Powerful TIG And Stick Welder Machines: AHP Alpha TIG 200X Review
Having a good welding machine can go a long way in improving the overall quality of your welding work. It does not matter whether you are an industry professional or a hobbyist welder, whether you have previous experience or you are doing it just for fun, having the right tools for the job is an essential part of eventually being proud of your creations. Here is a detailed AHP AlphaTIG 200X review to better illustrate this point.
Welder Machines: AHP Alpha TIG 200X Review & Buying Guide
One of the most critically acclaimed welder machines is the AHP Alpha TIG 200X. Anyone in the market for a high-quality welding machine has undoubtedly heard about the AHP Alpha TIG 200X.
It is a powerful TIG and Stick welder machine that packs quite a punch, allowing you to get most of your conventional welding tasks done easily.
It is arguably one of the best welder machines at its price range, and for a good reason.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X 110V/220V – 200A TIG/Stick Pulse Welder
The AlphaTIG 200X can operate in TIG or stick welding modes. It operates on either 110V or 220V on a single phase. Depending on your welding job, you can also select DC or AC output mode.
It offers a good range of frequency control and has adjustable pulse speed.
Plus, it is adaptable enough to be easily adjusted to suit different tasks. Its versatility in power gives it good operation capabilities in unfavorable weather conditions, for example, in areas with strong winds.
AHP Alphatig 200x Reviews – Video Review
For Who Is It?
Although this machine welder is sometimes considered a low-budget reserve unit, it is, in effect, an excellent machine capable of obtaining quality welds. The AHP 200X adapts to different needs, as you can use Stick or TIG welding with a 110V or 220V power supply.
With an excellent quality-price ratio, this unit is suitable for the occasional welder, hobbyist, and professionals.
The user manual is complete and useful for those who do not know the product and want to know all the settings.
It has great programmable features like pre/post flow control, and start/end cycles, which gives you an added level of flexibility during the welding process.
The 2T/4T sequencer function can be operated with a remote, which is a unique feature among such welding machines.
The fully adjustable feature helps you control its heat through adjusting its pulse frequency peak and base welding amps and between low and high amp stages time division.
Another great feature is the 2T/4T switches which allow you to choose between two touches (2T) and four touches (4T) performance mode. However, the pedal only works on the 2T mode.
It has a full duty cycle of 60% at 200A for TIG welding. This means you can weld for spans of up to 6 minutes at 200A, wait for the machine to cool down then you can restart another cycle.
Duty Cycle of 35% at 155A for stick welding.
Its maximum output current stands at 200A at 220V and 140A at 110V
You can use it to weld several different types of metal, including aluminum, magnesium, mild steel, stainless steel, iron, and copper, among others. It welds a minimum metal thickness of 0.040” and a maximum of 3/8”.
Features
- 200 amps maximum output on 220V
- 140 amps maximum output
- 110V/240V 50/60Hz input
- AC/DC output power type
- DC 10A and AC 20A minimum start amps
- Pulse frequency of 0.5 to 200Hz.
- Weight: 67 lb
- Dimensions: 30 in x 12 in x 24.5 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
Control Knobs and Switches
The AHP Alpha TIG 200X offers you a wide range of controls for welding. You have control to the following parameters:
- Start Amps at 10-200A
- Pulse Amps at 10-200A
- Pulse Frequency at 5-200Hz
- End Amps at 10-200A
- Pulse Time on 10-90%
- AC Balance at 30-70%
- Post Flow at 1-10.
Additionally, control switches include:
- Pulse switch on/off
- 2T/4T switch
- Remote switch for torch and pedal
- AC/DC switch
- TIG/MMA stick function switch
- Machine switch on/off.
AHP Alphatig 200X Owner’s Manuals
2T/4T Feature Explained
In 2T operation mode, you have the option of deciding either to connect the torch switch cable or the foot pedal. Note that you cant use both of them at once.
This mode is the best setup for beginners. All you need to do is hold the switch and press it down.
The machine will work with preset power settings. The arc will quit once you release the switch.
The 4T operation is for experienced users. Such users can have more control over the up-slope and down-slope cycles. When you press the trigger at number 1, a pre-flow of shielding gas will be initiated. Always keep the torch switch pressed.
The start amp setting will be active. The power will escalate to main amps when you release the torch at number 2.
Pressing the switch again at number 3, power will ramp down to the end amps.
Releasing the trigger will switch number 4. Now the arc will quit. Post-flow gas shielding continues at this moment.
Pros
- It is easy to set up the machine
- You can easily choose between 2T/4T mode.
- It has a very smooth welding arch.
Cons
- No wire feed (MIG welding).
- There is only one display, therefore, you have to do adjustments on the control switches so that you can read the current set value.
Welding Machines Top Brands: AHP Welds
The AHP Alpha TIG 200X is a product made by AHP Welding Systems which are based in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in TIG welding. They have come up with a wide range of equipment from large machines to tools and accessories that are of interest to any welder.
They have a comprehensive site where you can shop for items. AHP Welding Systems has come to build a great reputation as one of the leading makers of high-quality welding equipment.
Being a fully certified company that offers extended warranties on all their products has also played a significant role in building brand trust and establishing them as true authorities in the industry.
FAQs
What is TIG welding?
TIG in full terms is Tungsten Inert Gas. “It is technically called gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), which is a process that uses non-consumable tungsten electrode which delivers current directly to the welding arc.
Together with the welding puddle, the tungsten is cooled down with argon, which is an inert gas. It is similar to oxy-acetylene welding, which uses filler material as reinforcement.
Does the AHP AlphaTIG 200X do MIG TIG and stick welding?
AHP Alpha TIG is not a MIG welder. However, it is primarily a TIG welder, giving you a stick welding option when the TIG is inappropriate.
What’s included in the Box?
The AHP Alpha TIG 200X comes with a 9ft Ground clamp, a 9ft Stick holder, a Metal foot pedal, an Argon regulator, a 14 ft WP17 TIG flex hose torch, and a 110v plug adaptor.
Does it come with the cart?
No, it does not come with a cart. You can always buy this separately.
Does it have a pulse?
AHP AlphaTIG 200X does have an extremely useful pulse feature, with a range of 0.5 Hz to 200Hz.
Will it weld bronze?
The AHP Alpha 200X can weld several different types of metal, including bronze.
What is the duty cycle of this unit?
The duty cycle is up to 6 minutes at 200A. After this, you have to let it cool down before starting another cycle.
What is the 2T/4T feature?
The 2T/4T feature refers to two touches and four touch operation. The 2T mode is simpler for beginners, while the 4T is a bit more complex. At 4T operation mode, you have over the stages of the welding cycle.
Review Summary and Alternative
The AlphaTIG 200X is a great machine that gives you much power at a very affordable price. It is the perfect companion to any welder worth his salt.
Furthermore, it is surprisingly robust, performing impressively even under challenging conditions like windy weather. With economic power utilization and the diverse range of welding modes it allows, there are very few things you cannot do with this machine.
The cherry on top is light enough to be moved around easily, and it comes packed with several accessories, so you do not have to buy them separately.
Compared to its advantages, the few shortcomings it has been almost negligible.
The Alternative
If you are looking for a worthy alternative to this great product, consider the Everlast PowerTIG 210EXT.
It is a small but powerful machine known for being very quiet as it works. It comes with a smooth metal top and a smooth working foot pedal. The amp control is also perfect to work with. It is equipped with a microprocessor that gives you precise management of welding functions.
Everlast PowerTIG 210EXT 210A TIG Stick Pulse Welder 110/220V
The Everlast 210EXT has programmable memory to save parameters of up to 9 programs. Its stick functions are programmable as well. It includes hot start time, arc force control, and hot start intensity.
