Cheap TIG Welder

Published on August 14, 2022
Duration: 32:10

This video provides an in-depth review and comparison of a budget TIG welder (Yes Welder) against a professional-grade machine (Miller Syncrowave 200). The presenter, a gun designer with 25 years of welding experience, details the unboxing, setup, and performance of the Yes Welder, highlighting its limitations such as a non-variable pedal and lack of pre/post-flow. He demonstrates various welding techniques on different materials, comparing the results to the Miller, and offers insights into essential TIG welding features.

Quick Summary

Essential TIG welding features for gunsmithing include a high-frequency start for easy arc initiation and an adjustable power pedal for precise amperage control. While budget welders like the Yes Welder can perform basic tasks, professional machines like the Miller Syncrowave 200 offer superior control and features like pre/post-flow gas and pulsing for cleaner, more consistent welds.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction & Welding Experience
  2. 01:00Unboxing the Yes Welder
  3. 01:53Yes Welder Components & Adapters
  4. 02:15Pedal and Stinger Analysis
  5. 02:58Ground Clamp and Graphics
  6. 03:45All Accessories Overview
  7. 04:09Missing Accessories: Regulator, Gas, Tungsten
  8. 04:45Gas Regulator Setup
  9. 05:06Pedal Conductor Issue
  10. 05:30Amperage Limitations & Advertising
  11. 05:54Initial Welding Attempt & Failure
  12. 06:14Switching to High Frequency Start
  13. 06:35Tacking with Yes Welder
  14. 06:58Filling a Bead with Yes Welder
  15. 08:48Comparison: Yes Welder vs. Miller
  16. 09:11Miller Syncrowave 200 Introduction
  17. 09:33Welding with Miller Syncrowave 200
  18. 10:15Miller Weld Quality Assessment
  19. 10:36Tungsten Adjustment
  20. 10:45Side-by-Side Comparison: Fusing
  21. 11:36Side-by-Side Comparison: Adding Filler
  22. 12:12Close Look at Filler Weld
  23. 13:05Welding with Miller's Pulser
  24. 13:50Pulser Weld Results
  25. 14:25Melting in Pulser Weld
  26. 14:55Post-Flow Benefits
  27. 15:25Back to Yes Welder: Loud Fan Noise
  28. 15:32Fusing with Yes Welder (87 Amps)
  29. 16:02Laying a Bead with Yes Welder (87 Amps)
  30. 16:29Adjusting Amperage on Yes Welder (50 Amps)
  31. 17:29Adjusting Amperage on Yes Welder (25 Amps)
  32. 18:03Adjusting Amperage on Yes Welder (35 Amps)
  33. 18:36Welding with Yes Welder (35 Amps)
  34. 19:18Gas Flow Adjustment
  35. 20:19Adjusting Amperage on Yes Welder (40 Amps)
  36. 20:52Final Yes Welder Weld Assessment
  37. 21:07Back to Miller Syncrowave 200
  38. 21:36Miller Welder Features: Post-Flow, Pre-Flow
  39. 21:53Welding with Miller (Standard)
  40. 22:19Miller Weld Surface Assessment
  41. 22:55Fusing with Miller
  42. 23:09Fusing with Miller's Pulser
  43. 24:16Miller Weld Quality Reflection
  44. 24:43Thin Sheet Metal Test: Yes Welder
  45. 25:30TIG Tack Welding Benefits
  46. 26:27Pedal Limitation on Yes Welder for Tacking
  47. 27:09Bead Down Seam: Yes Welder
  48. 27:33Welding Seam with Yes Welder
  49. 28:03Beautiful Weld Result (Yes Welder)
  50. 29:17Uzi Challenge Passed
  51. 29:44TIG Must-Haves Recap
  52. 30:20TIG Nice-to-Have Features
  53. 30:32Pulser Feature Discussion
  54. 30:55Conclusion & Patreon Giveaway

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential features to look for in a TIG welder for gunsmithing or fabrication?

For TIG welding, especially for gunsmithing or fabrication, a high-frequency start is crucial for easy arc initiation without contaminating the tungsten. An adjustable power pedal is also vital, allowing precise control over amperage to manage heat input on various materials and thicknesses.

How does a budget TIG welder like the Yes Welder compare to a professional machine like the Miller Syncrowave 200?

Budget welders like the Yes Welder often lack advanced features such as adjustable pedals, pre-flow, and post-flow gas, making them harder to control. Professional machines like the Miller Syncrowave 200 offer superior precision, cleaner welds, and more features like pulsing, which significantly aids in weld quality and consistency.

What are the benefits of pre-flow and post-flow gas in TIG welding?

Pre-flow gas in TIG welding purges the weld area with shielding gas before the arc starts, preventing oxidation. Post-flow gas continues to protect the molten puddle as it cools, minimizing oxidation and ensuring a cleaner, stronger weld bead. These features are often found on higher-end machines.

Can a budget TIG welder be used for welding thin sheet metal, such as for firearm components?

While a budget TIG welder can weld thin sheet metal, it's significantly more challenging due to the lack of fine amperage control from a non-variable pedal. Achieving clean, precise welds requires more skill and careful heat management compared to using a machine with an adjustable pedal and advanced features.

More from markserbu

View all →