PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with Pulse CK17 Flex Torch and Cable

Best welder for the money.Works great in TIG mode with no surprises. Easy set up and good performance.In stick mode it has great arc starts and smooth running.

PrimeWeld 225x 225 amp AC DC Pulse TIG/Stick welderChris, Springfield, MOI received the new welder on the 18th of April. I bought this welder because the power is greater and the control is better than the other welders in this price category. I looked at other machines that cost much more and most of them did not have the adjustability of this machine. The machines that I found with most of the adjustability were in the $1500 to $2500 range or higher for the American made machines. I looked at the digital machines and decided I did not want to learn a new language again. Memorizing instructions (push this button three times and then that button twice then the button under the other setting once for this and a fourth button two more times) is not user friendly to me.I have tested this welder on mild steel in DC mode and found it to be a very good machine. The material I used was 3/16th flat and angle. The flat butt welds showed very good penetration and smooth consistency. The fillet welds were clean and strong. The duty cycle is 40% and the machine did not overload at any time during my testing. I did have several welds that were 5-6 minutes or longer on 3/16th aluminum tread-plate. I did one very long weld with the aluminum and the welder did not balk at all.As for TIG welding in general it is so versatile that a little investigation and knowledge can go a long way to overcome challenges. I believe that this will be a very good welder for anyone with a little experience welding; for those without any experience I would suggest getting together with someone who has at least a little experience for a little help. The internet is a very good place to get the information you will need to make the learning curve shorter. That is not to say that you have to have experience, only that depending on your ability to work things out by yourself it can be challenging.I have been a DIY’er for many, many years and I can tell you that TIG welding is not something most people can do perfectly at first try. In this realm it truly is practice that makes perfect. I haven’t done any TIG welding for more than 40 years and it is like learning to weld all over again. And it is still fun. This welder will give you everything you need to do the average welding jobs found in art, middle manufacturing and most anything around the house.I am giving this welder 5 stars; not because it is perfect, (though it is top of the line), but because I believe it is by far the best you can get for the money. The customer service is better than I have seen at many companies. I am sure Mike will bend over backwards to be the best in your mind as well. If you would like to talk to me call mike and give him your number and I will call you to help if I can.

This is my second Tig welding machine. My first, a $5K Miller, was so complex I grew frustrated trying to figure out the endless parameters of the machine and thusly the appearance of my aluminum work. This Primeweld 225x had me laying down very nice beads on aluminum lap, butt & fillet welds the second day of use...actually the first but some time was spent on familiarizing myself with different settings, Argon flow, pulse, etc. The CK flex head torch is very nice as is the ground clamp but I can see the benefits of going to a stubby conversion for closer work. I was apprehensive at first about the foot pedal but after spending time with it I like it. Immediate arc start and good let-off at the end of the weld. Good argon pre & post flow settings really helps. I have not used the included finger control or arc welding stinger although they seem a good quality. The owners manual is excellent! Very clear and concise with much helpful information on settings for both aluminum & Stainless steel. The amperage on the high end is good on 3/16" and 1/4" alum. Producing very satisfactory results. Welding vertical was easier than anticipated and results better than expected for first attempts. All in all I am extremely happy with machine especially after the rocket science PHD needed for my previous machine. I have two aluminum boats used in saltwater fishing & crabbing and the modifications needed are far too expensive to farm out so home-fab is a must. If you are looking to learn the Tig process this machine will fit the bill and not break the bank doing it. There are a lot of helpful Youtube videos on this welder as well that help during initial set up and operation and as I said, the owners manual is actually very useful and well done. For the money I don't believe you can do much better.