ARC CAPTAIN 200P AC/DC TIG WELDER REVIEW 200AMPS ALUMINUM WELDING

[@arccaptain-weld]

Thank you for your honest feedback and praise for the ArcCaptain machine. It has done a great job in producing some beautiful welds under your operation, great job! We will carefully consider the suggestions you mentioned. Thank you again for your review!

[@PranaTech]

Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it!👍😊

[@UpInSmoke54]

Are there any reviews of this welder that the reviewers didn't get for free??

[@PranaTech]

I don’t know, but I wasn’t exaggerating when I said this is a great Tig. It has one of the most stable arcs out there, especially on aluminum. Trust me, it’s a great welder. Look at the reviews on Amazon.👍

[@UpInSmoke54]

@@PranaTech The lack of customer support is concerning!

[@jonnygalante3623]

I bought this welder because of this awesome review. It has been great, welds aluminum smoothly and has decent power for its size. Keep making videos, very awesome

[@PranaTech]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad you are enjoying this great welder. It still amazes me how they can pack 200 amps into such a compact welder. 😊👍

[@myrondel]

Finally, an intelligent review. Thank you, nice job and I appreciate the review I'm just about to buy 1 today. You confirmed my decision between all the welders I've been looking at. I am buying the Arccaptain 200P.

[@PranaTech]

Hey, glad you liked the review and that it was helpful. 😊👍

[@steveh8724]

Small correction: @12:50 Note the frequency is not "the time between your pulses". The frequency (in Hz) is the NUMBER of pulses per second. So 1 Hz = 1 pulse per second. 2 Hz = 2 pulses per second. The time between pulses (in seconds) is the inverse or reciprocal of the frequency in pulses per second. So 3 Hz pulse rate means 1/3 sec between pulses. Overall very nice video! Thanks very much for taking the time to document this welder's interface and functions.

[@PranaTech]

Hi Steve! Thank you for the correction. You are correct, it is the pulses per second. 😊👍

[@steveh8724]

Note: this explanation was for viewers, not the OP who simply misspoke in live narration...

[@peterdevore5178]

Don, love the videos! I'm a FF as well and love your ingenuity and the way you have repurposed so much.

[@PranaTech]

Hi Peter! Thank you for your very nice comments! I really appreciate it. 🙏😊

[@leofrac435]

I’m new to tig welding. I’ve migd cars trucks heavy equipment for 20 some years. I have stick welded before I have never tig welded. I have a Hynade multi process machine STC520DP There is only one 5 pin connector. Is the tig torch wired in with the foot controller because my machine says it supports the pedal on the control panel, but I only have one 5 pin connector on the front of the machine. I purchased the foot control pedal from Hynade It has my welder number on it along with the 200 machine.

[@PranaTech]

Hi Leo! Welcome to the wonderful world of Tig welding! For using the pedal with your welder, just unscrew the 5 pin connector for the torch and install the connector for the pedal and weld away. Some of the welders you need to hold the pedal down for 5 seconds so it recognizes the pedal. Most of the Hynade welders don’t though. Let me know if you need any help. 😊👍Don

[@leofrac435]

@@PranaTech thank you for the quick response. I really appreciate it. I am downtown doing a chemo infusion when I get home. I’ll take a look at the stuff and if I have any questions, I’ll hit you back up. Thank you very much.

[@steveh8724]

Agree very much with your summary comments. I agree strongly with your comments about the clarity, readability, and simplicity of the user interface. I had read the online user manual for this welder, but it does not really show or explain how the display indicates the various settings. I thought there were going to be little LEDs that lit up next to preprinted text, but as your video clearly shows, the actual interface is quite nice. I also appreciated seeing the examples in Al and steel.

[@PranaTech]

Thank you Steve! I appreciate your kind comments! 🙏😊

[@liangsong508]

Just wondering is this welder generator friendly, and what grade the generator to be? Thanks!

[@PranaTech]

Hi there! Yes, it is generator friendly and I’ve run it a bunch on my older Honda EB5000. It welds great even at max amperage. 👍😊

[@AerialLensVideo]

Great review - THANKS! This ArcCaptain looks nice and really worth considering even with my (very) limited budget! How would you compare it with the older YW 250P ACDC as to performance and reliability? I bought one of those about 3 years ago (You had great videos about that, too). Has yours held up over time without any issues or error codes?

[@vedochiaro76]

What is the maximum frequency in Hz that it reaches in AC? does it reach 250hz?

[@PranaTech]

Hi Marco! Yes, it will do 250hz at the highest.👍😊

[@MrPaveles]

Out of the budget machines, Would you prefer this one over the Hynade one you reviewed or AlphaTig 203? Thanks

[@PranaTech]

I’ve owned all three and welded with them all extensively. All three of them are great welders. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the ArcCaptain. The overall build quality is excellent and the arc is the most stable of any Tig that I’ve tested. 👍😊

[@MrPaveles]

@@PranaTech copy that, I appreciate the input and thank you for replying so quick. I also have another question related MiG machines if you don’t mind. What is your recommendation between Arccaptain and Yeswelder 211P Considering they both offer spoolguns for those Aluminium projects? Or there is another machine that should I consider? Thank you again 0:12

[@PranaTech]

Well, honestly I don’t care for mig aluminum. It is difficult to get a good looking clean weld and it can be extremely frustrating trying to get it dialed in with settings. You end up with a lot of burn backs into the tips and then you just have to unscrew the tip and throw it away. I always try and steer people towards learning how to Tig aluminum because the results are so much cleaner and you can control the penetration and filler amounts. With mig aluminum, everything has to be dialed in exactly and even then things happen real fast with 1/8” or thinner aluminum. 3/16” 1/4” works pretty good with mig but it can still be frustrating sometimes. The 211p would be my first choice for aluminum mig for a budget welder. The HTP Pro Pulse 221 would be even better because everything is preprogrammed into the machine for all settings. But a lot of people don’t want to spend $2400 on an aluminum MiG. 😊👍

[@MrPaveles]

@@PranaTech thank you I see your point here, that’s why I’m trying to get also a separate tig machine to teach myself new skill , but I also have to upgrade to a better MiG machine And having a hard time figuring out which one would work better for my needs as Home garage hobbies

[@Holz_Arbeiter]

I own the same welder and was intrigued by your comment about adapting a different TIG pedal to it. By any chance did you determine the pin-outs (or schematic) for the 5-pin plug as it relates to the 10K pot and switch?

[@PranaTech]

Hey! As a matter of fact I did sketch the pinouts while I had it apart. Here is a link to the sketch drive.google.com/file/d/1NsqIvITkAZE-pSJQ4dtZO0K6MEaIrpeO/view?usp=drivesdk Let me know if you have any questions.😊👍

[@Holz_Arbeiter]

Thank you so much for the pin-outs. I am adapting an Everlast pedal and found the ArcCaptain 5-pin plug to be P/N XS12J5Y and is available on AMZ and the like.

[@Jannetapsa]

@@PranaTech Is foot pedal operational only AC mode? I have foot pedal and Torch WP-26 with potentiometer, but no impact to current at least DC mode if I adjust it? Is pinout from foot pedal connector side?

[@PranaTech]

Hello! The foot pedal should work exactly the same in both AC and DC. If there is no change in the amperage when pressing the pedal, it may be a broken wire connection at the plug or inside the pedal housing at the potentiometer. If it activates the arc when you press the pedal but does not change the amperage, this indicates the switch is working properly but the potentiometer signal isn’t getting to the control center in the welder. I would do a quick check of the wires inside the pedal just to confirm they are all connected. It is a very simple mechanism and easy to take apart if you have the time. If the wires are connected and you have a multimeter that can measure resistance, you can check the pins on the plug to make sure they are putting out the correct readings. If you want to do this level of checks, let me know and I can guide you through what to test on the plug pins. Hope this helps. 😊👍Don

[@Jannetapsa]

@@PranaTech Thanks for your quick reply. I have Torch (Wp-26 delivered with new Tig one month ago) with potentiometer and I have measured resistance 10K and between pin 5 and 2. Pin 1 resistance can be adjusted. Switch is working properly (pin 3 and 4). Pin order in WP-26 torch connector (Clock face) pin2 at 1 o'clock, Pin3 at 4 o'clock, pin 4 at 6 o'clock, pin5 at 8 o'clok, pin 1 at 11 o'clock. I did foot pedal with same pin mapping, switch is working correct way but not any impact to current setting. Any help what you can give to me, I'm very grateful.

[@lovernchristopher]

Wondering when the YES welder version will be available?

[@PranaTech]

It’s been out for a few years now. Here is my review of it from a couple years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haq0fWBofdmega8 I think they might be coming out with a new version though because it is not listed on their site anymore. It can be had on Amazon still though. 😊👍

[@charlesirby9222]

I bought one several months ago...I like the machine but want that foot petal...how much $'s was it? (Got a link to the petal?) Again...what were the specifications to the linear potientiometer? Connections...do you have that also? I appreciate your response. thanks...charlie

[@PranaTech]

Hi Charles! The Pedal is $60 extra when you buy it with the machine. I can’t find any listing on their site for the pedal separately. 🤔 You could email them and I’m sure they will help you in securing a pedal. If you would like the wiring diagram for the plug on the pedal, just email me at [e-mail] and I will send you the diagram. 😊👍

[@arccaptain-weld]

Our official website has already launched the foot pedal! Thank you for your support.

[@PranaTech]

Great job guys!👍😊

[@arccaptain-weld]

@@charlesirby9222 Please tell me who you have communicated with before.

[@charlesirby9222]

@@arccaptain-weld It was AMY...I just sent you all 6 emails in the above reply. Are you a computer or a live person?

[@danielalemayehu4005]

I brought one week ago this machine can i weld with aluminum electrod with machine?

[@PranaTech]

Hello, you can definitely weld aluminum with this machine set to AC with Tig method. 👍😊

[@Hamid-az]

Hi dear friend. Goog welding machine. Beautiful welding and professional welder😊❤

[@PranaTech]

Thank you!🙏❤️

[@arccaptain-weld]

Thank you for your praise!

[@Hamid-az]

@@arccaptain-weld anytime

[@johngotschall]

oh, and is it adjustable freq? 20 to 259hz or something like that?

[@PranaTech]

Hi John, yes it is adjustable from 20-250hz 😊👍

[@pureexpanse]

Great presentation👍

[@PranaTech]

Thanks!🙏 😊

[@bellagio88]

what are the dimensions of the welder ?

[@PranaTech]

It is pretty compact and weighs in at just under 27 pounds. The case is about 20” long by 14” tall with the handle. It is about 8.5” across the display. A lot of welder in such a compact case. 😊👍

[@kcorad1]

Hynade vs Arccaptain? Which is the best?

[@PranaTech]

They are both great machines! But….. if I had to pick the best of the two, it would be the ArcCaptain. The torch is American style and will be easy to replace due to having common connections. The high frequency start is one of the best out there, very stable and clean. Very simple interface that is quick to learn. Hope this helps. 😊👍Don

[@flamingo5898]

Great review. Thank you.

[@PranaTech]

Thank you!😊👍

[@adrien05600]

bonjour je n arrive pas a faire marcher le variateur potentiomètre sur la torche tig si vous avait la manipulation a me transmettre merci

[@SurangaSampath-p6p]

Sir.i dont know how to enter deta for aluminum welding .i dont know english .,can you give me the deta.the number of electric le units to be given to the applicable thing.i hope for you r kind help without any misunderstanding thank you!

[@PranaTech]

Hello my friend! I will try to get you the information to get you started. For 2mm aluminum- 95 amps, 3mm- 130 amps, 4mm- 155 amps, 5mm- 180 amps, 6mm- 200 amps. I hope this helps you my friend. Please let me know what language you speak and I will try to translate more information for you. 😊🙏

[@SurangaSampath-p6p]

@@PranaTech thank you very much for your support im sri lanka

[@PranaTech]

ආයුබෝවන් මාගේ යාළුවා. මගේ පළමු ප්‍රතිචාරයේදී මා එවූ තොරතුරු ඔබට භාවිත කිරීමට හැකි වූවාද? මිලිමීටරවල ඇලුමිනියම් ඝණකම සම්බන්ධයෙන් ඔබේ පෑස්සුම්කරු සඳහා සංඛ්යා ඇම්පියර් සිටුවම් විය. ඔබට මෙම පණිවිඩය තේරුම් ගත හැකි නම් හෝ මට එය දෙමළ භාෂාවෙන් යැවීමට අවශ්‍ය නම් මට දන්වන්න. 😊

[@SurangaSampath-p6p]

Aiwos

[@SurangaSampath-p6p]

I understood your massege very well .thank you very much .i hope you can show it.can you get it through wtts up.the size of aluminum tungton also affects the welding

[@micmike]

Thanks apprciate the review...

[@PranaTech]

Thanks Mike! 😊

[@sergiu23patronu]

Y ordering the same welding machine from the web site 8 days ago and y have not received any tracking numbers and they say my order number is not finding....😢

[@PranaTech]

Has your card been charged? If it has, I would call your credit card company and stop payment on it if they have no record of your order.👍

[@sergiu23patronu]

@@PranaTech yap that is what I am going to do next.

[@Paul-g7n2i]

Can it use a spool gun with this welder?

[@PranaTech]

No, it is strictly a Tig welder or stick welder. They do have a Mig welder that can use a spool gun. Here is a link to my review of that welder.kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYqcoKWaar2mpsUsi=UUlY0uYsbKkrmDJI

[@Peter-bv3wo]

Hi Don.... I have a project in mind, and your skills would be perfect, how do I contact you...?? Thanks, Peter

[@PranaTech]

Hi Peter. You can email me at [e-mail] 😊👍

[@johngotschall]

how does one procure in warranty repair service?

[@PranaTech]

Hi John, the first step is to contact them at [e-mail] Tell them what problem you are having and they will take care of you. I hope this helps.😊👍

[@danielebreda8704]

Ciao sono sempre io Daniele Breda sei veramente professionale anche questa saldatrice tig e veramente buona spero che tu mi dia un consiglio a me serve per saldare aluminio su cater motori tipo moto o su cilindri sempre aluminio di moto latro saldatrice a 250 amper mi sembra più adato grazie

[@stanleykachuik2589]

Ill say what everyone else is thinking 😅. Only one knob controlling the digital interface. That being said, it sucks when the menu returns to the start after 3 seconds. Im probably still looking down at my cheat notes.

[@PranaTech]

🤣👍

[@kevinaddley38]

I wish you would have went over how to set this machine to weld aluminum and what settings do what. I cannot seem to get this machine to weld aluminum at alll!

[@PranaTech]

Good morning Kevin! Here are some settings to get you started. For 1/8” thick aluminum set that amps at 150 for flat joints like joining two plates together. Set the frequency at 60hz. Set the AC balance at 30. AC balance is your cleaning action. Make sure your aluminum is spotless clean before welding. Clean it with acetone or at least alcohol to remove all residue. Then wire brush the surface with a stainless brush to make sure there is no surface oxidation. Try to maintain your tungsten distance to the workpiece at about 1/8”-3/16” and feed your rod in from the side at the leading edge of the puddle. Also make sure you have the machine set to AC for aluminum. The torch needs to be plugged in to the far left and the ground to the far right receptacles. Set your argon gas flow at about 15-18. This should get you started. If you have any specific questions, I’m happy to help my friend. Just let me know what is happening and I will try and troubleshoot the problem. If you can take pictures and email them to me at [e-mail] I will have a better chance at diagnosing what is going on. Hope this helps.😊👍Don

[@jamesbanjomanjohnson]

i just bought one of these bran-new 2 weeks ago, the cord that came with the foot pedal has one wrong end on it, iv tried for 2 weeks to get hold of arccaptain with no results, sent a dozen e-mails with no answer at all, iv got a bran-new welder sitting here and can not use it, apparently they have no service after the sale or they have gone out of bussiness, you can bet your sweet ass one thing il never buy anything else with there name on it ever again, i just spent 700 dollars on some chineese junk...

[@PranaTech]

Hi James, sorry to hear about the issue with your new Tig. Here is the email address that they communicate with me with. [e-mail] Let me know whether they take care of you or not. I can assure you that this is not a junk welder and you certainly did not waste your money. Rest assured that I have no affiliation with this company in any way and if they do not take care of their customers, I certainly will not recommend their products. Also know that I am here to help my brother. If they don’t take care of you, I will wire up your pedal with the correct plug so you will have a functional welder. 😊👍

[@nikodeboer3979]

same experience here, they don't answer questions. (I asked several times where I could purchase spare-parts)

[@jamesbanjomanjohnson]

@@nikodeboer3979 after about 5 weeks i had a man contact me from somerset ky, he finally got them to send me the right cord for the foot pedal, i was just about to blow a gasket i was so pissed, im not impressed with anything on the machine or the company, next time i will buy something else with a different name on it...

[@minpyaezaw8999]

nice 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@PranaTech]

Thank you!🙏😊

[@dankrzeminski6370]

It’s really a 160 amp welder. Put an amp clamp on it running 200 amp and you will see.

[@PranaTech]

Hi Dan, thank you for the information! I have been Tig welding aluminum for more than 35 years and I can tell you that I see people posting things like this all the time and I’ve never put an amp meter on any welder I’ve ever owned. What I can tell you is that if you really want to know if it is a 200 amp Tig, try and weld 1/4” aluminum plate. A 200 amp Tig will just barely weld 1/4” aluminum plate without preheating. This welder welds 1/4” plate extremely well. I had a brand new 175 amp Lincoln square wave that could never weld 1/4” without preheating. This was a transformer machine and so it was fixed at 60HZ for the frequency. I had a 200 amp Alpha Tig and it was rated for 200 amps and could never weld 1/4” aluminum. These inverter Tig welders must work differently because they weld 1/4” with no problem at all. Anyway, just my experience from welding with many different Tig machines over the years. Cheers!😁👍Don

[@johnverkler3962]

Thank you for NOT showing how to unbox this.

[@PranaTech]

Ha!!! You are welcome! 🤣👍