I tell you what. You've got a great conversational manner, that puts the viewer at ease. Your viewpoints are well thought out and easy to understand. I thank you. Your camera work, and editing choices are professional quality. Thank you. I will be following.
I weld for a living. Many years ago mostly stick welding. Now exclusively mig welding. I got the protig 200 for my own personal use. It does aluminum well. The best though is using the high frequency start and tig settings for stick welding. No scratching, tapping, etc to start the arc. If your rod sticks just back off the peddle and break it loose.
Bought one of these a week ago and so far did some DC stick welding on a project. It did way better than my ancient AC/DC transformer machine. Can't wait to get an Argon bottle and try some aluminum TIG welding. The cost, ease of returns, and ready availability of cheap consumables were the main things that made me buy Vulcan instead of Everlast, HTP, or any of the other "also made in China" machines.
Thanks for all the likes and comments. I rushed this out because it was a new product. If I had it to do over again, I'd try to make a better video and include some welding footage.
Thanks. I haven't made a video in quite a while but some may be on the way soon. Also, I don't think they make this welding machine any more but I'm still very satisfied with mine.
The 24ft pedal cord is so that you can have a dedicated welding station with the cord running around the back of the station and under to your foot. That way the cord isn’t under foot
Thanks - great informative video. I made the same choice for the same reasons (and was looking at the same alternatives). As you said, if I was making a living from welding I'd probably make a different choice. As for the guys wanting more welds and less talk, I can find plenty of shots of beads being run by people that have all the equipment to make good arc shot videos. I think the quality of TIG welds (especially DC) are way more dependent on the talent and experience of the person holding the torch and rod than on which welding machine you choose. I bought the extra 2 year warranty for $100 for 3 years total. One thing about Harbor Freight, in my experience it's a no BS replacement policy. You take it back, they may ask a couple of questions, and you walk out with a new machine.
The return policy is the best. It allows me to invest in the higher end products. I bought 4000 watt generator and extended warranty and use the hell out of it knowing that I have two years to replace it. The lady at the store says"honey if the paint wears off bring it back darling".
Some great information here. I'm in the market for a TIG machine and have been looking at this Vulcan, as well as the AHP. I totally agree that the ability to return it to a brick and mortar location is an advantage.
The tech I spoke with at AHP said if you are decently mechanical and have ability to use a volt meter they can walk you through troubleshooting system boards. If you do have a board go bad they can ship you a new one and you can replace it Harbor Freight has a bad reputation for service and repair parts. They have many items that you cannot even get the parts listed in the parts diagram in the manual for. Their welders in the past were "no parts available" would like to know if the Vulcan line is any different. Call them and ask to order a replacement drive roller and see what you get.
Douglas Smith I talked to a manager at hf about warranty and breakage or parts replacement. Here’s what he told me. You need to buy extended warranty. They do have a 1 year no risk on machines but if you don’t get the extended warranty that’s it no support beyond one year. But with the extended warranty. You have a part break. You don’t bring part in you bring whole machine in and they replace it with new . Now that being said if you needed to finish a job and it breaks. And you take it to your local store and they don’t have one instock to replace you maybe waiting a day or two to a month. Depending on when they arrive from China. So that’s how there warranty works and he also said you can bring welder in just before extended warranty and get a new one. But after 3 years you may have to buy a new one when the original goes out if it does. Just something to keep in mind. But they do sell torches guns and accessories for the Vulcans. I almost bought an Omnipro but they haven’t had any instock in over a month at my local store. They do have a prebuilt sale and they put you on a list to receive on once they arrive on truck. So I myself ended up with a lincoln for a few hundred more that already carries a 3 yr warranty And an optional 5 yr. and I know I can get parts if neeed on the Lincoln. But the Vulcans look good for the money. I am still thinking on one of these protig 200.
I'm completely new to the Tig welding and just purchased the protig 200 and wanted to know a general idea of what the settings should be for welding aluminum?
The pedal is great for an added accessory stays where you put it, it noticeably adjusts your current. But if you need to move it you can just knock it around with your foot and it'll generally go where you want it. Big thing is you'll want to get a better torch.
I would like to see how it compares with everlast welders. I have two everlast mig welders and they are good welders but I am now looking for a capable tig welder.
Good information for those wanting to buy one of these welders. I can't find any videos of any welds yet but. I'm surprised that one of the major welding channel's hasent do e a review of one yet
It looks like Harbor Freight discontinued the ProTIG 200, leaving them with no AC TIG welder available. From what I read on a forum, by guys are work with Harbor Freight stuff, there is a new one coming out to replace it (ProTIG 205 ???). It may be different enough to make Lincoln quit trying to sue them....Until that comes out there is no Harbor Freight replacement if you have a warranty issue.
6010 is not permitted in some electrical generator power plants, some plants require a 6010 root pass, filling the finished weld with 7018.Dupont required 6010 root pass on 3/8" plate, it's also used alot on galvanized steel so you can burn the galvanized out and tie back into the puddle. We used to use 6010 to turn the amperage up to cut stainless steel before plasma arçs were less portable and used argoñ and CO2, instead of compressed air. The first plasma arc machines were huge. I have a Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 which cuts 1" steel on 220 with the 40 tip. I bought a Firepower 140i mult process 3 in 1 ,striçtly a DC machine to Tig, I had to buy the Tig torch separate, I was really disappointed when I found out that it was useless to Tig aluminum. I also have a Thermal Dynamics 125 mig that also can be hooked up to argoñ. I used to practice Tig aluminum when I had spare time at DuPont, I would run the lead through the wall from the sheet metal shop, I got really good at it, but I was a 7018 welder and could weld àlmost àñy thiçkñess with it by turning the machine up or down enough to hold an arc and move qúickly. I could stiçk weld and produce quality welds faster than the guys using mig on the same equipment. .I took a welding engineering class at Ohio State University, that's where I was introduced to metallurgy and welding, including a strong background in math, physics, and çhemistry. There were only 2 schools in the United States that offered à degree in welding engineering in 1977-78.I admit getting màñy jobs mentioñiñg the weldíng engíñeer clàss and being hired on mañy jóbs, I never failed any x-ray or bénd test bút the éxperience I received made me one of the best wélders in the Mid Ohio Valley. I have turned down 2 teaçhiñg jobs, 1 for the adúlt edúçàtión career çeñtér àñd thé Mid Àtlàntiç Régíóñàl Çoúcil offered me take over the Millwrights Union Appréñticeshíp program for the Mid Àtlantiç Regional Council, 5 states, Maryland, West Virginia, Washington DC and Virginia, I was tíred óf dríving, and needéd a breàk from driving ànd being on call 24/7 for 30 years.
Thank you for that I'm kind of looking for one for small things Harbor Freight had one for like 90 now well a lot smaller than yours but have seen that small one do things for me at work, well when I used to work but need something for my hobbies lol.
They don't make that model any more but I still like it. It hasn't given me any trouble but I only tig weld a few times a year, so it hasn't really been a torture test.
Just curious now that it's been about a year do you still have a good opinion of this unit? I'm looking at a couple of different ones right now and am waiting to see when this one goes on sale again to determine if I pick it up or go for one of the Eastman units. Thanks!
Since its a low duty cycle its aimed at thiner steels and non ferrous alloy materials. Small parts like motor mounts small brackets. Things like that. Small short run welds.
Derek Bryant Not only that, but the actual duty cycles are much higher in reality. There are plenty of videos out there showing machines of this class well exceeding these quoted duty cycles. My bet is the electrical componentry is under spec'd and that you'll kill the longevity of the machine by exceeding rated duty cycles.
Weld.com did a test on 4 different welders, and running them non-stop for 10 minutes. They all made it except for the 110 volt one. it tripped the breaker.
People are getting so caught up over running 6010 with these hobby machines. 6010 is for pipe welding. No pipe welder buys a hobby machine from Harbor Freight. Pipe welders buy industrial machines that don't have a duty cycle. Meaning the machines can be run non-stop, 24 hours a day with out a hiccup. Or if you need something that's super portable, you buy an industrial inverter style machine like a Fronius (or Miller, or equivalent).
I find the protig 200 sucks gas. I can go through a bottle in a few days. It has no gas post flow control and it keeps gas flowing 15-20 second after you let up on the pedal. Other than that for a very light duty unit to use occasionally it works fine.
I'm using mine to weld/fab the aluminum fuel tanks for an airplane that I'm building. My son--who is a union welder begrudgingly tells me that it's a good machine, and I agree. I feel like I can weld just about anything.
Can't deal with the ass-bad duty cycle. It'll be a contender once they pump that and some of the balance up, as they could leverage that warranty they have over blue and red.
oldschool823 Honestly thats perty much ever company now. I have quite a few HF tools that have long out lasted or been beter than other brands such as the Earthquake Xt air guns or there Daytona jacks both with have out lasted my Snap-On equelivent at a waaaay cheaper price.
Hey man, not trying to be an ass but come on. You weld on Aluminium with A.C. and Steel with D.C.? I'd really like to see how that turned out for you since that is incorrect and backwards.
For TIG you weld aluminum with AC and steel with DC. There may be some other process that does it the other way around, but I don't know what it would be.
I tell you what. You've got a great conversational manner, that puts the viewer at ease. Your viewpoints are well thought out and easy to understand. I thank you. Your camera work, and editing choices are professional quality. Thank you. I will be following.
Wow, I watched the whole video because this guy talks so freaking well and sticks to the point. Great job!
I had to put it on 1.5x speed. His slow talking was putting me to sleep.
I purchased the Vulcan 220 a while back . I am very pleased with it .
I weld for a living. Many years ago mostly stick welding. Now exclusively mig welding. I got the protig 200 for my own personal use. It does aluminum well. The best though is using the high frequency start and tig settings for stick welding. No scratching, tapping, etc to start the arc. If your rod sticks just back off the peddle and break it loose.
Bought one of these a week ago and so far did some DC stick welding on a project. It did way better than my ancient AC/DC transformer machine. Can't wait to get an Argon bottle and try some aluminum TIG welding. The cost, ease of returns, and ready availability of cheap consumables were the main things that made me buy Vulcan instead of Everlast, HTP, or any of the other "also made in China" machines.
Thanks for all the likes and comments. I rushed this out because it was a new product. If I had it to do over again, I'd try to make a better video and include some welding footage.
At 9:10, I said that I use mostly 6010s. I meant 6011s. I never use 6010s. I had to borrow some to make this video.
This is what I expect out of a review.
Im getting one soon. Main reason over other cheap machines is i can return or exchange if anything goes wrong.
You have done a great job with this video and I will be watching more of your videos. Informative and to the point.. thank you.
Thanks. I haven't made a video in quite a while but some may be on the way soon. Also, I don't think they make this welding machine any more but I'm still very satisfied with mine.
Informative, no BS and to the point. You answered my concerns about duty cycle. Thank you.
This Vulcan has a better duty cycle than Miller Dynasty. The Dynasty has 20%
Great Video. Love your no nonsense, matter of fact style.
Thanks
The 24ft pedal cord is so that you can have a dedicated welding station with the cord running around the back of the station and under to your foot. That way the cord isn’t under foot
Thanks - great informative video. I made the same choice for the same reasons (and was looking at the same alternatives). As you said, if I was making a living from welding I'd probably make a different choice. As for the guys wanting more welds and less talk, I can find plenty of shots of beads being run by people that have all the equipment to make good arc shot videos. I think the quality of TIG welds (especially DC) are way more dependent on the talent and experience of the person holding the torch and rod than on which welding machine you choose. I bought the extra 2 year warranty for $100 for 3 years total. One thing about Harbor Freight, in my experience it's a no BS replacement policy. You take it back, they may ask a couple of questions, and you walk out with a new machine.
The return policy is the best. It allows me to invest in the higher end products. I bought 4000 watt generator and extended warranty and use the hell out of it knowing that I have two years to replace it. The lady at the store says"honey if the paint wears off bring it back darling".
Thank you for your hard work with making the video I'm debating on getting one my self
Some great information here. I'm in the market for a TIG machine and have been looking at this Vulcan, as well as the AHP. I totally agree that the ability to return it to a brick and mortar location is an advantage.
The tech I spoke with at AHP said if you are decently mechanical and have ability to use a volt meter they can walk you through troubleshooting system boards. If you do have a board go bad they can ship you a new one and you can replace it
Harbor Freight has a bad reputation for service and repair parts. They have many items that you cannot even get the parts listed in the parts diagram in the manual for. Their welders in the past were "no parts available" would like to know if the Vulcan line is any different. Call them and ask to order a replacement drive roller and see what you get.
Douglas Smith I’d imagine you wouldn’t get a drive roller for a TIG machine, but I’m picking up what you’re putting down.
Douglas Smith I talked to a manager at hf about warranty and breakage or parts replacement. Here’s what he told me. You need to buy extended warranty. They do have a 1 year no risk on machines but if you don’t get the extended warranty that’s it no support beyond one year. But with the extended warranty. You have a part break. You don’t bring part in you bring whole machine in and they replace it with new . Now that being said if you needed to finish a job and it breaks. And you take it to your local store and they don’t have one instock to replace you maybe waiting a day or two to a month. Depending on when they arrive from China. So that’s how there warranty works and he also said you can bring welder in just before extended warranty and get a new one. But after 3 years you may have to buy a new one when the original goes out if it does. Just something to keep in mind. But they do sell torches guns and accessories for the Vulcans. I almost bought an Omnipro but they haven’t had any instock in over a month at my local store. They do have a prebuilt sale and they put you on a list to receive on once they arrive on truck. So I myself ended up with a lincoln for a few hundred more that already carries a 3 yr warranty And an optional 5 yr. and I know I can get parts if neeed on the Lincoln. But the Vulcans look good for the money. I am still thinking on one of these protig 200.
Great Video, very informative in a down to Earth manner. Thanks for posting it!
I'm completely new to the Tig welding and just purchased the protig 200 and wanted to know a general idea of what the settings should be for welding aluminum?
All great points and the very reason I went with the Vulcan over the AHP!
The pedal is great for an added accessory stays where you put it, it noticeably adjusts your current.
But if you need to move it you can just knock it around with your foot and it'll generally go where you want it.
Big thing is you'll want to get a better torch.
I would like to see how it compares with everlast welders. I have two everlast mig welders and they are good welders but I am now looking for a capable tig welder.
Love the dillon xl650 in the background. Great press
Very informative and nicely done
Good information for those wanting to buy one of these welders. I can't find any videos of any welds yet but. I'm surprised that one of the major welding channel's hasent do e a review of one yet
It looks like Harbor Freight discontinued the ProTIG 200, leaving them with no AC TIG welder available. From what I read on a forum, by guys are work with Harbor Freight stuff, there is a new one coming out to replace it (ProTIG 205 ???). It may be different enough to make Lincoln quit trying to sue them....Until that comes out there is no Harbor Freight replacement if you have a warranty issue.
6010 is not permitted in some electrical generator power plants, some plants require a 6010 root pass, filling the finished weld with 7018.Dupont required 6010 root pass on 3/8" plate, it's also used alot on galvanized steel so you can burn the galvanized out and tie back into the puddle. We used to use 6010 to turn the amperage up to cut stainless steel before plasma arçs were less portable and used argoñ and CO2, instead of compressed air. The first plasma arc machines were huge. I have a Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 42 which cuts 1" steel on 220 with the 40 tip. I bought a Firepower 140i mult process 3 in 1 ,striçtly a DC machine to Tig, I had to buy the Tig torch separate, I was really disappointed when I found out that it was useless to Tig aluminum. I also have a Thermal Dynamics 125 mig that also can be hooked up to argoñ. I used to practice Tig aluminum when I had spare time at DuPont, I would run the lead through the wall from the sheet metal shop, I got really good at it, but I was a 7018 welder and could weld àlmost àñy thiçkñess with it by turning the machine up or down enough to hold an arc and move qúickly. I could stiçk weld and produce quality welds faster than the guys using mig on the same equipment. .I took a welding engineering class at Ohio State University, that's where I was introduced to metallurgy and welding, including a strong background in math, physics, and çhemistry. There were only 2 schools in the United States that offered à degree in welding engineering in 1977-78.I admit getting màñy jobs mentioñiñg the weldíng engíñeer clàss and being hired on mañy jóbs, I never failed any x-ray or bénd test bút the éxperience I received made me one of the best wélders in the Mid Ohio Valley. I have turned down 2 teaçhiñg jobs, 1 for the adúlt edúçàtión career çeñtér àñd thé Mid Àtlàntiç Régíóñàl Çoúcil offered me take over the Millwrights Union Appréñticeshíp program for the Mid Àtlantiç Regional Council, 5 states, Maryland, West Virginia, Washington DC and Virginia, I was tíred óf dríving, and needéd a breàk from driving ànd being on call 24/7 for 30 years.
Thank you for that I'm kind of looking for one for small things Harbor Freight had one for like 90 now well a lot smaller than yours but have seen that small one do things for me at work, well when I used to work but need something for my hobbies lol.
I got a migmax 215, it’s freaking sick
How's the update on it?
They don't make that model any more but I still like it. It hasn't given me any trouble but I only tig weld a few times a year, so it hasn't really been a torture test.
Just curious now that it's been about a year do you still have a good opinion of this unit? I'm looking at a couple of different ones right now and am waiting to see when this one goes on sale again to determine if I pick it up or go for one of the Eastman units. Thanks!
Yeah, my opinion hasn't changed but keep in mind that I only use it probably once a month on average.
You should do a one year later video
Good idea. I'll do it if I can stop being so lazy.
@@the10shed52 also the warranty if you ever had to use it and any issues. I guess the longer you take the better? Lol
here's where he shows how it welds 12:26 yeah exactly...
wrong
Since its a low duty cycle its aimed at thiner steels and non ferrous alloy materials. Small parts like motor mounts small brackets. Things like that. Small short run welds.
Derek Bryant Not only that, but the actual duty cycles are much higher in reality. There are plenty of videos out there showing machines of this class well exceeding these quoted duty cycles.
My bet is the electrical componentry is under spec'd and that you'll kill the longevity of the machine by exceeding rated duty cycles.
Weld.com did a test on 4 different welders, and running them non-stop for 10 minutes. They all made it except for the 110 volt one. it tripped the breaker.
@The10shed you got it right in the head with the number 2.
Having a local recourse against a company is why I got mine.
hi michael
Hello have you tryed weld chromemolly with the protig200?
No, I haven't.
People are getting so caught up over running 6010 with these hobby machines. 6010 is for pipe welding. No pipe welder buys a hobby machine from Harbor Freight. Pipe welders buy industrial machines that don't have a duty cycle. Meaning the machines can be run non-stop, 24 hours a day with out a hiccup.
Or if you need something that's super portable, you buy an industrial inverter style machine like a Fronius (or Miller, or equivalent).
What machine does not have a duty cycle?
Thank you for the details!
If you already had the Everlast, why would you buy this one?
The Everlast is DC stick and scratch start TIG only and I wanted to weld aluminum.
Is the torch a flex head ?
No
I'm not so sure about these Harbor Freight welders. I'm sticking with Everlast or AHP.
How's the VULCAN holdin up.....good video!
So far, so good.
Thanks for a great video and great information my friend.
Great review, thank you.
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
I find the protig 200 sucks gas. I can go through a bottle in a few days. It has no gas post flow control and it keeps gas flowing 15-20 second after you let up on the pedal. Other than that for a very light duty unit to use occasionally it works fine.
Lets see some tig welds.
Joeak74 I have a few videos up bear in mind I'm no welder I don't really even call what I'd do welding.
@@horseblinderson4747 then dont comment...
Good video
I can’t believe people haven’t complained about post flow gas it burns up gas
I have had this for 14 months now and that is the only complaint I have with it. I have tig welded steel stainless and aluminium all turned out great.
12-foot hose 24-foot cable for the foot peddle makes sense
Mines just tangled up in a big wad in front of my welding table.
Could be useful if the torch can make a staight line to the work, but the pedal had to loop around to the other side of something?
Very good video...thank you.
Great video and make more videos
Ok thank you i seeking get one soon
How about weld something
I'm using mine to weld/fab the aluminum fuel tanks for an airplane that I'm building. My son--who is a union welder begrudgingly tells me that it's a good machine, and I agree. I feel like I can weld just about anything.
+Weldkid 61300
Yes, it does really well for me. Carbon steel, stainless and aluminum.
I have a vulcan pro tig 200, and my friends tell me that I better grab a miller, it's not so much the brand but the welder
My Vulcan works well for me but I only weld a few times a year.
the miller dynasty 200 has a 20% duty cycle at 200 amps. Big deal
Nice video👍
Can't deal with the ass-bad duty cycle.
It'll be a contender once they pump that and some of the balance up, as they could leverage that warranty they have over blue and red.
No "backyard" hobbyist is going to be running any machine at 200 amps for 2.5 min. So, the duty cycle downfall of this machine is a moot point.
Nice Dillon Mister !
HF is known for selling cheap china stuff. Somewhere along the line they cut corners. like everything else I don't expect it to last long.
oldschool823 Honestly thats perty much ever company now. I have quite a few HF tools that have long out lasted or been beter than other brands such as the Earthquake Xt air guns or there Daytona jacks both with have out lasted my Snap-On equelivent at a waaaay cheaper price.
Miller's components are made in China.
All talk no welds.
Yeah, I rushed this out cause it was new. Wish I had taken the time to make a better video.
Hey man, not trying to be an ass but come on. You weld on Aluminium with A.C. and Steel with D.C.? I'd really like to see how that turned out for you since that is incorrect and backwards.
For TIG you weld aluminum with AC and steel with DC. There may be some other process that does it the other way around, but I don't know what it would be.
are you gonna fucking weld or not???
Chuy RDZ no, dummy. Didn't you watch?