Arccaptain - Best Cheap Flux Core Welder, Or Disappointment? (Re-Upload)

[@bigtb1717]

And, it's back, lol. I corrected a mistake in this video and re-uploaded it. Sorry to all who commented on the last one. Since I said it in the last one, I'll say it again here. I think these welders show some promise, but I'm sick of the false claims and I don't think we should accept the excuse of "well, it's cheap," or that it's just common practice and you just have to expect it with these machines. I wish one of these companies would make a statement like "We are a small company, it's not financially viable to submit our products for UL or CSA inspection and testing. But we work hard to ensure our products are designed to be safe and reliable and we stand behind our products after the sale to ensure customer satisfaction. As for features and specs, our products aren't going to stand toe-to-toe with $3,000 machines, but we feel they offer excellent performance per dollar and represent a great value for consumers." Then stand behind those words, rate the machines accurately and market them honestly. I would be singing their praises.

[@weldphd]

Preach!

[@morenothing4u]

Back in the old days like the 90s and early 2000s when Hong Kong was still autonomous. You could find all these cheap electronics making all sorts of claim trying to imitate stuff from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, etc. These guys have zero shame on their fake claims. It is like this in China anywhere they can target tourists, aka suckers. Amazon just widen their reach lol.

[@stevelangworthy9553]

Thank you...this is the honest review I've been looking for. The false UL claims is very concerning.

[@bullpuptexas8729]

Awesome review! We need more honest reviewers like you!!

[@joeshomeshop]

Another honest eval. Especially appreciate you highlighting the bogus UL and other institute claims.

[@jps99]

Great review, I was looking for one that looked inside the case to get an idea of the quality of the build, so thanks! Looks like they did take some care.

[@EricTMillerFL]

Next buzz box video, test the difference between running 6010 & 6011. I’d be willing to bet that the 160 would have a similar step down in output parallel to the 200. Would definitely be interesting to find out. Thanks for your work and information!

[@brucesaxton3625]

Thanks!

[@bigtb1717]

Thanks!

[@lossfound]

Headed to the tattoo parlor to get “Be cheap and be truthful” on my left bicep.

[@bar-zn8lk]

Thanks for the update, another great video as usual.

[@donsurlylyte]

I got a mig 130. i like it. works really well for flux core. the synergic thing works great. max output has been irrelevant.

[@yangthao4612]

Finally an honest proper review

[@WV591]

The only honest channel on you tube....Like to see ARCCAPTAIN Mig200 and Mig 250 Multi Process Welders tested. they shure give away so many on youtube and nobody is testing output as usual. I have a feeling current is nowhere near what they claim. giving away freebees just to get dishonest positive reviews should be illigal and companies should be made to pay large fine or be honest with specs.

[@bigtb1717]

I don't know about the only honest channel, but I appreciate the kind words. I can't say I'll always get everything exactly right, but I'll certainly always be open and honest in all my reviews. Anything else would be a pointless disservice. Cheers!

[@WV591]

@@bigtb1717 So far I've counted over 20 welding channels that received a free Arc captain mig200 and other channels that got different welders. More power to them !!!. but it's disconcerting that nobody is actually measuring the outputs and they all claim unbiased and honest review. I am not a pro welder and only own two inexpensive welders to repair things around the house and car but the first think I did when I bought them was to measure the output and realize that buyers are being ripped off. as you said yourself, if you want to make it cheap, at least be honest about it. I think the sellers are getting a free pass and encouragement to continue being dishonest. The same people doing these reviews would not put up with this kind of blatant dishonesty if they paid for a car of some other expensive item and find out they been ripped off.

[@WV591]

@@bigtb1717 at least you test the output rating. no other channel with their freebees does that.

[@WV591]

@@bigtb1717 I'm getting the captain Mig200 Tomorrow. Bought it on Amazon.(no FreeBie) and the first thing I'm going to do is measure the output current to see if it's true to specs and upload a video.I just did one on FEMEROL MIG 250 just using Fluxcore and on 220v

[@jimbond670]

Awesome video. Love honesty.

[@ia6980]

I got ARC200 and I get inconsistent results at same amps using same rods. One weld came out to to be okay, next weld came out horrible, like a bird poop, even though I was doing same technique as with previous weld, so I can't figure it out whether voltage is inconsistent or something else. Mine was modified to use 220v with 50 amp breaker because 20 amp kept tripping.

[@bigtb1717]

It definitely sounds like you are getting inconsistent output. Have you contacted Arccaptain to see if they would help? It would be interesting to find out if they are willing/able to help.

[@shrekie50]

Thank You for your honesty.

[@brucesaxton3625]

Really helpful , You rock!

[@agentcovert]

Great video tutorial as usual..How about trying out something great like Lotos welders or the possible 50/50 depending on model Vevor welders..that really would be interesting as Vevor is always a mixture of good and bad depending on actual item and model etc..they have there own website as well as being on several different usual platforms..

[@shaqf0015]

I really enjoy your reviews & find them very useful. Would you be willing to do a best low budget stick/flux core video. Thanks for the superb content.

[@TEDodd]

I noticed the manual for the MIG 130 lists 3 variants, a 110, a 220, and a 110/220 but all have a NEMA 5-15 plug. Makes me wonder how hard it would be to run the "110V" version at 220 like similar inverter ARC welders do or even their MIG200. Did you happen to test the MIG130 with the 220V dongle from the ARC160/200? I'd certainly rather run at 220 with a replacement power cord (like I do my cheap ARC welder).

[@bigtb1717]

I'm guessing there are internal differences. I have tested a 120V welder that was also sold as dual voltage machine on 240V. It blew up instantly, lol.

[@bigtb1717]

Granted, I know there are differences in dual voltage vs. single voltage machines. But with a lot of these "generic" machines, it's sometimes difficult to tell. I figured there were internal differences and suspected it would fail, but I wanted to test it. I also tested a couple machines that were sold as 240V only machines on 120V, and they didn't fail, but they didn't operate either.

[@TEDodd]

@@bigtb1717 well crud. I'll send them a message and see what they say. Or maybe how to acquire the 110/220 or 220 version. Then again it's Amazon so If I blow it up claim DOA and get a replacement?

[@TEDodd]

​@@bigtb1717 Guess I'd need to look at the setup closer as well. The one I've messed with did claim dual voltage. But it just feeds a rectifier that then goes to the switching power supply. No switches or anything to set the voltage. But this would be a MIG machine and I don't know how the wire feed is powered. It'd make sense to use a separate transformer and rectifier with a DC motor.

[@MyJp1983]

The Titanium Flux 125 sold like gangbusters until the price got a bit lofty, I don't know if this was a loss leader strategy, or if sales gave HF a bit of a big head. Moral of the story: inexpensive little welder that (to my knowledge) never made exaggerated claims sold like crazy.

[@stevencbradley]

And still does. I suspect HF's problem is cost. I saw the Titanium 125 just recently for about $170. Their cheapest (Flux 125) still has a following, and despite its issues, has a great number of positive reviews, though hated by pro's that think you must spend $2,000 to get a good weld.

[@MyJp1983]

@@stevencbradley I have no use for the 125, but when I saw all the hoopla for $130ish (at that time) I nearly bought one just because of the value. I ended up buying a titanium 140&170 as gifts to get friends into the hobby. They are a bit rough around the edges, but weld old scrap metal nicely, and hopefully got two guys out into their garages more. So far I have purchased a vulcan 215, and the two titaniums. They weld as well as my old miller, the difference is my machine will be around for another 30 years, the inverters will undoubtedly not. Funny thing is that they all look the same through a number 11 shade

[@stevencbradley]

@@MyJp1983 agreed about the Miller (insert US made transformer welder here). Miller inverters are pretty good. I have one. However, for longevity, nothing beats the old transformer welders. The best thing about the new crop of inverters is that they actually do ok on 110v, and they weigh nearly nothing compared to a transformer welder.

[@crash331]

Question for a newb looking to get into welding for DIY and piddling around the garage. How are you able to draw 40amps from the wall on 120v? Aren't most home circuits 15-20amps at the breaker? Would I be wasting money trying to run the MIG130 on my garage circuit with a 15A breaker?

[@bigtb1717]

@@crash331 A breaker will allow a brief over current without tripping. The higher above the rating, the quicker it will trip. My breaker is 20 amp. A 15 will trip more quickly. It's tough to say exactly how easily your breaker will trip. I don't know that it would be a waste of money, but you may not be able to run it maxed out for very long before the breaker trips. Breakers will have an "instant" trip point as well. If you hit that, it will trip immediately. So a 15 amp breaker will trip eventually if more than 15 amps is flowing through it, and more quickly the more overloaded it is. But if the current hits the instant trip level, it will trip immediately, with no delay. A 15 amp breaker will have a lower instant trip point than a 20 amp. Without knowing the breaker specs, I can't say how easily it will trip. I know some people do run welders off of 15 amp circuits, so it can work, but it may trip on you if you run the welder maxed out

[@stevencbradley]

Thanks a bunch for all these videos. I know you spend a lot of time, money and effort putting these together. It's especially nice to watch videos that don't unnecessarily trash cheaper machines, but do point out issues. One question: are you planning to make a "best of the cheapest, or is there just too much change happening to make that worthwhile? The constant change of companies offering "cheap" is a bit offputting, to say the least, since the machines pretty much look the same and have similar components. It's almost as if there's really just one company with multiple PO boxes...

[@bigtb1717]

I wouldn't mind making a video like that, but I don't always keep the welders because I don't have the space. Some I sell cheap and some I've given away. I could use clips from the original videos and just give my thoughts, so it's not out of the question. But as you say, they also change a lot. Arccaptain is relatively new, Yeswelder has a host of new models that just came out, etc. But there are a few that have stuck around. I'll keep it in mind as an idea. It definitely seems like a lot of these "companies" are just a guy in his apartment in China who found a factory willing to make a batch of cheap welders for them, came up with a company name, a company back-story and started putting the welders on Amazon. Which is fine, but like you said, it seems like what is available changes constantly.

[@DONdayce]

Have you used the Yeswelder Flux 135? You should compare it the Arccaptain Mig 130 and Titanium Easy Flux 125.

[@bigtb1717]

I haven't used that Yeswelder machine. Maybe I'll give it a shot at some point. Cheers.

[@DONdayce]

It's on sale for $100 on Amazon, so definetly worth checking out.

[@bojack2740]

Thanks man. I had my suspicions about arccaptain since I've seen lots of "reputable" you tubers promoting it. Very disappointed on the you tubers that are promoting these without a grain of honesty.

[@bigtb1717]

While I do wish more people would hold companies' feet to the fire in terms of false claims, I think a lot of reviewers approach it from more of an angle of simply pointing out that they work well enough for the money. And that's not technically wrong. I just like to point out where they do fall short so people know what to expect.

[@jamieh4133]

Could you test a titanium stick 225 next? I’ve heard good things and you give the most inclusive welder reviews around so I figured I’d ask.

[@bigtb1717]

It's on my list. I'll have to see if any of the Harbor Freight stores within reasonable distance have one in stock.

[@whatfreedom7]

What about firepower are they decent for a cheaper welder?

[@bigtb1717]

I've been considering getting one to try out. While it's not the best warranty out there, they do have a three year warranty (parts only on some models, parts and labor on others, with some components covered for five years). I believe they are owned by ESAB. I think there's a strong chance they are a good value machine.

[@whatfreedom7]

@@bigtb1717 they are owned by Esab. It seems like a decent welder however after looking around more it seems like more of a home use where the Esab is more pro or commercial use. I’m just saying that based on the duty cycles.

[@factsforlife0O0]

It does have anti stick and hot start

[@Hustler_state]

So this or comparable 130 yeswelder

[@bigtb1717]

These machines are similar to some of the newer Yeswelder machines, and better than some of the older Yeswelder machines.

[@Hustler_state]

@@bigtb1717 I'm a hobbiest and he looked at the harbor freight welders, this welder, and the yeswelder. I like the idea of being able to fine tune, but then again if the machine can fine tune itself down to even like 20g sheet metal spot type welds this may be a better option. I like harbor freight has the auto spool button inside the box, this does not, no clue if yesweld has it, and I don't know between yes and arc whom has the better build quality. Just need a decent cheap welder to replace some sheet metal in a couple project vehicles primarily at this time. Trying to figure out what would the best option be for that type of task essentially

[@dusanmilojevic3017]

They are Jasic hobby welders.

[@alailsonnascimento4395]

Qual é o Email que eu posso comprar essa máquina de solda?

[@bojack2740]

Amazon

[@danielflroes4126]

sounds like eric the car guy. hes a good guy

[@jakeschisler7525]

The cord is scary looking.

[@felixpsalande3491]

👍

[@Hustler_state]

Or thisnor comparable harbor freight

[@bigtb1717]

I would say the Harbor Freight Titanium line of welders (at least, the ones I've tested) are better than Arccaptain.

[@WalterBarger-io9ck]

For instance the Arccaptain mig 200 6 in 1 how are you going to get 200 amps👈 when Arccaptain they only Supply you a whip that is 180 amps rated👈 .if you want to get 200 amps👈 plus👈 out of you Arccaptain MIG 200 6 IN 1 👈👉YUU HAVE TO GET A WHIP👈👉 THAT IS 200 AMPS👈 OR👉 👉HIGHER 250 AMP Rated WHIP 👈THEN TEST IT 👈LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND👈 OUT👈 😎❤🙏🇱🇷✌👊

[@tsl7881]

There are Yes welder fan boys, HF fan boys, Arc Captainfan boys ect. Doesn't seem to mater they're being lied too.. they are true believers. Some are seeing through the bs and seing some value that it can do what they need, others don't believe you because so many on youtube say they are great and they believe the bs instead.

[@tsl7881]

ADDED. You could been one of the dozens that got the free welder.. These youtube content creators all say the MIg 130 is great!

[@bigtb1717]

I'm not sure if you are suggesting I got the welder for free or not. Arccaptain (and others) have offered me free stuff to review. I always turn it down.

[@jimmytate7587]

no way 120 volt welders can produce 200 amps. just not possible.

[@jondor654]

bigtb1717. Your direct honesty makes for a good review