[Entropy11]

I’ve felt compelled to write something about this welder since the day it arrived. I was a kickstarter backer of this machine from the day it was announced because I couldn’t wait to try their version of an “advanced” dual voltage multiprocess machine. I’ve bought/sold, or used in a work environment, most of the major brands of welders over the past few years. I currently do all my welding at home with an HTP Invertig 221 for TIG/Stick, and a more recent but rather basic sub-$1,200 ESAB dual voltage MIG machine. I’ve been extremely happy with the performance of both machines. I’ve also had a ~ $100 Yeswelder bare-bones Stick machine on my work truck for odd (non-critical) fabrication & repair jobs (I’m a gas pipeline worker) for the past 5-6 years and that has surprisingly been flawless for me.

Features of this Machine:

MIG/MAG
Pulsed MIG
Flux Core
Spool Gun (capable) MIG
Lift TIG
Stick
Multiprocess Welding Machine

I believe retail on this machine is $699. I paid a little over 1/2 that price through the backer program. It’s regularly on sale through special promotions and currently $500 on Amazon.

It would take pages of text to describe everything about this welder but I’ll just summarize for now…

The number one feature of this machine that is mind blowing is the large full color screen and endless menus/info loaded into the machine. The menus basically hold a new user's hand and help them not only choose appropriate welding parameters (synergistic mode), but also guide them through the setup basics. On screen diagrams show you easy to understand pictures of exactly “what plugs into where”. Not sure what polarity to run for flux-core, MIG, TIG, or stick? No worries, it’ll show you. Do you simply have a tank of CO2 or Argon and you’re unsure of what modes you can run? It’ll show you. Not sure what this little knob does? Go to the onscreen diagram and see what that knob is, then follow it to the next screen if you like and get a full explanation of what that feature is, how it’s used, and how it impacts your welds.
If you’re new to welding or weld so infrequently you often forget some of the basics, this machine is one step away from including a personal welding instructor.

The ease of use of the menu mode and the rotary knob controls are some of the best I’ve ever seen. You rarely find yourself in one of those “how do I get back to …?” or “how do I get to …” situations. The best I can describe it besides “just plain simple”, is intuitive. You don’t need a course on how to navigate the menus. Yeswelder was in direct communication with the backers in the kickstarter program constantly asking us questions about what we preferred or really wanted to see in a multiprocess welder. I communicated with them on several occasions when when they were creating the user manual. They were asking us what details we expected and other details we wouldn’t expect but would appreciate. Little did we know all that info would make it to an onscreen manual.

Pros:

- Ease of use
- Guided “synergistic” modes and the ability to adjust, tweak, and experiment away from those settings
- On-demand Fan
- Dual voltage (110/220) with included pigtail adapter
- Endless adjustments you usually only find on higher-end machines (pre/post flow in MIG, arc force in Stick, full intricate pulse controls in pulse/double pulse MIG,… )
- Included Graphene liner for aluminum MIG
- Quality feeling MIG torch
- Inductance
- Pulse options on this level of welder (see below *)
- an optional MIG spool gun at a realistic price (~sub $200)
- Beautiful and bright full color screen w/day & night options
- User upgradable Firmware via a USB-C port

Possible (?) Cons:

- Repair Support if/when needed?
- ground clamp (as with almost any home consumer level welder)
- Longevity for heavy users?
- Pulse options on this level of welder (see below *)
- Future availability of replacement parts?

* Pulse capabilities on a machine in this price range are unbelievable. I don’t know of another pulse MIG machine under $2K at this time. Compared to the cheapest one I know of, this machine has more pulse adjustability and features. I've run pulse and double pulse on gas mixes of 90/10 and 98/2 (Ar/CO2) through my mixer. The option for spray transfer in MIG let alone the ability to pulse/double pulse sets a new standard at this price point. On top of that, the resulting welds from these functions are some of the smoothest I’ve seen. There is no roughness or hesitation in these modes. Same thing in basic short circuit mode. I put it in the con section only for the reason that many new welders are purchasing this machine not knowing what it takes to run pulsed MIG. Forums are loaded with people saying “give us the option to run pulse on 75/25 or straight CO2” not knowing it’s impossible. I mean, it’s not really a con when you get more than you pay for, but at this price point new people are confused that they can’t use all the features without needing 4-5 different bottles of gas or a mixer. Overall the option to do it if needed is wonderful.

Whether you need a welder like this isn’t really my point behind the whole review… I simply find it interesting that a welder at this price point with all these features, and a menu system that can actually guide and teach a new welder, can actually shape the future of what we see and expect from new welders in the future. Competition in this price range may have to step up their game to compete and high dollar manufacturers might have to second guess their expected MSRP’s when what might be considered as “entry level” competition is including more features and ease of use than they currently offer on their top machines.

[GT182]

Sounds great. I've always wanted a welder but never new which one was an all-around good one. Looks like you've found it.

The only problem... I don't trust Amazon. I've bought a few things from there and they were no good and had to return them. And it took forever to get my money back.
So now I wouldn't buy a thing from them.

[dataway]

The whole welder landscape seems to be changing. The several big names that have been guiding the sector for decades are quickly falling behind when it comes to consumer size/level welders. But then, I'm not sure they care, as the majority of their money comes from large commercial welders and industrial contract sales.

We used to just get the dregs of whatever bones they decided to throw at the small shop and consumer market, typically years behind the technology in their commercial machines.

Lots of new names stepping up, inverter technology has changed the game, you no longer need the ability to design and manufacture 300 lb AC transformers.

I'm going to give one of the imports a try at some point. I've been a bit disappointed with my relatively new Lincoln inverter TIG, small and light yes, but just doesn't have the fine control of my (now sold) SyncroWave 250.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by GT182

Sounds great. I've always wanted a welder but never new which one was an all-around good one. Looks like you've found it.

The only problem... I don't trust Amazon. I've bought a few things from there and they were no good and had to return them. And it took forever to get my money back.
So now I wouldn't buy a thing from them.

I think many if the times with newer items like these it’s companies like Yeswelder doing the selling through Amazon. The prices always seem locked in at the manufacturers listed price and don’t deviate. Sometimes like the other week, YW put the machine on sale for $499 and the Amazon price mysteriously dropped to match it.
I agree with you in this case though, with items like this it’s better skipping Amazon and dealing directly with the manufacturer. In the event you have an issue, it’s only you and the manufacturer involved.

It’ll be interesting to see how this newer digital technology plays out with future machines. Maybe they’ll drop the pulse and TIG functions to streamline things and have an even cheaper offering that’s just as user friendly for people new to welding.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by dataway

The whole welder landscape seems to be changing. The several big names that have been guiding the sector for decades are quickly falling behind when it comes to consumer size/level welders. But then, I'm not sure they care, as the majority of their money comes from large commercial welders and industrial contract sales.

We used to just get the dregs of whatever bones they decided to throw at the small shop and consumer market, typically years behind the technology in their commercial machines.

Lots of new names stepping up, inverter technology has changed the game, you no longer need the ability to design and manufacture 300 lb AC transformers.

I'm going to give one of the imports a try at some point. I've been a bit disappointed with my relatively new Lincoln inverter TIG, small and light yes, but just doesn't have the fine control of my (now sold) SyncroWave 250.

Yes, it’s interesting how the shift to inverter based machines opened up the whole market. It’s an odd case where it feels like the consumer is actually winning. The days of dropping $5k to have modern technology seem like they’re behind us. I really wonder how the big 2 are going to compete down the road. Their current machines seem to have lost that “bulletproof” reputation and their quick customer care for repairs and service (locally) seems to have switched to their machines requiring the need to ship them out and wait several weeks. Not sure if it’s just the modern tech or the build quality dropping to cut costs that are causing that change.

If I was looking for a new bulletproof “industrial” quality machine now I’d probably be looking at HTP (owned by STEL in Italy). Despite being produced overseas, the support they have in the US is very willing to ship you parts and guide you through an install if you want to tackle it yourself to save time.

If money wasn’t an option I’d love to go with Fronius. Expensive, but those features offered in the IWAVE TIG models just leave me drooling. But then again, how long will it be before all those unique features find their way to the general import market? It’s actually an interesting time to be a consumer!

[dataway]

The main board on my 30+ year old Syncrowave was not made in the USA (it failed TWICE), I think most of my new Lincoln TIG was made in China. I think a lot of the smaller machines from the big 2 have been made overseas for the past couple of decades. At least the electronics are. I do have a couple of 40 year old Lincoln MIGs that are made in USA, haven't had a problem with either one of them in 40 years.

I've been slowly shifting to Euro stuff when it comes to tools, at least they are most often built in the country where the company is located.

[Squidward]

I bought an ArcCaptain multi process welder with effectively the same capabilities. Was very pleased.

My old Lincoln mig/flux welder caused so much frustration with a sticky wire feed that caused surging and poor welds. This new one is like buttah. It is so smooth and controlled on its feed that I could probably use flux core to weld sheet metal without gas by controlling the stick out.

I ALMOST bought the YES welder.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by dataway

The main board on my 30+ year old Syncrowave was not made in the USA (it failed TWICE), I think most of my new Lincoln TIG was made in China. I think a lot of the smaller machines from the big 2 have been made overseas for the past couple of decades. At least the electronics are. I do have a couple of 40 year old Lincoln MIGs that are made in USA, haven't had a problem with either one of them in 40 years.

I've been slowly shifting to Euro stuff when it comes to tools, at least they are most often built in the country where the company is located.

That’s crazy. I had no idea they were using major components from overseas like that decades ago.

I think you’ll enjoy all the options available to you when it comes time to select a new welder. Every year we seem to get a better selection.

[Entropy11]

Originally Posted by Squidward

I bought an ArcCaptain multi process welder with effectively the same capabilities. Was very pleased.

My old Lincoln mig/flux welder caused so much frustration with a sticky wire feed that caused surging and poor welds. This new one is like buttah. It is so smooth and controlled on its feed that I could probably use flux core to weld sheet metal without gas by controlling the stick out.

I ALMOST bought the YES welder.

I’ve heard great things about those ArcCaptain machines. I still haven’t had a chance to try one but many people seem to swear by them. It’s amazing when you think about the machines we can choose from now that are loaded with features but still priced at or near entry level. Great to hear about your ArcCaptain 👍

[turbo69bird]

I was just trying to fill my welding gas today and I can’t get stargon I weld w stainless wire so can’t use straight argon. Anyone else having the issue getting stargon? If so what are you using? My supplier has been waiting a month for stargon to come in.
When o do body panels I like to use stainless wire I find the welds are a little more brittle but they don’t rust from the back .

Anyone used the new laser welders yet?

[Half-Inch Stud]

Wealthy old neighbor bought a Laser welder from china. I dunno if itsa any good because he didn't open the x to set it up.

[ta6point6]

Yeah If I was going to get a welder and had the room, use it a lot and money it would be a laser welder. It welds, takes off rust, cuts patterns and no gas.
Xlaserlab looks kewl
https://youtu.be/UqvCoZfXepg?si=vq70zgxLFq1nHYGO

[Joog]

I didn't know what to think of the non top brand machines so when I got my Lincoln Sp-180T factory refurbished for a little more than half of new price, but much less than 3/4 price new. I think its good enough for me messing around in the garage. I make plenty of metal art with it that has paid the welder off. Soon I hope to use it putting new rockers and cab corners on my truck and floors in my 56 star chief.

[Tempest]

Originally Posted by Squidward

I bought an ArcCaptain multi process welder with effectively the same capabilities. Was very pleased.

My old Lincoln mig/flux welder caused so much frustration with a sticky wire feed that caused surging and poor welds. This new one is like buttah. It is so smooth and controlled on its feed that I could probably use flux core to weld sheet metal without gas by controlling the stick out.

I ALMOST bought the YES welder.

exactly what I did. I was tired of my 20 year old Lincoln surging and not a consistant wire speed, so I went with the ArcCaptain, and so glad I did, what a difference.

[dataway]

It's worthwhile if you have an older mig with feeding problems to get a new cable liner, they are considered consumables and most people (myself included) rarely if ever replace them. Technically the drive wheels are also considered consumables.

[68bird400HO]

I have been looking at getting a welder and am somewhat sold on the Primeweld 180 mig for $599 with a 15ft torch ($549 with 10ft) and spool gun. They are getting great reviews for product quality and service.

[tstroud]

I have had a Primeweld MTS200 for about 8 years and it works very well. We have a Primeweld 180 MiG at work and it also does a really nice job. I bought Primeweld mainly because of the level of service they provide. I figured all of the consumer level hardware is Chinese made and probably similar. How well the company takes care of you after the sale was the deciding factor for me.

[Bills Auto Works]

Originally Posted by dataway

It's worthwhile if you have an older mig with feeding problems to get a new cable liner, they are considered consumables and most people (myself included) rarely if ever replace them. Technically the drive wheels are also considered consumables.

I honestly did not know that about replacing the liner. Have replaced the wheels a time or two, but will definitely get a new liner.

I have been using the same Lincoln Wirematic 250 since 1994. Unfortunately finding a spool gun for it has been tough, once in a while one comes up on Ebay, but "collector item" prices. Since this welder has given me great service, I have always had a tough time justifying buying another one. Nice to see prices coming down on something I would be happy to use.

I am following along on this thread & will look into the YesWelder along with a spool gun as I want to do aluminum.

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

[Bills Auto Works]

[QUOTE=Entropy11;6560806]I’ve felt compelled to write something about this welder since the day it arrived. I was a kickstarter backer of this machine from the day it was announced because I couldn’t wait to try their version of an “advanced” dual voltage multiprocess machine. I’ve bought/sold, or used in a work environment, most of the major brands of welders over the past few years. I currently do all my welding at home with an HTP Invertig 221 for TIG/Stick, and a more recent but rather basic sub-$1,200 ESAB dual voltage MIG machine. I’ve been extremely happy with the performance of both machines. I’ve also had a ~ $100 Yeswelder bare-bones Stick machine on my work truck for odd (non-critical) fabrication & repair jobs (I’m a gas pipeline worker) for the past 5-6 years and that has surprisingly been flawless for me.


Sir,
I have been looking at these machines on Amazon since your initial post, can you please give me your opinion on the differences between the DP205DS & the MCT-520 (other than the 520 has a plasma cutter).

My main uses would be the spool gun to weld aluminum as my Lincoln Wirematic 250 still works fine, but I realize technology has passed it by & I do already have a Lincoln Plasma Cutter. Maybe I could teach myself to TIG weld in the future, but for now it would be used with the spool gun for aluminum trailers & other aluminum projects.

Thank You In Advance
God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

[dataway]

Bill, this topic got me going on trying to correct some feed issues on my early 90's Lincoln Wire-matic 250. I'm now running into the age problem (not that one), but the one where parts are getting hard to find. Liners, diffusers, drive wheels etc. I can no longer get the .025-.030 liner or diffuser, just the .035-.045, which is OK as I use .035 most of the time, but it's a sign that before too long parts for the older models are going to get scarce.

Lincoln will sell me a new Magnum 250 gun ... for $700, typical Lincoln behavior. Almost all the replacement parts are import clones now.

I priced some current Lincoln machines equivalent to the Wire-Matic ... $4000+. Sooo, my next machine will mostly likely be an import if I can't get the old machine feeding like I want. I suspect it's the liner, I've never changed it, so either worn out or I've dropped something on the cable or run over it with something.