2016 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp ?

[NineInchNails]

I've been looking at this welding for a while. Considering buying it. I have quite a bit of welding I want done, but I've put it off for a long time because I don't like taking parts in to have welded for me.

2016 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp $680.00 + $30.50 shipping

Anyone use this or own one? I've watched quite a few videos, reviews, etc... You never know whether the reviews are just marketing or not.

I would mostly be welding stainless TriClamp ferrules, ferrules to kegs and thin work like that.

[RedwoodHillBilly]

I have one, works well. I added this as well https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018G84KNA for better gas coverage and to get into smaller spaces.

[NineInchNails]

Thanks! I am going to save that link.

How long have you had yours? Use it much? I saw a YouTube video where 'Mr. Tig' ran a 10 minutes straight torture test and it passed without tripping out. Supposedly that's nearly twice it's duty cycle.

I may be pulling the trigger on buying one of those welders, the 2016 version/updated version. I'll probably roll with the included regulator for a bit and perhaps upgrade it if need be.

[FreeMountainHermit]

I would mostly be welding stainless TriClamp ferrules, ferrules to kegs and thin work like that.

Why not consider a MIG ? Very versatile.

[NineInchNails]

Isn't MIG a wire welder? Quite expensive for the type of work I would need done.

[varocketry]

I thought a MIG was a TIG without shielding GAS.

[FreeMountainHermit]

I thought a MIG was a TIG without shielding GAS.

MIG,....' Metal arc inert gas"

Available using solid wire with inert (gas shield) or flux core .

[NineInchNails]

I would mostly be welding stainless TriClamp ferrules, ferrules to kegs and thin work like that.

Why not consider a MIG ? Very versatile.

I appreciate your recommendation and I will look into MIG welders tomorrow. Do you have a recommendation for an introductory MIG welder that isn't too expensive? I'd have a hard time spending over $1,000 to do the kind of work I usually need done.

[FreeMountainHermit]

Not saying this is the one for you but it's representative of what's out there. Street price should be less and there's always the used market. Still have to purchase a Gas bottle.

110 volt units are available as well.
http://www.airgas.com/p/MIL907613?agcer ... 51601:sale" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

https://www.amazon.com/US-Forge-Welding ... B0000DD6IG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Buddy of mine has a nice little repair business out of his home with a welder similar to the one above.

TIG is nice but MIG is more versatile in the long run for the average man in the street playing in his/her garage.

Spent most of my life under the hood if that matters, Sir.

[FreeMountainHermit]

Another:

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/ ... aQodvfEIUg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[FreeMountainHermit]

More:

https://www.zoro.com/miller-electric-mi ... lsrc=aw.ds" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

https://www.zoro.com/hobart-mig-welder- ... /G2971281/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[FreeMountainHermit]

Vids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5QBnwUHcvE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow




Another MIG
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200471413" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Vid for above machine

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... %23+500559" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[FreeMountainHermit]

Nice little machine that I mentioned above. Would do you well for your intended usage. Just make sure the small spools of stainless wire are compatible with the machine. Call Hobart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWfxqHtXZEU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[FreeMountainHermit]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wLmbXSTJwo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[RedwoodHillBilly]

This is all well and good, but a MIG can't do fusion welding (no filler, just melting the two pieces together) which is my preferred method for this application. The Alpha can also to stick, though the others can probably do it as well. The Alpha is also a good power supply for electro polishing (I use star-san for the electrolyte).

If you want to continue this conversation, I'm going to put up a build log on the artisan-distiller site when I have it finished.

done here.

[NineInchNails]

This is all well and good, but a MIG can't do fusion welding (no filler, just melting the two pieces together) which is my preferred method for this application. The Alpha can also to stick, though the others can probably do it as well. The Alpha is also a good power supply for electro polishing (I use star-san for the electrolyte).

If you want to continue this conversation, I'm going to put up a build log on the artisan-distiller site when I have it finished.

done here.

That's what I was thinking too. Tig appears to be the way to go. I have seen some MIG, TIG, stick 3-in-1 units that are in the same price rang, but they specialize more with MIG. Tig torch and foot pedal are sold separately. The AlphaTIG I listed seems to specialize in TIG. I haven't found anything within the price range that appears to do better.

[Medstiller]

Check out this one:
Everlast Power ITig 200 DC Stick TIG Welder 110v/220v
https://amzn.com/B0081BF3ES

Or the digital version:
2015 Everlast Power ITig 200T DIGITAL DC STICK TIG welder LOW 2AMP start
https://amzn.com/B00CMF5DKS

Pair it with this:
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter, Dual Voltage 110V/220V, 1/2 Inch Clean Cut
https://amzn.com/B0052OX876

I bought the first one, but haven't been able to use it yet.

[NineInchNails]

Thanks for the links. I like the plasma cutter!

[FreeMountainHermit]

This is all well and good, but a MIG can't do fusion welding (no filler, just melting the two pieces together)

done here.

You are correct but doing fusion welds requires precise fitment. Did thousands of fusion welds in my job before retiring. I'd like to see the OP with a MIG because of it's versatility.

[FreeMountainHermit]

NineInchNails, may I ask what your welding exp. consists of ?

FMH

[NineInchNails]

Every video I have ever seen showing welding of SS tubing, they are TIG welding. The tubing & ferrules are 1/16" thick. Welding ferrules to tubing that has been cut well fit perfectly, no gaps and no irregularities between the parts. TIG just seems to be the right tool for the job based on all I have seen, heard and read. Honestly ... you're the first person to recommend a MIG welder. It's not a big deal, a MIG welder just wasn't what I was looking for.

[copperlover1]

NIN,
Not sure what country your in but have you lookd on craigslist? I am always a little uneasy about customer service for those units. And parts. I would look around for a good used Miller or Lincoln. I picked up a Miller maxstar a few years back for around $400. And MIG is fun and easy. Just point and shoot. For building a still you can't beat TIG.
CL1

[NineInchNails]

NIN,
Not sure what country your in but have you lookd on craigslist? I am always a little uneasy about customer service for those units. And parts. I would look around for a good used Miller or Lincoln. I picked up a Miller maxstar a few years back for around $400. And MIG is fun and easy. Just point and shoot. For building a still you can't beat TIG.
CL1

Nothing on Craigslist, but I'll keep checking. eBay is a bust too.