertigs besides this one and I've also demo'ed Fronius, Lincoln and others. The HTP's honestly run as well as or better than any of them at a much more reasonable price. This one has a live lift start option, it's called lift pipe mode and it works great when you don't want to use a pedal. I haven't used one of the HTP wireless pedals, but I've seen them and they don't seem quite as well integrated as the Miller. I might buy a Miller wireless pedal for the Invertig 251 since it's compatible with Miller accessories, but I'm not sure if it's worth it for me since I plant myself at one spot at a workbench for almost everything I do and the wire isn't a big deal in that situation.
This was a wonderful video with great arc shots! I learned a ton thank you!
Thank you!
Dang, I already have the revolution 2500. Now I’m going to have to buy the inverting 251 too!
The Revolution is an awesome machine as well!
Yes I love my revolution. I now have an invertig 251 also tho lol.
Welding is great skill to have. Jus start'n this new hobby. Good review. Any info is good info to me.
Awesome! You're going to love it!
Hey Tim
Could you do a video with the SMAW capabilities with this machine?
Want to see especially 5/32 7018 and 1/8 6010 or even 5/32 6010
Would be grately appreciated sir 👍
will this machine burn 6010?
Very interesting review, thank you. If I didn't have two Everlast MTS welders I'd think about the HTP. One thing, as I watched the video it looked like you used two different torches, one water cooled black and the red one that came with the welder. Any reason why? Just wondering, no big deal. Thanks again your videos.
Thanks! When it first came in, I switched the box out onto my Invertig 221 water cooled setup to get a feel for the machine on a few projects. I didn't unpack the accessories until I made a set of video manuals for HTP, which show the setup of the machine. When I made this video, I thought it would be interesting to include some of the actual project work that I did when I was kicking the tires, so those are the clips that have the water cooled torch. It's available with that torch and a cooler in a different package you can get from HTP.
Ok Tim, I just found your channel and really appreciate your candor in evaluating this welder. Finding your video is also just in time to add to my confusion on buying a premium TIG machine. Currently looking a Miller's new Dynasty 210 and Fronius 230i, wondered if you've had any experience with either? I must say the HTP is very impressive and the pricing is a component of that impression, but like the Fronius, this is a foreign manufacturer and support is part of my concern, also can other torches such as CK products be used on it? Thanks again for your review and you've got another subscriber!
Great questions! I have a Dynasty 200 that I bought brand new in 2010 and it's a great machine. The new ones have a nice interface and a few more features, but the performance feels similar to me. I've spent about 8 hours running a Fronius Magic Wave, now the iWave. They're both really nice machines. This one performs every bit as well and has good US support by HTP based in Chicago. It's completely compatible with CK torches, that's what I run. It's also compatible with Miller foot pedals. HTP usually includes CK torches with their machines, but the air cooled one on this is a heavy hitters with a higher amperage rating. You can call them and they'll customize the package to include whatever torch you want.
Thoughts on this vs just going to the Revolution as an all in one? My 15 year old Hobart MIG is as basic as you can get and I'm looking for a new MIG, but I wouldn't mind trying a new TIG as well. Currently running an Everlast 255ext, and I struggle with low amperage arc stability.
This one has a lot more features like independent waveforms, fast tack, soft pulse, etc. The TIG performance is just as good on the Revolution 2500, from what I understand it shares a lot of the same electronics. The Revolution has all the basics such as 2 waveforms, AC and DC pulse, tunable starts, etc. If you don't need the fancy features and could use a wire feed welder too, the Revolution is a great deal. If you want the extensive feature set or if you don't need wire feed, I'd go with this one. The low amperage arc stability is great on both.
@@TimWeldsmy main concern with a multi process is that if it goes down then I'm stuck without a MIG and TIG. We use both types in my shop, sometimes at the same time. Probably try out HTP with a MIG unit (which apparently they all do DC and stick). And if I like it, add a TIG later.
Super excited about this one.
How do the arc starts feel in comparison to the Rev. 2500?
It's a great machine. The arc starts are very similar to the Revolution 2500. Both machines have the option to set a hot start amperage and start amperage independently to fine tune it if you want. They also both TIG weld very well, but the feature set is much more advanced on this one.
80% of the hardware ( the boards inside ) are identical though …. But the software is much more advanced on the invertig 251
@TimWelds Hello Tim. As you know HTP was bought by Stel. So in Europe we get Stel T300 which is identical to the DV 251. So my question is, since you have the unit, does your machine give an error when you turn it off and then after 1-2 seconds the machine starts the power down cycle or are the italians bull@#$ me and mine has a problem. It is a brand new machine.
Thanks!
Honestly, I haven't looked at the screen after I turn off the switch. If it doesn't cause a functional problem I probably wouldn't have noticed.
@@TimWelds Thank you. By the way great videos.
Out of curiosity, how does this compare to the Primeweld Tig225 or Tig325? From the beginner hobbyist it seems this HTP has too many features that can serve as a crutch for learning the right technique. If you are experienced, and this improves your efficiency I can see where that would matter.
That's a great question. I have used the PrimeWeld 225 quite a bit, but I haven't tried the 325. I wouldn't say that any of the advanced features really serve as a crutch for bad technique, with bad technique you'll get a lousy weld no matter how nice the machine. The advanced features just allow you to fine tune the process and do different things. A few examples that I use regularly:
Asymmetric AC waveforms-I almost always run my electrode-positive side lower to keep a sharp point on my tungsten and give a very narrow etching band
Waveform Control-On thin metal, triangular wave gives better penetration without burning through
More Waveforms-If I want a really shiny bead, soft square wave reduces the amount of aluminum spitting (not a technical term) from the puddle, leaving the the bead more shiny (you can see the more dull speckled appearance on aluminum beads from most budget welders if you look closely)
Adjustable Hot start-Most welders start the arc at a much higher amperage than the setting. Notice review videos of budget machines on thin metal/razor blades/pop cans almost always start off the side of the material or on filler metal, then move to the joint after the arc is established. This machine allows you to fine tune the starting characteristics and start right on the material.
Advanced features aside, the reality is that higher end machines like this just weld better than budget machines. They're just built differently. Don't get me wrong, I think the PrimeWeld is great for the money and I recommend them often to the right person, but I like the feel of the welding arc on the HTPs much better even without the fancy features. I still use my HTP Invertig 221 quite a bit, it's also an awesome machine with fewer features that's still available around $2k, though the user interface is pretty outdated as it's been on the market for about 15 years. I also have a Miller Dynasty which is right on par with the HTP machines, but at twice the price, I think the HTP is a better value with equivalent performance. Both the PrimeWeld and HTP are a great value for what they offer, it just depends on whether you're in the market for an entry level or professional level machine.
@@TimWelds Thanks for the very detailed and thoughtful reply. I would love to get the HTP but can't really justify it my use case as a hobbyist that welds a couple of hours a week. I figure the Primeweld will be more than plenty for me and give me a chance to get more welding time in since I can allocate more of my budget to the overall setup like a water cooler.
@@MegaMajormax if you plan to continue welding for a long time you may want to consider the htp anyways. its a safe bet it would still be working 10-15-20 years down the line. i wouldnt hold my breath prime weld could last that long
Sir. Doesn’t appear in some shots you’re using the torch it came with but you are describing features it has.. Why the CK in some shots and water cooled it appears at that. . Confusing.
Can you elaborate how heat even with a bigger air cooled torch might affect the tungeston vs water cooled over time and keeping the tungeston at a consistent level of heat. Trying to learn and understand.
I don’t know..
Great question! I can see how that would be confusing. You can buy this machine in a water cooled package that includes the same CK torch that I was using and a water cooler. I just looked at the prices they have listed for the water cooled package and it's actually a really good deal for that upgrade, though the air cooled torch works really well too.
The reason that both appeared in the video is that I've had this machine for a few weeks and when I first got it, I dropped it onto my cart that already had a water cooler to use on a few projects and get familiar with it before I made any videos. When I started filming specific videos about the machine, I set it up with the stock torch. I figured a few clips from those initial projects would be useful in the video, so I included them even though I hadn't unpacked the stock air cooled torch at that point.
As far as water cooled vs. air cooled torches go, using a water cooled torch has 2 advantages. First, you can use a smaller size torch for a given amperage which makes it easier to handle. Second, the torch body doesn't heat up after long runs like it does on air cooled torches. It doesn't have much of an effect on the longevity or consistency of the tungsten electrode itself, though overheating collets can cause them to deform a bit. While I would generally grab a water cooled torch given the option, I often use an air cooled torch when I'm on the go or in the shop if I'm not making long runs at high amperage in order to avoid the noise from the water cooler.
Immanuel Throughway
Marquardt Grove
Thought heavy hitters rigs was a 2 piece cable
That’s a pretty common pipeline setup for the gas cooled torches, but this one comes stock with a CK super flex cable.
Woah, nice kit but too pricey for me :(
HTP are rebadged Stel welding machines in Italy . Lots of companies rebadge machines just like everlast
Stel owns HTP and the design of the last few machines (Revolution 2500 and Invertig 251) was largely led by Peter Zila and the HTP team in Chicago. They are some of the best built and best performing machines on the market.
Noi italiani sappiamo fare tutto di prim'ordine.... supercar ,donne e saldatrici
Das ist sehr witzig. Ein deutscher hat die Hälfte der machine designed….
Good features.Cost???
It depends on the package you get. The machine alone is $3k, which just for context is half what you’ll pay for some comparable machines with less amperage. As tested, $4k.
Jast Square
How many $$$
Starts at $3500 for the single voltage version. They just started their Black Friday sale and these are marked down.
Nichole Via
Mauricio Brook
Bechtelar Walk
Geoffrey Union
Heaney Viaduct
So, Tim, what do you do with all the machines you make videos about. Do you sell them, give them back to the source.
It really depends. I started off with Miller machines that I used for my own work because that's what I had heard of before the days of internet videos and the like. Early on in my channel journey, I bought a lot of lower cost machines to get a variety of experience and several companies sent machines out as well. Many of them never appeared on the channel, but it gave me a body of experience to speak from. I sent some of those back, gave some away and sold some. In the last few years, I have done very few machine reviews. I turn down almost all of them because as fun as it is to open new stuff and as profitable as promoting cheap machines can be, it's a lot of work and feels awkward to me to promote something different than what I personally use. The few that I do make videos about now, I keep and use.
@@TimWelds Thanks for the reply Tim. It does get a little confusing for those interested for a new machine, and watching reviews for information.